Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Appointment

Sorry about not posting sooner about the doctor's appointment - it has been a busy few days. We did receive lots of information when we were down there on Friday. A few major highlights were:

  • Autumn's kidneys are functioning at about 20%. If a normal person has 100% kidney function - Autumn's are around 20%. Any lower that 20 and they will put her back on dialysis.
  • They can do many things to compensate for what her kidneys aren't doing for her. They have decreased her calcium and increased her sodium. They are fairly concerned about the amount of protein that is still in her urine, as some protein can tear apart the kidney filters when it goes through. They are considering giving her shots to help stop this protein from getting through the filters.
  • They will also closely monitor her growth (height) to be sure that her lack of kidney function is not affecting her bone growth as it sometimes does in small children.

They aren't sure what is going to happen from here. They don't have a lot of data or history for this kind of case - so they just plan to keep checking her levels and adjust things according to what her body is doing. They have mentioned a kidney transplant, but that wouldn't happen for a little over a year, so we are not pursuing that route just yet. We are still believing and trusting in God - that he will continue to heal her and make her well. She was 4 months old yesterday and we are so thankful to Him for bringing her so far in these few months. She is already over 12 pounds and is doing all sorts of normal baby stuff. Her sister can make her smile and even laugh on command. We are rejoicing that God chose us to raise this little girl - she has taught us so much already. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us (her) in the coming weeks, months, & years!! Keep praying for her as she continues to fight - keep praying for us as we strive to be our best for each other and for these girls. We love you all!!


Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Check This Out

Today is Jen's Birthday!! We had a great time just hanging out here at home. Just the four of us!! We all got a big surprise for Jen's birthday - check out this video to see:


Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Sick Baby?

Does this look like a sick baby to you? Nope - We don't think so either. My mom took this picture of Autumn today. She is such a happy kid - she is doing so many normal baby things and we are enjoying every step of it. If it comes to your mind - please pray for Autumn this week. She is scheduled to be seen in Ann Arbor at the Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic on Friday. They adjusted her medication last week after viewing her lab results. We are glad that they are staying on top of her care, but are praying for the day that her levels are where they need to be and she has a clean bill of health. We are praying for the day that we can take her out and show her off and you all can love on her and hold her!! I believe that that day is coming!! Thanks for your love and prayers.



No School


Jayna didn't have school today and got to spend the day with Autumn and Grandma. She had lots of fun helping Grandma take care of Autumn and it looks like she even did a little school work. It appears that she is well on her way to becoming the family's next teacher.


Monday, January 15, 2007

Snow Day

Sorry about no new posts lately - I will try to do better. Jen went back to work last week and is adjusting to life. Autumn is loving her time with her Grandma Hess everyday. (I think that Grandma likes it some also). I thought that I would share a picture of Jayna today. The girls had a snow day and made cookies. Jen shot this of Jayna after she got the bowl of cookie dough!! Very Funny!! They had a great day together today.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Christmas Visitors

Scott & Jeannie Tipton stopped by last weekend!! As you can see by Scott's new sweatshirt - he is a HUGE Michigan fan!
Aunt Vicki successfully put Autumn to sleep.

Uncle Tom & Aunt Paula holding Autumn and posing for a picture taken by Jayna!


Great Grandpa Messer came up Christmas weekend and saw Autumn for the first time. It was a wonderful visit.

Christmas Pictures

We just wanted to share with you a few pictures of us over the holidays. Enjoy!!