We are so incredibly thankful to have been able to get back to church this week. We have missed being in the House of the Lord and being able to bring to Him the worship and praise that He is due. It was wonderful to be reunited with our church family. Several who sing in the choir commented on how thankful they were to see Jacob stroll down the middle aisle of the sanctuary with his mini-walker. While welcoming visitors, our Associate Pastor, Eric, commented, "we wish to welcome the Arrington's, who are visiting from Baltimore. Oh, wait, they actually live here." It was quite funny, but certainly had a bit of truth to it. With the anticipation of surgery last fall, we really had not been able to attend since that time. Even though we were gone, however, we didn't feel forgotten. So many from our church took the time to e-mail, call and send notes of encouragement. And we know that almost everyone prayed for us on a daily basis.
After the service, we were all able to attend our respective Sunday School classes. Words really just can't describe how thankful we were to be back again. We look forward to being able to become more involved in our church and to see our boys in a position to grow up in an environment where Jesus is Lord and King. Hallelujah, Praise the Lord for all He has done.
Jacob continues to make good progress with his recovery. Today he began walking, a little, without using his walker. He still complains a bit about his left leg and the "wound" on that side is still slow in healing. He periodically will say that his "pee-pee hurts", although we wonder if that has more to do with gas pain or perhaps just a lingering sensation from when he had the SP tube in place. We do think there may be some relationship between these things (i.e. the wound has some pain in it and thus he doesn't want to put as much weight on his left leg). He has begun Physical Therapy as of last week. Beginning this week, we will be having our Home Health Nurse (the same one we used prior to surgery) come this week to help with the dressing and treatment of that wound. On a more positive note, we did find out today that Jacob will be able to go back to "school" next week. This school is associated with another wonderful church in our area, one that has graciously taken in both of our boys over the past three plus years. Jacob will attend from 9-2 on Wednesdays and he seems ready to go back. Mommy is also excited because she will have most of that day to herself, with both boys being in school and her bigger "boy" at work.
Speaking of school, we must say that James has definitely surprised us a few times with all of the things he is learning in Kindergarten. He has five spelling words to learn each week, in an effort to get him ready for First Grade. So far, he has had his words completely memorized by early in the week and has made a perfect score on each of his weekly spelling tests (I think he's had four or five to date). Also, just this evening, he was doing some basic addition (1+1, 2+1) for us. Mommy and Daddy looked at each other, knowing that it may not be long before he gets in to stuff that we have both long since forgotten how to do. Jacob has also been learning how to say and spell some basic words, using a neat educational game on "Daddy's phone."
James also had his very first dental visit today. We were a little concerned about this, in light of some of the challenges we've had with him at other doctor appointments. However, he went right back, plopped down in the chair and did really well. He has already lost his two bottom front teeth and the permanent ones are almost all of the way out.
We ask that you all continue to pray for the things mentioned above, but also ask that you rejoice with us and offer praises to the God of all gods for his mercy, grace and loving kindness.
Mommy and Daddy
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Home Sweet Home
We arrived safely back in Chattanooga late Sun Night/Early Mon Morning. It is great to have everyone home again and to see how the Lord worked so powerfully in each of our lives during this challenging time. Jacob continues to improve with each passing day. He began Physical Therapy today to help him get back to full-time walking again. He is still having a couple of minor (hopefully) issues with one of the scars that was repaired. We hope to have a nurse come to our home to help treat this wound area so that it will heal properly. Also, when he walks, one of his legs seems to turn out quite a bit. Since it is the same leg where the scar/wound is located, it is possible that the two things may be related. Otherwise, he has been doing well. He, James and Daddy were able to wrestle last night for the first time in awhile (and really the first time without the SP Tube there to worry about). The boys have been dealing with some runny noses and coughs this week, but that all seems kind of insignificant compared to everything else.
We can't thank everyone enough for all of your prayers over the past five + weeks. As parents, we know that the Lord used these prayers to help sustain us, because we certainly would not have been able to hold up well at all w/o them. We hope to still put some photos up from time-to-time and periodically provide updates as to Jacob's progress through the PT and wound care.
He will have a follow-up appointment and another scope in about three months or so and we will let everyone know more details once we actually get things scheduled.
And to all of our friends and family at CPC, we hope to see everyone this Sunday morning for worship. We have been absent for many months and miss you all terribly. We rejoice, however, at the thought of being back in the house of God this week (Lord willing, of course).
He is faithful. He is merciful. He is gracious. He is powerful. He is loving. He is Lord.
