Hi -
I had the website address wrong - it is www.reecesrainbow.com.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Jesus Has Our Backs
Happy 2010!
Starting at Thanksgiving and ending today is the busiest time of the year for our family. We travel to visit our families in Iowa for the holidays and then Luke and Abigail celebrate their birthdays on January 7th (Luke) and January (13th). This year was a little busier than usual because, for the first time since last May, our family got sick - about 5 days before Christmas. Marie and Abigail are still sick with coughs and diarrhea. You know, for some people this might be discouraging (and it is a little - it has been 4 weeks), but for the most part I am just thankful for nearly seven months of good health. We never got a sniffle - Jonathan never got a sniffle - for seven months. That is HUGE in a home with four children under age eight.
Marie is asleep on the sofa right now so I wanted to write about how God has been moving in our lives lately.
On the same fifth day before Christmas that Luke brought sickness home from school, Jonathan's oncology blood tests came back with some scary results. The test showed that his red blood cells are enlarged - this condition is known as myelodsysplasia, a rare form of leukemia. (Jonathan has a 65% chance that he will develop leukemia before he reaches age five - hence the frequent blood checks.) I have always known this risk, but until the red blood cell flag waved in front of me I believed with my whole heart that it would never happen to my sweet fella. I was devastated and scared - pretty much senseless. I have a pretty good imagination so my fears were getting the best of me. I researched insanely on the computer and am very confident in my knowledge regarding myelodysplasia - it is not something you want to be diagnosed with. By the time Christmas was over and we were home I was preparing for the worst, i.e. months of chemotherapy.
Throughout this "vacation", all three of the older lovelies were sick. Jonathan had a mild cough, but never got "sick." I was convinced we had H1N1 - Jonathan was the only one who was vaccinated for H1N1. Nope. On the first day the older three went back to school, Jonathan got diarrhea and a bigger cough. By Thursday, January 7th he was in the hospital with pneumonia. The hospitalization, while depressing and, well, exhausting, was an answer to my pleading Christmas prayers to God. While Jonathan was in the hospital the oncology team became involved and after I cross-examined them (and displayed my vast knowledge of myelodysplasia - my law degree is turning out to be very helpful lately) they agreed to have a hemotologist perform a smear cell analysis of his blood cells. After the analysis the oncologist called back and said that it was the hemotologist's opinion that children with Down Syndrome do not have red blood cells within the normal range until after the first year of life. He opined that Jonathan's red blood cells were not problematic and observed that while they are large, they have gone down in size each month since his birth. Amen. Thank-you Jesus. Why do I think this was an answer to prayer? If Jonathan had not been hospitalized it could have been months before the hemotologist became involved during which time I would have festered and worried needlessly.
Anyway, I am thankful and I am not going to take his health for granted anymore. I'm praying for his cancer-free babyhood, toodlerhood and preschool years - and this is not easy to pray for so please help me.
He is doing great by the way. He sits and plays with toys. He eats crackers by himself. Oh - another answer to prayer - today while I was trying to clear the table I saw him playing with a wet paper towel. I took it away - but I didn't check his mouth - he is my fourth child, I just don't get alarmed that easy. Anyway, I took him upstairs to change his diaper and he started to gag. I sat him up and out came a quarter-sized glob of paper towel. After my mind stopped flying through all the doomsday scenarios that could have occurred, I thought again about how Jesus has had my fellas back since the day he was conceived in my body - from life's little paper towel mishaps to full-blown leukemia. God must have a very special plan for my fella. I can't wait to see what it is.
Okay - one more answer to prayer. This one is for the older three lovelies. For the past month or two Abigail and Marie have been noticing the special things about Jonathan's appearance - mainly that his tongue is dangling out of his mouth a lot. I have told them that God gave Jonathan an extra-large tongue - a common happening in children with Down Syndrome. I told them as he gets older it will be easier for him to keep it in - especially with the older three's "encouragement." It got me thinking though that it was time to share more information about Down Syndrome with them. I have been pretty cautious because I don't want them to worry or be afraid. They love Jonathan more than I can possibly express - and I can express. The minute they get in the van after school the conversation goes somthing like this: "I claim Jonathan first! No, I get to hold him first! Mama who gets him first?" So, I looked in the hospital library for a book to share with the older three kids, but nothing seemed quite right.
