We'll start with the praises. Here they are:
1. As of late last week, Jacob no longer needs the walker. He has been walking pretty well without it.
2. The incision that was causing problems is almost entirely healed. This was one of the former pin sites from the 2008 surgery that was "cleaned-up" during last months surgery. Because of its close proximity to his stoma and "poo" bag, it was slow to heal and was borderline infected. After a lot of peroxide, antibiotic ointment/meds and of course a ton of prayer, we have been able to stop bandaging it.
3. For the second week in a row, we were privileged to be able to worship the Lord along with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ at CPC. In addition, we were able to attend our monthly Shepherding Group. It was great to be able to reconnect with those in our group, in a less formal setting (and with some good barbecue as well).
4. With the exception of last night when both boys were not feeling well, Jacob has been sleeping through the night ever since we got back from Baltimore. This is a huge praise for both Mommy and Daddy as there were many nights during the past year or so where Jacob would wake up two or more times a night (sometimes due to pain, other times hunger, and sometimes a combination of both of these).
5. Even though Jacob has been sick for the past day or so, we realized that God really blessed our entire family with good health in the time leading up to his surgery. James, Mommy and Daddy were each a little bit sick during the latter part of 2009 and into early 201o, but each time the Lord spared Jacob. And this was during a time where James began school and there were plenty of reported H1N1 cases around us (and others that may not have been reported).
Thanks be to God for his unfailing love and mercy.
There are also a few prayer requests as well. They are as follows:
He alone is worthy to receive all glory, honor and praise.
Mommy and Daddy
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What's been happening this week...
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
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
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
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