The Arringtons
We can't thank everyone enough for all of your prayers over the past five + weeks. As parents, we know that the Lord used these prayers to help sustain us, because we certainly would not have been able to hold up well at all w/o them. We hope to still put some photos up from time-to-time and periodically provide updates as to Jacob's progress through the PT and wound care.
He will have a follow-up appointment and another scope in about three months or so and we will let everyone know more details once we actually get things scheduled.
And to all of our friends and family at CPC, we hope to see everyone this Sunday morning for worship. We have been absent for many months and miss you all terribly. We rejoice, however, at the thought of being back in the house of God this week (Lord willing, of course).
He is faithful. He is merciful. He is gracious. He is powerful. He is loving. He is Lord.
The Arringtons
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Heading Home - Minus one SP tube
Praise the Lord! The procedure went very well today (Saturday). Dr. Gearhart was pleased with the scope and also removed the SP tube. So, Jacob is officially "peeing down below." Dr. G advised that there is nothing further that he needs to do at this point, so we are planning to hit the road back to Chattanooga tomorrow (Sunday). Please pray for safety in travel as there is a possibility of more wintry weather, this time in Chattanooga. Also, please pray that Jacob will handle the long trip well with the car seat, etc.
We were treated to a wonderful dinner this evening at the Children's House, hosted and prepared by the Morse family. They served Maryland Crab Cakes, Flank Steak, Cream of Crab soup, Green Beans, and for dessert, Tiramisu (along with some other goodies). And while the dinner was great, it was the testimony of this fine family that meant so much. These folks had a child that was treated here at Johns Hopkins a few years ago. The family received excellent care at the Hospital and wonderful hospitality from the Children's House. However, the Lord decided to bring their little one on up to be with Him. What a great testimony, though, and a great expression of what it means to be a child of God. Please uphold them in your prayers because it is no doubt difficult to be back here with all of the memories and so forth. Yet despite all of this, they still give of themselves to help families like ours. It is these situations that humble us and just bring us to our knees before the Lord, thankful for his grace and mercy - neither or which we deserve at all.
We look forward to being back at home soon and sharing all that the Lord has done for us.
"He is the Rock of our Salvation - His banner over us is Love"
Mommy and Daddy
We were treated to a wonderful dinner this evening at the Children's House, hosted and prepared by the Morse family. They served Maryland Crab Cakes, Flank Steak, Cream of Crab soup, Green Beans, and for dessert, Tiramisu (along with some other goodies). And while the dinner was great, it was the testimony of this fine family that meant so much. These folks had a child that was treated here at Johns Hopkins a few years ago. The family received excellent care at the Hospital and wonderful hospitality from the Children's House. However, the Lord decided to bring their little one on up to be with Him. What a great testimony, though, and a great expression of what it means to be a child of God. Please uphold them in your prayers because it is no doubt difficult to be back here with all of the memories and so forth. Yet despite all of this, they still give of themselves to help families like ours. It is these situations that humble us and just bring us to our knees before the Lord, thankful for his grace and mercy - neither or which we deserve at all.
We look forward to being back at home soon and sharing all that the Lord has done for us.
"He is the Rock of our Salvation - His banner over us is Love"
Mommy and Daddy
Friday, February 12, 2010
Prayer Request and Update
After quite a few e-mails with Dr. G this morning, he has decided to try and do the scope tomorrow and remove the SP tube. The appointment is scheduled for noon. We are certainly excited about the possibility of bringing all of this to a close, but, Jacob continues to have a little bit of congestion and just a little bit of a cough. So we ask that you pray that he will be well enough to have the procedure tomorrow and that it will be a success. The procedure itself is very short - probably less than 30 minutes - but it does require light anesthesia.
Jacob has continued to walk around using his walker and certainly seems like he is feeling well. He has slept really well the past few nights, with minimal pain an discomfort.
Thank you again for all of your prayers.
Mommy and Daddy
Jacob has continued to walk around using his walker and certainly seems like he is feeling well. He has slept really well the past few nights, with minimal pain an discomfort.
Thank you again for all of your prayers.
Mommy and Daddy
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Today's Update
Jacob had a good day today. He continues to gain strength in his legs and enjoys tooling around with his walker. He has a little stash of items in a make-shift basket that we've attached to the front of his walker. He keeps his DVD's, a couple of stuffed animals and his toy cell phones (wonder where he got that interest from - yes, Daddy is the cell phone geek in the house).