My kids and I really like American Idol. It is the only show we watch as a family - we blip-out the commercials. For the most part, it is a "clean" show. You may disagree, but it is our winter thing and we love to snuggle up and cheer for our favorite singer. The season premiere was last night. In case you aren't familiar with the format of the show, the season begins with thousands of would-be idols auditioning across the country. To keep things interesting, the shows producers highlight a few of the contestants' personal journeys to the Idol audition. (Think: cancer survivor, homeless teen, etc.). Ten minutes into the show they start a segment on a sixteen year old girl from a family of nine siblings. Next shot - she is playing with her nine-year-old brother -who has Down Syndrome. She goes on to share how much she loves her brother and then her parents come on. They adopted two other boys with Down Syndrome after her first brother was born and the camera zooms in on the boys playing and running down the street. My kids are GLUED to the screen and shouting out about Down Syndrome. I am crying, but they don't notice. Craig is sitting on the floor - likely wondering how this is all going to turn out. The segment ended and the sister sang a lovely Christian hymn - I had never heard it before - she made the cut with the judges and is "going to Hollywood." Craig and I sat in silence and the kids said nothing.
This morning after Abigail and Luke left for school I asked Marie what she thought of the boys with Down Syndrome on American Idol last night. She said, "I thought it was nice they adopted that brother with Down Syndrome. He needed a friend. No one wants to be alone." (See www.reece'srainbow.com) I asked her if she could tell the boys had Down Syndrome. She said she could because they had glasses. Well, that is an over broad net, but tongues and glasses are on her five-year-old radar right now. Anyway, God heard my cry. And he answered my cry in a way my family would hear, in a forum that would get their attention and give them just what they needed to see and hear. Isn't that absolutely amazing. I can't get over it. He is ALWAYS faithful. Amen.
Hope you are all cozy and warm. Happy New Year!
Love,
Jill
Starting at Thanksgiving and ending today is the busiest time of the year for our family. We travel to visit our families in Iowa for the holidays and then Luke and Abigail celebrate their birthdays on January 7th (Luke) and January (13th). This year was a little busier than usual because, for the first time since last May, our family got sick - about 5 days before Christmas. Marie and Abigail are still sick with coughs and diarrhea. You know, for some people this might be discouraging (and it is a little - it has been 4 weeks), but for the most part I am just thankful for nearly seven months of good health. We never got a sniffle - Jonathan never got a sniffle - for seven months. That is HUGE in a home with four children under age eight.
Marie is asleep on the sofa right now so I wanted to write about how God has been moving in our lives lately.
On the same fifth day before Christmas that Luke brought sickness home from school, Jonathan's oncology blood tests came back with some scary results. The test showed that his red blood cells are enlarged - this condition is known as myelodsysplasia, a rare form of leukemia. (Jonathan has a 65% chance that he will develop leukemia before he reaches age five - hence the frequent blood checks.) I have always known this risk, but until the red blood cell flag waved in front of me I believed with my whole heart that it would never happen to my sweet fella. I was devastated and scared - pretty much senseless. I have a pretty good imagination so my fears were getting the best of me. I researched insanely on the computer and am very confident in my knowledge regarding myelodysplasia - it is not something you want to be diagnosed with. By the time Christmas was over and we were home I was preparing for the worst, i.e. months of chemotherapy.
Throughout this "vacation", all three of the older lovelies were sick. Jonathan had a mild cough, but never got "sick." I was convinced we had H1N1 - Jonathan was the only one who was vaccinated for H1N1. Nope. On the first day the older three went back to school, Jonathan got diarrhea and a bigger cough. By Thursday, January 7th he was in the hospital with pneumonia. The hospitalization, while depressing and, well, exhausting, was an answer to my pleading Christmas prayers to God. While Jonathan was in the hospital the oncology team became involved and after I cross-examined them (and displayed my vast knowledge of myelodysplasia - my law degree is turning out to be very helpful lately) they agreed to have a hemotologist perform a smear cell analysis of his blood cells. After the analysis the oncologist called back and said that it was the hemotologist's opinion that children with Down Syndrome do not have red blood cells within the normal range until after the first year of life. He opined that Jonathan's red blood cells were not problematic and observed that while they are large, they have gone down in size each month since his birth. Amen. Thank-you Jesus. Why do I think this was an answer to prayer? If Jonathan had not been hospitalized it could have been months before the hemotologist became involved during which time I would have festered and worried needlessly.
