Home again

After 6 days in the hospital, Mom returned home, feeling much better. She was diagnosed with pneumonia, but is on antibiotics & various breathing exercises to keep it under control. We are thankful that she is feeling so much better. We were in Chicago for two days last week, and though we did not see her, we were glad to know that she was feeling better.

Speaking of Chicago, we had a great time. Tim was there for business, so we met up with him at the hotel & played in the pool. Much fun! The boys are just a blast in the water. Jeremiah is a regular fish the way he swims (with his swimmy things). Logan is not quite as comfortable with the pool yet, but he likes splashing from the sidelines. We had a great winter get-a-way.

Mom

A few ups and a few downs the past couple days:
Mom's counts went up enough that she was able to return home on Friday. We were ecstatic, she was tired. By Friday night, she was not just tired, but was running a fever and experiencing an elevated heart rate. Late that evening, she went back into the hospital where she is now. We trust that she is exactly where she needs to be, that she is in good hands with the doctors. Apparently, these types of 'downturns' will be common until 100 days after her transplant (she is at 16 now). The road continues... But we remain hopeful, trusting that our God is in control.

Friends

Here (if I figure this website out) are some pictures of Jeremiah and Logan along with friends Owen and Eva Jeltema --Matt and Ellen's cute kids for those who are wondering. They are best of friends.


The third picture includes a massive pile of toys. Owen and Jeremiah took it upon themselves to build a fence to keep the younger kids out of one area of the nursery. Ellen & I thought it looked as complex as the Great Wall of China--we are glad no one was buried alive during the build. Note the circle hole at the bottom of the green play 'thing'... It is a rabbit hole: which the younger kids used to get through the fence. Great fun!

Ultrasound

We had our ultrasound last week. Jeremiah, as proud big brother, sat in on the whole 'procedure'. He said he could see the baby. We made it through the ultrasound without asking the taboo question: Is it a boy or a girl? Let me tell you, I had to bite my tongue! Baby number three's gender remains a secret--despite Uncle Jason's confidence in our 'ability' to produce a child with male anatomy. ;-)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Mom's counts went up to 5.9! In the transplant process, you are eligible to go home once the white blood cell count has gone up to 5. Her counts were as low as .9 for a while. So, the doctors have told her she can go home tomorrow! We of course have to wait and see if anything changes this, but this is great news regardless! This past weekend was really difficult on her physically, having gotten two different infections and feeling quite sick. So we are so thankful! And grateful to you all for your prayers!

A wonderful Visit...

Well, here we are in Chicago, at the University of Chicago Hospital. We are having a wonderful visit with Mom. She looks great, and as an answer to our prayers, the Dr.'s have been surprised / impressed that her side-effects are low. She has one sore on her mouth from the chemo, and has been tired. But hey, we will take that! Things could be SO much more difficult on her. We are thankful. It is such a blessing for Tim and I to be here with Mom & Dad. Her counts are still very low, but they hope this will change soon. And, hopefully then she will return home sooner than planned.
Well, as always, continue to pray: for her counts to go up, that her spirit remains up-beat.

Psalm 5

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD,
consider my sighing.

2 Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.

3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.

4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;
with you the wicked cannot dwell.

5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.

6 You destroy those who tell lies;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
the LORD abhors.

7 But I, by your great mercy,
will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down
toward your holy temple.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make straight your way before me.

9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with destruction.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongue they speak deceit.

10 Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Lord God, how good it is to rest in your protection.

Big Day for Mom

Today the Dr.'s returned Mom's stem cells into her body. This is a huge step, one we have been waiting for a long time. We met this day with some trepidation, and yet a good deal of excitement, for this is what the whole process is about. Now we wait to see how her body responds. The upcoming week is critical - CRITICAL. Pray that her body stays free of infection, and that it receives the cells well. This week is also supposed to be one that leaves her feeling the worst yet. So pray that side effects to the chemo and transplant will be minimal & that she remains hopeful. Once again, feel free to visit her Caring Bridge website to see daily updates and such.