We contacted Dr. Gearhart today via e-mail and he wants us to continue to monitor the output from the SP tube every 2-3 hours, during the day. The output still seems a little high, even though there is decent output from down below, too. Please pray that his "pee-pee" will continue to make its way out through his urethra and that the amount coming out via the SP tube will continue to drop. The clinic was closed today, so we are not sure, yet, whether this will delay us in getting the SP tube removed. Also, he still has quite of bit of congestion, although his cough is not nearly as bad as it was earlier in the week.
Daddy was able to get quite a bit of work done today while Mommy took Jacob out for a stroll and while he napped. Mommy has really been able to connect with some of the other families that are staying here at the Children's House. Please pray that God will use her, through these developing friendships, to bring glory to Himself and as a testimony of His mercy, grace and power. The Lord can use even the most challenging situations to draw people unto Himself.
May His Name be Lifted Up
Mommy and Daddy
We contacted Dr. Gearhart today via e-mail and he wants us to continue to monitor the output from the SP tube every 2-3 hours, during the day. The output still seems a little high, even though there is decent output from down below, too. Please pray that his "pee-pee" will continue to make its way out through his urethra and that the amount coming out via the SP tube will continue to drop. The clinic was closed today, so we are not sure, yet, whether this will delay us in getting the SP tube removed. Also, he still has quite of bit of congestion, although his cough is not nearly as bad as it was earlier in the week.
Daddy was able to get quite a bit of work done today while Mommy took Jacob out for a stroll and while he napped. Mommy has really been able to connect with some of the other families that are staying here at the Children's House. Please pray that God will use her, through these developing friendships, to bring glory to Himself and as a testimony of His mercy, grace and power. The Lord can use even the most challenging situations to draw people unto Himself.
May His Name be Lifted Up
Mommy and Daddy
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A good night and lots more snow
Praise the Lord that Jacob began peeing down below early yesterday afternoon. We were a little concerned that things might be digressing back to where they were in 2008, but by God's grace, things are actually progressing well.
Jacob had a very good night of sleep, which means that we also slept well. This is also a big praise. He still has the cough and congestion, so we ask your continued prayers for him in this regard.
The Baltimore area has once again been hit with a major snow storm. We are expecting another 12+ inches when all is said and done. This is on top of the snow that was already here from the weekend storm. The roads in downtown were still fairly messy yesterday before this latest storm began. Check out the link in the previous post for some video footage and photos from a local news channel.
We are not totally what the next steps will be for Jacob. Dr. G advised that he will check in with us today at some point. We continue to report our results to him periodically. He did advise yesterday that he is pleased with the results.
"The Universe declares Your Majesty"
Mommy and Daddy
Jacob had a very good night of sleep, which means that we also slept well. This is also a big praise. He still has the cough and congestion, so we ask your continued prayers for him in this regard.
The Baltimore area has once again been hit with a major snow storm. We are expecting another 12+ inches when all is said and done. This is on top of the snow that was already here from the weekend storm. The roads in downtown were still fairly messy yesterday before this latest storm began. Check out the link in the previous post for some video footage and photos from a local news channel.
We are not totally what the next steps will be for Jacob. Dr. G advised that he will check in with us today at some point. We continue to report our results to him periodically. He did advise yesterday that he is pleased with the results.
"The Universe declares Your Majesty"
Mommy and Daddy
Check out Baltimore's weather
If you want to see what the weather is like here in Baltimore and also see some cool videos and pictures. Go to www.wjz.com.
Love to all and thank you for your prayers
Love to all and thank you for your prayers
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Jacob looking out the window at Children's House
Jacob looking out at the snow
A few more days of wrapping Jacob's legs and he will be out of this wagon
Prayer Request
Jacob did not have much output from down below this morning. In addition, he coughed quite a bit last night. We have once again capped off the SP tube and are trying to get him to drink more fluids. We've also e-mailed Dr. G's nurse regarding the situation. Please pray that his output will pick up down below, that he will drink enough liquids and that his cough will subside soon.
Thanks for every one's faithful prayers.
"Name above all Names"
Mommy and Daddy
Thanks for every one's faithful prayers.
"Name above all Names"
Mommy and Daddy
Monday, February 8, 2010
Results from today's appointment
Dr. Gearhart successfully removed the urethral stint from Jacob today. In addition, we have started plugging the SP tube (catheter) during the day and will check the output from it every couple of hours. At night, we reattach the urine bag. We will be reporting our "results" to Dr. G's nurse every day. This is certainly a critical time because the ultimate goal here is to have the majority of the urine drain from down below and only end up with a little in the SP tube (except at night). Please pray that everything will flow where it is supposed to and that he will be able to have the SP tube removed within a few days. Dr. G did indicate that we may not need to have the scope done at this time as long he is satisfied with the results from this week.