Anyway, I am thankful and I am not going to take his health for granted anymore. I'm praying for his cancer-free babyhood, toodlerhood and preschool years - and this is not easy to pray for so please help me.
He is doing great by the way. He sits and plays with toys. He eats crackers by himself. Oh - another answer to prayer - today while I was trying to clear the table I saw him playing with a wet paper towel. I took it away - but I didn't check his mouth - he is my fourth child, I just don't get alarmed that easy. Anyway, I took him upstairs to change his diaper and he started to gag. I sat him up and out came a quarter-sized glob of paper towel. After my mind stopped flying through all the doomsday scenarios that could have occurred, I thought again about how Jesus has had my fellas back since the day he was conceived in my body - from life's little paper towel mishaps to full-blown leukemia. God must have a very special plan for my fella. I can't wait to see what it is.
Okay - one more answer to prayer. This one is for the older three lovelies. For the past month or two Abigail and Marie have been noticing the special things about Jonathan's appearance - mainly that his tongue is dangling out of his mouth a lot. I have told them that God gave Jonathan an extra-large tongue - a common happening in children with Down Syndrome. I told them as he gets older it will be easier for him to keep it in - especially with the older three's "encouragement." It got me thinking though that it was time to share more information about Down Syndrome with them. I have been pretty cautious because I don't want them to worry or be afraid. They love Jonathan more than I can possibly express - and I can express. The minute they get in the van after school the conversation goes somthing like this: "I claim Jonathan first! No, I get to hold him first! Mama who gets him first?" So, I looked in the hospital library for a book to share with the older three kids, but nothing seemed quite right.
My kids and I really like American Idol. It is the only show we watch as a family - we blip-out the commercials. For the most part, it is a "clean" show. You may disagree, but it is our winter thing and we love to snuggle up and cheer for our favorite singer. The season premiere was last night. In case you aren't familiar with the format of the show, the season begins with thousands of would-be idols auditioning across the country. To keep things interesting, the shows producers highlight a few of the contestants' personal journeys to the Idol audition. (Think: cancer survivor, homeless teen, etc.). Ten minutes into the show they start a segment on a sixteen year old girl from a family of nine siblings. Next shot - she is playing with her nine-year-old brother -who has Down Syndrome. She goes on to share how much she loves her brother and then her parents come on. They adopted two other boys with Down Syndrome after her first brother was born and the camera zooms in on the boys playing and running down the street. My kids are GLUED to the screen and shouting out about Down Syndrome. I am crying, but they don't notice. Craig is sitting on the floor - likely wondering how this is all going to turn out. The segment ended and the sister sang a lovely Christian hymn - I had never heard it before - she made the cut with the judges and is "going to Hollywood." Craig and I sat in silence and the kids said nothing.
This morning after Abigail and Luke left for school I asked Marie what she thought of the boys with Down Syndrome on American Idol last night. She said, "I thought it was nice they adopted that brother with Down Syndrome. He needed a friend. No one wants to be alone." (See www.reece'srainbow.com) I asked her if she could tell the boys had Down Syndrome. She said she could because they had glasses. Well, that is an over broad net, but tongues and glasses are on her five-year-old radar right now. Anyway, God heard my cry. And he answered my cry in a way my family would hear, in a forum that would get their attention and give them just what they needed to see and hear. Isn't that absolutely amazing. I can't get over it. He is ALWAYS faithful. Amen.
Hope you are all cozy and warm. Happy New Year!
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A Thankful Heart
Happy Thanksgiving!
Well, it goes without saying that I have a tremendous amount to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Our precious Jonathan. He rolls, he eats Cheerios, he pushes off the floor, he babbles, and...he almost sits. And of course...he is healthy. I wanted to share a Thanksgiving sort-of psalm - God's words in this psalm have ministered to my heart:
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying a bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves. Psalm 126:5-6.
