Big brother saying goodbye

James saying goodbye to Jacob before he goes with Gran

What a sight

Lots of hugs

and kisses before we leave

Evening Update

Jacob has had a pretty good day, today, with one exception. His stoma is slowly coming around (waking up). His fever has pretty well subsided. The rash on his back, however, appears to be getting worse. They are going to see if he needs some sort of anti-fungal med or powder to help treat it. Jacob hasn't complained about it a lot, but we can tell that it bothers him and appears to make him itchy. Thanks for your prayers regarding these concerns - please continue to pray that the healing and mending process will go smoothly and quickly for Jacob and that this rash will clear up soon.

Jacob still has the NG tube in his stomach (this went in before surgery as part of the bowel prep and currently allows them to "deposit" certain oral meds directly into his stomach) and cannot (yet) eat any solid foods or drink anything beyond what the IV fluids provide. The doctors were prepared to take the NG tube out, but decided to wait a little longer because his stomach was just a little bit distended (swollen) and he has not passed any "poo", yet.

We do not know how long Jacob will have to stay in the hospital, but he will likely have to remain in the Baltimore area for at least four weeks (this was based on the estimate from the Urologist). Their plan is to remove the stint in his urethra at that time and then monitor him closely for another couple of weeks. If he still drains urine well from down below, they will then close off (and later remove) the SP tube (catheter) that he has had since the surgery in 2008.

Daddy BA will be leaving for Chattanooga tomorrow morning - please pray for safety in travel. Also, please pray for Mommy as she will be with Jacob throughout the next week. Anyone who has ever stayed with a friend or family member who is hospitalized for an extended period of time will know how it can wear on you in more ways than one (especially when it comes to getting good sleep). Please pray that God will pour out his mercy on Mommy this week and give her that strength that only He can provide. Please pray that both will be able to get some good rest each night.

We hope everyone is enjoying the pictures and we hope to get more posted over the next week or so.

May the glory of the Lord shine down on us.

Mommy and Daddy

We miss James

James Daddy, mommy and Jacob love you sooooo much.

Daddy will be home soon. I miss you baby James.

Love mommy

What can I get done while Jacob is sleeping

Yes its me, Courtney on the blog posting pictures. I am so glad I have a little time to do this while Jacob is sleeping.

I want to say thank you to each and everyone of you for the many, many prayers. So amazing to see how God is answering them. Love to all

This is OUR Karen "Kiki" as Jacob calls her. Kiki giving Jacob some kisses and telling him how much she loves him. "My nose hurt Kiki" he said. Kiki we love you and thank you for coming to see Jacob on your day off.

Uncle Ron and Aunt Roro get Jacob to smile

After having fun with Allie when we first got there, Jacob had to get the NG tube. He

did not like this at all. He said his nose hurts.

Jacob started feeling better when he saw Uncle Ron and Aunt Roro.

We love you Uncle Ron and Aunt Roro, cousins Ronnie and Joshua

Our first day on the 6th floor and Jacob is making his rounds. Allie (our first nurse) is taking

Jacob around to say hello to all the other nurses he had with the 2008 surgery.
Got Jacob to look
Jacob and Allie
Allie getting a smooch in
Cute picture. Allie we love you.

One additional update this morning

We forgot to mention another praise - so far, all of the tests for things like the flue and RSV have come back negative. He will probably have to remain the the "droplet precaution" room for about a week, provided that all tests continue to come back negative. He does seem to be better today with regard to the chest congestion, too, for which we are definitely thankful.

May His name be lifted up.

Mommy and Daddy

Morning Update

Jacob had a very good night of sleep without too many issues. This morning, however, he does have a fever of around 100 that they are treating along with a bed rash on his back. He certainly seems to be feeling better as a whole and the talkative little boy we know and love seems to be "coming back." As an example, Jacob first asked me this morning where his "poo-poo" bag was at (His stoma hasn't totally "awakened" from the surgery so they have not a put a colostomy bag back on, yet). I told him that he didn't need one, quite yet, but will probably need one soon. When the nurse came in a little later, he then proceeded to ask her the same question. This is definitely a good thing because he really didn't pay much attention to these things yesterday. He also asks every person that comes in, "What are you going to do?"

Members of each of the medical teams came by to see Jacob this morning - Urology, Ortho and Gen Surgery. All were pleased with his progress. Urology estimates that that he will need to have his legs wrapped for about a week. We are waiting to find out when he might be able to sit up a little.

Praise the Lord for his progress and please pray for the areas of concern noted above.

Most Blessed, Most Glorious, King of all kings - may all of the glory be His alone.

Mommy and Daddy