Jacob still has a pretty bad cough, but thankfully no fever at this time. Please continue to pray that he will recover from this soon as it definitely affects his ability to get good sleep and will certainly be a concern should he need any procedures involving anesthesia.
There were a couple of really cool moments today. Jacob fell asleep shortly after we returned from his appointment, but when he woke up, we were able to pick him up and actually hold him for the first time in four weeks. Mommy carried him downstairs to dinner (pizza, salad and brownies from a wonderful local restaurant owner here in Baltimore) and he got the biggest grin on his face. Once downstairs, he was able to actually sit up on the sofa and not be confined to the wagon.
Once we received the e-mail from Dr. Sponseller advising that it was OK for Jacob to put weight on his legs, we immediately asked Jacob if he wanted to walk. He, of course, said that he would like to walk. So, we helped him take a few steps and he did pretty well. He is a little wobbly from being off his feet for this long, but by God's grace, he'll be back up to speed in no time. He and Daddy played for quite awhile in the recreation area here at the Children's House. Jacob absolutely loved being able to sit-up and move around. It certainly brought Mommy and Daddy a ton of joy to see him this happy.
With the possibility of another sizable snow event this week, we're not totally sure when the next appointment will take place. Our best guess at this point is probably Thursday. We will update everyone then. In the meantime, please continue to hold up the items mentioned above, but also take a moment to thank the Lord for progress Jacob has made up to this point.
Standing on His promises, with His strength, because of His mercy and grace.
Mommy and Daddy
Jacob still has a pretty bad cough, but thankfully no fever at this time. Please continue to pray that he will recover from this soon as it definitely affects his ability to get good sleep and will certainly be a concern should he need any procedures involving anesthesia.
There were a couple of really cool moments today. Jacob fell asleep shortly after we returned from his appointment, but when he woke up, we were able to pick him up and actually hold him for the first time in four weeks. Mommy carried him downstairs to dinner (pizza, salad and brownies from a wonderful local restaurant owner here in Baltimore) and he got the biggest grin on his face. Once downstairs, he was able to actually sit up on the sofa and not be confined to the wagon.
Once we received the e-mail from Dr. Sponseller advising that it was OK for Jacob to put weight on his legs, we immediately asked Jacob if he wanted to walk. He, of course, said that he would like to walk. So, we helped him take a few steps and he did pretty well. He is a little wobbly from being off his feet for this long, but by God's grace, he'll be back up to speed in no time. He and Daddy played for quite awhile in the recreation area here at the Children's House. Jacob absolutely loved being able to sit-up and move around. It certainly brought Mommy and Daddy a ton of joy to see him this happy.
With the possibility of another sizable snow event this week, we're not totally sure when the next appointment will take place. Our best guess at this point is probably Thursday. We will update everyone then. In the meantime, please continue to hold up the items mentioned above, but also take a moment to thank the Lord for progress Jacob has made up to this point.
Standing on His promises, with His strength, because of His mercy and grace.
Mommy and Daddy
Quick Update - prayer and praise
Daddy BA made it here safely last night at around 9 pm. He was just in time to catch the tail end of a surprising Super Bowl finish and enjoy some great food, donated by one a local restaurant owner. Praise the Lord for his safe arrival, despite a few trick spots near Harper's Ferry and in downtown Baltimore.
Because of the snow, Jacob's doctor appointment has actually been moved up to around 1 pm today (how often does that happen). The plan today is to remove the stint and cap off the SP tube (catheter). They and we will then monitor him for a few day.
We certainly ask that you pray for today's appointment - pray that the outcome will be as expected and that he might be one step closer to having no tubes in him. In addition, however, we ask that you also pray for Jacob as he has developed a pretty persistent cough. Other than the cough and a bit of congestion, he seems to be OK, but the cough may delay the final follow-up planned for later this week.
Dr. Gearhart will likely try to scope Jacob's urethra and bladder in a few days, once we've had a chance to make sure that the majority of his pee is coming out down below. But this does require that he be put to sleep for a little while. It is unlikely that they will put him to sleep with any sort of respiratory issues. Please pray that all will go according to plan (His plan, not ours).
We will look to provide everyone with another update this evening, after today's appointment.