I am so thankful that God has restored my heart, and Craig's heart, with joy. If I had known of this promise when Jonathan was born and was so sick it may have lessened my pain. It has been 8 1/2 months since Jonathan was born and my life has come full circle and taken somewhat of new direction. I feel a peace I have never felt before and a contentment that is certainly new to my disposition. I think I have even learned to be more patient and less planning. I have learned what it really means to "wait on the Lord" - and on several occasions I have had the strength to suppress my own agenda and wait for His. For all these things I am grateful. But, I have a few more.
I am thankful for my husband of eighteen years this November 23rd, Craig. He is a rock. When I first met him I was struck by his quiet confidence, intelligence, handsome appearance, wit and security in the Lord. Through all we have been through this year he has been loving, supportive and encouraging. He is an incomparable husband and wonderful father.
I am thankful for Abigail's sweet nature and gentle spirit. She talks to me and tells me everything about her school day...everyday. While this is overwhelming at times, it is also a huge blessing and I treasure her trust.
I am thankful for my recent Amtrak trip to Chicago with Luke. We rode 17 hours on a train in two day to visit Chicago. Traveling with Luke was like traveling with a best friend - we played chess, played cards , watched movies, built Lego's and had a fabulous time. It is true that we ate horribly - especially considering we were in Chicago - but he is only six years old. Our 48 hours was absolutely priceless - I will never forget it.
I am thankful for Marie's cheerful disposition. She is just so happy...and she loves kindergarten...especially the making-new-friends part. She wants play dates all the time - usually with the same little girl, Sky, who I am trying not to overwhelm.
And Jonathan. Thank-you Jesus. Never, ever, never, ever, never, ever will I forget your faithfulness.
Jill
Well, it goes without saying that I have a tremendous amount to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Our precious Jonathan. He rolls, he eats Cheerios, he pushes off the floor, he babbles, and...he almost sits. And of course...he is healthy. I wanted to share a Thanksgiving sort-of psalm - God's words in this psalm have ministered to my heart:
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying a bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves. Psalm 126:5-6.
I am so thankful that God has restored my heart, and Craig's heart, with joy. If I had known of this promise when Jonathan was born and was so sick it may have lessened my pain. It has been 8 1/2 months since Jonathan was born and my life has come full circle and taken somewhat of new direction. I feel a peace I have never felt before and a contentment that is certainly new to my disposition. I think I have even learned to be more patient and less planning. I have learned what it really means to "wait on the Lord" - and on several occasions I have had the strength to suppress my own agenda and wait for His. For all these things I am grateful. But, I have a few more.
I am thankful for my husband of eighteen years this November 23rd, Craig. He is a rock. When I first met him I was struck by his quiet confidence, intelligence, handsome appearance, wit and security in the Lord. Through all we have been through this year he has been loving, supportive and encouraging. He is an incomparable husband and wonderful father.
I am thankful for Abigail's sweet nature and gentle spirit. She talks to me and tells me everything about her school day...everyday. While this is overwhelming at times, it is also a huge blessing and I treasure her trust.
I am thankful for my recent Amtrak trip to Chicago with Luke. We rode 17 hours on a train in two day to visit Chicago. Traveling with Luke was like traveling with a best friend - we played chess, played cards , watched movies, built Lego's and had a fabulous time. It is true that we ate horribly - especially considering we were in Chicago - but he is only six years old. Our 48 hours was absolutely priceless - I will never forget it.
I am thankful for Marie's cheerful disposition. She is just so happy...and she loves kindergarten...especially the making-new-friends part. She wants play dates all the time - usually with the same little girl, Sky, who I am trying not to overwhelm.
And Jonathan. Thank-you Jesus. Never, ever, never, ever, never, ever will I forget your faithfulness.
Jill
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Back to School - The Other Three Lovelies
Hi -
This has been a busy month at the Krummen household - I can't believe September is almost over. The big kids are in school and while that might reasonably suggest that I have more time...I am busier than ever. It occurred to me that while my blog is entitled "My Four Lovelies" the older three rarely get any press. Here are a few outtakes from their back-to-school adventure this past month:
Marie: My beautiful daughter started kindergarten this past month. She cried - a little - but is pretty excited about school. She has been going to this kindergarten classroom since Abigail was a kindergartner so she is very familiar with the surroundings. I asked her what she learned the other day and she said: "Mama, Mrs. Rollerson said the Bible can change your life...did you know that?" Why, yes, Marie I did. You know, you can learn your ABC's just about anywhere - but learning about the life-changing power of God's word - that is a different story.
