Prayer request and quick update

Jacob is running a fever (just under 101) and has a fair amount of thick mucus in his chest. As a precaution, we have been moved to a different room (kind of like isolation, but not quite that serious.) Please pray that he will be able to cough the "stuff" out and that his fever will come down. The doctors are running some tests to see if he has picked up any sort of virus, etc.

God is Good.

Mommy and Daddy

Afternoon update and word of thanks

Jacob is now in a room and resting peacefully at the moment. He has had a few pain related episodes this afternoon, but nothing that seems like a major concern. Part of it may have to do with some lingering effects from the anesthesia yesterday. We do want to report another praise that we forgot to include this morning. The PIC line that did not want to go in correctly yesterday did fall right into place last night and is working well today. The PIC line is sort of like an IV, but designed to stay in longer and prevent the need for multiple IV replacements. Please continue to pray for Jacob, especially in regard to the pain management process, but we also ask that you remember the praises as well.

We were thankful to have a visit from Pastor Rick Cash with Valley Baptist Church. He came and offered words of encouragement and also prayed with us. Valley Baptist, along with many other congregations, has prayed faithfully for our family over the past three years. In addition, they have also been our "church away from home" whenever we are in the area (this is Uncle Ron and Aunt RoRo's church). They graciously allowed James to attend Pre-K there in 2008 while Jacob was here at Hopkins for those surgeries. This past summer, when we were attending Sunday morning worship there, Jacob walked right up to the front to participate in the Children's Sermon. This was a wonderful moment for all of us as it was truly a visible demonstration of God's grace and mercy toward Jacob(and all of us).

We have been so blessed and also humbled by the wonderful outpouring of kindness and the prayers offered up from all of these wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord - from our home church, Covenant Presbyterian in Chattanooga, to Valley Baptist here in Baltimore (Cockeysville) and many others in between.

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Daddy and Mommy

Morning Update

Jacob had a good night and we likewise got some good rest. His output from "down below" continues to increase. Praise the Lord. He is still fairly sedated in order to help with the pain. They have a regular room ready for him and he should be moving out if the PICU within the next hour or two. All of his surgeons have been by this morning and all continue to be pleased with his progress.

Please rejoice with us regarding the success of the surgery and please continue to pray for us as we move into the recovery phase. We don't have a firm estimate on how long Jacob will need to be here, but our best guess is probably about three to four weeks. Please continue to hold up James in your prayers this week while we are away, although he is no doubt being sufficiently spoiled by Gran and Papa A (he is in Chattanooga helping us with some home improvement projects).

Little ones to Him belong - they are week but He is strong.

Mommy and Daddy