With much love, given to us by the God of all Love,
The Arringtons
Because of the snow, Jacob's doctor appointment has actually been moved up to around 1 pm today (how often does that happen). The plan today is to remove the stint and cap off the SP tube (catheter). They and we will then monitor him for a few day.
We certainly ask that you pray for today's appointment - pray that the outcome will be as expected and that he might be one step closer to having no tubes in him. In addition, however, we ask that you also pray for Jacob as he has developed a pretty persistent cough. Other than the cough and a bit of congestion, he seems to be OK, but the cough may delay the final follow-up planned for later this week.
Dr. Gearhart will likely try to scope Jacob's urethra and bladder in a few days, once we've had a chance to make sure that the majority of his pee is coming out down below. But this does require that he be put to sleep for a little while. It is unlikely that they will put him to sleep with any sort of respiratory issues. Please pray that all will go according to plan (His plan, not ours).
We will look to provide everyone with another update this evening, after today's appointment.
With much love, given to us by the God of all Love,
The Arringtons
Sunday, February 7, 2010
20"+ snow in Baltimore. We are trapped
Looking out the door from the Children's House towards the hospital
Small path in front of the McEldrrey House
This says 20"
After the snow. Can you see the bench???
During the snow
Friday, February 5, 2010
Update from this week
This has been a tough week for our family as a whole, not so much because of Jacob (he has actually had a fairly uneventful week), but because Daddy and James are in Chattanooga and Mommy and Jacob are in Baltimore.
In addition, Daddy had planned to head back up tomorrow (Sat), but due to the incredible amount of snow that has fallen (and continues to come down), he will try to begin his journey up on Sunday. Please pray for him as he travels, especially as he gets into the snowy areas.
Also, please pray for safety for Mommy and Jacob as they "weather" the storm in Baltimore. We are thankful to be staying at the Children's House where there are other families, plenty of food and close access to the hospital, but most of the forecasts indicate that tonight and a good of tomorrow may produce some pretty significant snows with "blizzard-like" conditions.
Unless something changes, Jacob is still scheduled for his appointment with the Urologist (Dr. G) on Monday at 3:30pm. The plan is still to remove the stint and cap off the SP Tube. We will monitor his output in both places and, Lord willing, most all of it will come out via his urethra (down below as we like to say). If things go well during this testing period (about three days or so), then Dr. G will remove the SP tube altogether and we can hopefully make our way back to Chattanooga. We are praying that we may even be able to get back by next weekend.
James has had a good week at school. His Papa had a meeting here this week so he got to spend some time with him. James and Daddy had some father/son time this evening (a little visit to Chuckie Cheese and a bite to eat from Zaxby's). Please pray for James and Gran this coming week as well. Gran will be taking care of James from start to finish each day. She does a tremendous job and we are thankful beyond words for the sacrifices she has made for us. However, it is still challenging to keep an active five year old on the right track with schoolwork, play, laundry, etc.
He is Lord over all - including the wind, rain and snow.
Mommy and Daddy
In addition, Daddy had planned to head back up tomorrow (Sat), but due to the incredible amount of snow that has fallen (and continues to come down), he will try to begin his journey up on Sunday. Please pray for him as he travels, especially as he gets into the snowy areas.
Also, please pray for safety for Mommy and Jacob as they "weather" the storm in Baltimore. We are thankful to be staying at the Children's House where there are other families, plenty of food and close access to the hospital, but most of the forecasts indicate that tonight and a good of tomorrow may produce some pretty significant snows with "blizzard-like" conditions.
Unless something changes, Jacob is still scheduled for his appointment with the Urologist (Dr. G) on Monday at 3:30pm. The plan is still to remove the stint and cap off the SP Tube. We will monitor his output in both places and, Lord willing, most all of it will come out via his urethra (down below as we like to say). If things go well during this testing period (about three days or so), then Dr. G will remove the SP tube altogether and we can hopefully make our way back to Chattanooga. We are praying that we may even be able to get back by next weekend.
James has had a good week at school. His Papa had a meeting here this week so he got to spend some time with him. James and Daddy had some father/son time this evening (a little visit to Chuckie Cheese and a bite to eat from Zaxby's). Please pray for James and Gran this coming week as well. Gran will be taking care of James from start to finish each day. She does a tremendous job and we are thankful beyond words for the sacrifices she has made for us. However, it is still challenging to keep an active five year old on the right track with schoolwork, play, laundry, etc.
He is Lord over all - including the wind, rain and snow.
Mommy and Daddy
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