Luke: My middle son is serious student. He doesn't care what the subject is - he doesn't care if he has learned it before. He loves school. He pops out of bed every morning and asks if it is a school day. My earlier experience with Abigail taught me to dread this question - but not with Luke - if it is a school day he dashes upstairs, grabs his clothes and is ready to go. I am trying to think of anything amusing regarding his return to school - but that just isn't his story. He is just a happy boy who likes to do worksheets and sit in a classroom. What on earth did I do to deserve this?
Abigail: My sweet oldest daughter is enjoying third grade - in fact, she has only said she didn't want to go to school once this whole month. This is HUGE. Abigail is a good student, but would rather stay home and read stories to Jonathan, or play Little Pet Shop, or make brownies or tend to her fish. I would have to say her favorite part of school this year - at least the part I see the most enthusiasm for - is, this is true, scripture memory. Apparently her class makes up motions to help them remember the verse they are studying. Last week's verse was, in part: "set an example in...purity." 1 Tim. 4:17. As she recites the verse to our family she vigorously scrubs her armpits and laughs hysterically.
Well, I am trying, but I can't not write about Jonathan. He is doing soooo good. And...the best news of all...HE CAN HEAR NORMALLY! He had an ABR test at Children's early this morning to analyze the effect of the tubes placed in his ears last month and the tubes did the job. God is so good - thank-you my Lord. Jonathan is being baptised on October 11th at North Heights Church in Arden Hills after the late service - please come and pray and rejoice with us if you are able!
Love,
Jill
This has been a busy month at the Krummen household - I can't believe September is almost over. The big kids are in school and while that might reasonably suggest that I have more time...I am busier than ever. It occurred to me that while my blog is entitled "My Four Lovelies" the older three rarely get any press. Here are a few outtakes from their back-to-school adventure this past month:
Marie: My beautiful daughter started kindergarten this past month. She cried - a little - but is pretty excited about school. She has been going to this kindergarten classroom since Abigail was a kindergartner so she is very familiar with the surroundings. I asked her what she learned the other day and she said: "Mama, Mrs. Rollerson said the Bible can change your life...did you know that?" Why, yes, Marie I did. You know, you can learn your ABC's just about anywhere - but learning about the life-changing power of God's word - that is a different story.
Luke: My middle son is serious student. He doesn't care what the subject is - he doesn't care if he has learned it before. He loves school. He pops out of bed every morning and asks if it is a school day. My earlier experience with Abigail taught me to dread this question - but not with Luke - if it is a school day he dashes upstairs, grabs his clothes and is ready to go. I am trying to think of anything amusing regarding his return to school - but that just isn't his story. He is just a happy boy who likes to do worksheets and sit in a classroom. What on earth did I do to deserve this?
Abigail: My sweet oldest daughter is enjoying third grade - in fact, she has only said she didn't want to go to school once this whole month. This is HUGE. Abigail is a good student, but would rather stay home and read stories to Jonathan, or play Little Pet Shop, or make brownies or tend to her fish. I would have to say her favorite part of school this year - at least the part I see the most enthusiasm for - is, this is true, scripture memory. Apparently her class makes up motions to help them remember the verse they are studying. Last week's verse was, in part: "set an example in...purity." 1 Tim. 4:17. As she recites the verse to our family she vigorously scrubs her armpits and laughs hysterically.
Well, I am trying, but I can't not write about Jonathan. He is doing soooo good. And...the best news of all...HE CAN HEAR NORMALLY! He had an ABR test at Children's early this morning to analyze the effect of the tubes placed in his ears last month and the tubes did the job. God is so good - thank-you my Lord. Jonathan is being baptised on October 11th at North Heights Church in Arden Hills after the late service - please come and pray and rejoice with us if you are able!
