Bacterial Meningitis - more later, keep praying!

Definite shunt infection. Surgery to externalize shunt right now. Simple surgery then to our room.

We are back in hospital. He thinks shunt infection. The plan- clear infection for a week then new shunt on other side. More later, thanks for praying.

New Pics

New Prayer Request

Sara went to see the heart doc yesterday about the murmur they heard in NICU. All is well with that, she has a murmur to watch, but it is very common and they will keep an eye on it for now. We go back in 3 months. For 98% of kids it works itself out on its own. One cool thing we found out at the heart doc is she weighs over 8lbs now!

The prayer concern came this morning at the neurosurgeons. On the top of her head, under the skin there is an angle connector (like an L-joint in PVC pipe) that connects the shunt going down into her brain to the pump and reservoir going down the side of her head. Well the skin on Sara is thin, and the skin on top of that angle connector is white. His concern is that an ulcer will develop and an infection will ensue. (Think of a blister on your skin you get from a shoe rubbing your heel or toe, or you might get one on your hand from raking, shoveling, or playing to much golf).

So for the next week we have to massage that spot, move the skin around and hope it clears. We go see him in a week to see how it looks. If it turns bluish and gets thin like Saran Wrap we have to call him. Worst case scenario - back to hospital for a procedure to cut and lap another layer of skin over it to thicken it up. Yeah, fun.

If you would, pray it will resolve itself and the massaging, time, and the Hand of God would heal it. Thank you all!

Today was the Day

August 22 was Sara's due date. And Tuesday she turns 3 months. It's been the fastest longest three months of our lives. Our other girls were born in Jan and Dec. At the beginning of the summer Jennifer was saying, boy I sure don't look forward to being big and pregnant all summer. Well, she wasn't serious.

In fact one of the difficult thoughts we have both had go through our minds is - I wish this wouldn't have happened like this. Especially when it has been hard and scary. You think - if only we could go back and not have this happen like this. Why couldn't this have been a normal pregnancy? And the only answer we have come to is - we don't know. But we trust our Father in Heaven and we know He is always wise, good, and trustworthy. And so we forget was it behind and press on to the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Living by faith standing on those truths is a greater reality than wishing away the past.

We have really settled into a nice routine with Sara at home. Other than a few doctors visits and getting therapy set up, this past week was pretty uneventful. We have two more doctors visits this week and then probably none until the end of September, other than weekly therapy.

The issue of colic is still lingering. It is not as predictable as with Emma Grace, more like Abigail's fussy times. Some nights are better than others. To give you an idea of how it's going, Emma Grace asked Jennifer Thursday night - "How can God always be happy if he never sleeps?" Apparently she knows some unhappy sleep deprived humans, must be on TV.

But Jennifer and I have a good system worked out where she takes her the first half of the night and then I come around 3 and take her the rest of the night. That seems to be working. Except Jennifer claims I never hear my alarm go off to come and take over and she has to come and get me or something like that I don't know. I can't help it. You ever are so tired your alarm becomes part of your dream? So I'm not turning off my alarm, but a switch to open the garage door, put up heat shields on my spaceship, or a special seat zapper for that deacon whose falling asleep on the back row. Whatever the case, it's not my alarm. She just doesn't believe me.

Abigail and Emma Grace are doing well with Sara. They have been very patient and helpful. Well, as much as you can expect from a 7 and 4 yr old. Abigail has been great when I am gone to work and Jennifer needs to get things done. If she is fussy she will hold her, give her a pacifier, and help soothe her. It's been cool to watch.

I officiated a wedding in our church yesterday. All through the rehearsal and ceremony I kept thinking about that day is getting closer and closer for my three girls. When the bride came down in all her beauty and glory I looked at that dad, and well, I just couldn't go there. But I figure by the time they are 40 I'll be ready.

I took some pics of Sara last night. She was content with her pacifier on Jennifer's lap and then we took it out to take some pics. So far so good, what a cutie.

Hold on, somethings missing

Is it over here? Look, I'm limited here, I can't look around worth a flip, all I've got is this rooting reflex thing. Don't play games with me, where is my paci?

Ok, I'll try the crazy look!! I'm desperate!! Where is my happy place?

Fine, I will just cry. Is that what you want?

12 weeks old and 7lbs!

Sara had a good visit to the pediatrician. She has cleared 7 lbs, in fact she is 7lbs 2oz. That means she gained a half a pound in a week. The doctor was very happy with how she looked and acted. So are we.