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Six Months
To My Precious, Lovable, Strong, Miraculous, Beautiful Jonathan,
On Friday, September 4, 2009, we celebrated your very first "Half-Birthday." We baked you a cake, loaded it up with sprinkles, sang you the Happy Birthday song, took your picture with the cake...and then we ate it...you watched. Luke desperately wanted me to put a small bite of frosting on your tongue, but I decided that I should give you a fighting chance at avoiding your brother's sweet tooth. He is scheduled for his first filling next Tuesday morning - I imagine he'll be changing his ways soon after that. At least I hope so - fillings are expensive. Anyway, we had a nice evening together as a family and I couldn't help but think of how far you, and we, have come in the last six months.
I discovered I was pregnant with you on the first day of school last year - today was Abigail's and Luke's first day back at school this year. It is amazing how much my life has changed in the last year - just so you know - I wouldn't change one single second of the last year. Every fearsome event that has come my way pales in comparison to the love I feel for you each time I hold you in my arms. I was trying to think of a way to summarize how deep and full the last six months have been - the poem that follows is my best shot.
On Friday, September 4, 2009, we celebrated your very first "Half-Birthday." We baked you a cake, loaded it up with sprinkles, sang you the Happy Birthday song, took your picture with the cake...and then we ate it...you watched. Luke desperately wanted me to put a small bite of frosting on your tongue, but I decided that I should give you a fighting chance at avoiding your brother's sweet tooth. He is scheduled for his first filling next Tuesday morning - I imagine he'll be changing his ways soon after that. At least I hope so - fillings are expensive. Anyway, we had a nice evening together as a family and I couldn't help but think of how far you, and we, have come in the last six months.
I discovered I was pregnant with you on the first day of school last year - today was Abigail's and Luke's first day back at school this year. It is amazing how much my life has changed in the last year - just so you know - I wouldn't change one single second of the last year. Every fearsome event that has come my way pales in comparison to the love I feel for you each time I hold you in my arms. I was trying to think of a way to summarize how deep and full the last six months have been - the poem that follows is my best shot.
In Six Months
In six months:
You can watch the earth melt from frozen ice to warm water,
you can build a new bedroom,
you can decorate a nursery,
you can finish preschool,
you can finish kindergarten,
you can finish second grade,
you can try a case and receive a verdict,
and you can find a new dream.
In six months:
You can pray ceaselessly for your unborn baby boy,
recruit your friends to pray for your precious son,
come to know that God will sustain you, no matter what happens,
give birth to you, Jonathan, on March 4th, 2009, at 2:46 p.m.,
learn that you have an extra 21st chromosome,
discover that you have a rare form of leukemia,
listen to a doctor tell me that you could die in the next few days,
authorize your chemotherapy,
pray for your recovery...everyday...all day.
In six months:
I learned that your extra chromosome is not everything I feared,
I watched a community of believers lift you up in prayer,
I experienced love and support I never expected or imagined from my family and friends,
I saw your Daddy, brother and sisters fall in love with you,
I brought you home from the hospital.
In six months:
I saw you healed by my always faithful and loving God,
I fell deeply in love with you,
I discovered that notwithstanding my prayers before you were born, despite all the pain I felt after you were born, that if given the chance, I would not change one single thing about you.
In six months:
You learned to drink from a bottle,
hold a rattle,
roll over,
smile,
sleep through the night,
giggle,
reach for and grab a toy,
hold up your head,
say "gee", "ayyy" and "i."
In six months:
Your life can change so radically, so permanently, and so beautifully that it can take your very breath away.
Be ready my Dear Son. Love your Jesus, Praise your God, and Serve your Lord with all your heart, soul and mind.
I will love you forever Jonathan.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Ear Surgery Update
Hi -
Jonathan's ear surgery and bronchoscopy is complete. The 1 mm tubes were placed and we have some lovely photos of his bronchial tubes and vocal cords. He is going to have one memorable baby book. His airway passages are narrower than usual, but now that we know this any problems he may have this winter should be easier to treat. I want to say he did well, but his recovery was a bit difficult - LOTS of wailing which is atypical of Jonathan's pleasant personality. He is fine today - he came home at 8am this morning and is receiving loads of lovin' from his siblings. I can't make a call on his hearing yet - there is probably still swelling in the ear canal and he is getting drops twice a day. Hopefully in the next few days we will see some dramatic improvement.
Only one more week of summer vacation remains - I am kind-of sad. I will miss Abigail, Luke and Marie - I'm soooo glad Jonathan is here - we should be able to keep pretty busy.
Love -
Jill
Jonathan's ear surgery and bronchoscopy is complete. The 1 mm tubes were placed and we have some lovely photos of his bronchial tubes and vocal cords. He is going to have one memorable baby book. His airway passages are narrower than usual, but now that we know this any problems he may have this winter should be easier to treat. I want to say he did well, but his recovery was a bit difficult - LOTS of wailing which is atypical of Jonathan's pleasant personality. He is fine today - he came home at 8am this morning and is receiving loads of lovin' from his siblings. I can't make a call on his hearing yet - there is probably still swelling in the ear canal and he is getting drops twice a day. Hopefully in the next few days we will see some dramatic improvement.
Only one more week of summer vacation remains - I am kind-of sad. I will miss Abigail, Luke and Marie - I'm soooo glad Jonathan is here - we should be able to keep pretty busy.
Love -
Jill
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Jonathan's Ear Surgery
Hi -
Jonathan is having bilateral tubes put in his ears tomorrow at 7:45 am. It is our prayer that the insertion of the tubes will completely resolve the moderate hearing loss he has been suffering from since birth, or soon thereafter. You can experience his present level of hearing by placing your fingers snugly in your ears and then trying to hear what someone is saying across the room - not so good. He can hear at 65 decibels - a very loud conversational level. I am praying that he comes home and is shocked at the noise in this house - by that I mean I am actually hoping he shows me some level of acknowledgement, even irritation, of the everyday rancor of our busy home. He has never woke to his siblings shouting, a dog barking or the phone ringing. I never thought I would want my baby to be so noise-sensitive - heaven knows Luke woke to soft breathing outside his bedroom door - BUT I DO!
He will also have a laryngoscopy at the same time to evaluate the width of his throat near his vocal cords. This is a precaution being taken because he already has "noisy" breathing - presumably from the smaller opening - it will be helpful information as cold season begins because a smaller airway can lead to potential airway problems with the common cold and croup.
Please pray for our little fella and the doctors and staff at Children's Hospital in St. Paul. We report to the hospital at 6:15 am tomorrow, his surgery is at 7:45 am and he will have to stay at least one night for observation. (Please, please pray it is just one night - I am dreading another night in the hospital - I honestly cannot think of anything I would rather do less than spend another 24-plus hours in the hospital...actually, nope, I just thought of something(s)...but I still don't want to do it).
I will try and post tomorrow,
Love,
Jill
Jonathan is having bilateral tubes put in his ears tomorrow at 7:45 am. It is our prayer that the insertion of the tubes will completely resolve the moderate hearing loss he has been suffering from since birth, or soon thereafter. You can experience his present level of hearing by placing your fingers snugly in your ears and then trying to hear what someone is saying across the room - not so good. He can hear at 65 decibels - a very loud conversational level. I am praying that he comes home and is shocked at the noise in this house - by that I mean I am actually hoping he shows me some level of acknowledgement, even irritation, of the everyday rancor of our busy home. He has never woke to his siblings shouting, a dog barking or the phone ringing. I never thought I would want my baby to be so noise-sensitive - heaven knows Luke woke to soft breathing outside his bedroom door - BUT I DO!
He will also have a laryngoscopy at the same time to evaluate the width of his throat near his vocal cords. This is a precaution being taken because he already has "noisy" breathing - presumably from the smaller opening - it will be helpful information as cold season begins because a smaller airway can lead to potential airway problems with the common cold and croup.
Please pray for our little fella and the doctors and staff at Children's Hospital in St. Paul. We report to the hospital at 6:15 am tomorrow, his surgery is at 7:45 am and he will have to stay at least one night for observation. (Please, please pray it is just one night - I am dreading another night in the hospital - I honestly cannot think of anything I would rather do less than spend another 24-plus hours in the hospital...actually, nope, I just thought of something(s)...but I still don't want to do it).
I will try and post tomorrow,
Love,
Jill
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