Pictures

Just wanted to share a couple of pictures of the girls since we have been home again. Now that Autumn has all her ports out - she is finally able to have a real bath. Here are just a couple pictures of that and one of 'Sissy Cuddle Time' as Jayna calls it. They just love each other.

Jayna's Christmas Program

Coming Home

Dr. Juarbe said tonight that he sees no reason why Autumn can't come home tomorrow evening. We are so thankful. She is doing wonderful and has received some extraordinary care from some wonderful nurses / doctors. God has placed us in these places, under these circumstances, with these people - in His perfect time. We are so happy that she is well enough to come back home and are looking forward to having all four of us together again. Be looking for some great pictures from home in the next few days!!

Lena Clarke is coming home tomorrow also. It has been such a joy to be down the hall from her these past couple of weeks and it will be great to see her at home again also. Their family is so special to us and we love them so. It is such an encouragement to see them everyday. They have lifted our spirits. God is working in all of our lives - these are two specific examples right now. He has taken so good care of us. Thanks for your prayers for us all!!

Back In Midland

Everything went fairly well today in Ann Arbor. We were transferred late this afternoon back to Midland. They welcomed us back with open arms and Autumn has already seen Dr. Juarbe this evening. As Jen wrote last night, the plan is for Autumn to receive this antibiotic 4 times a day for seven days, which I believe should end on December 12th. Jen will be staying with Autumn in the hospital, so things aren't completely back to normal, but it is so nice to be closer to home. We cannot wait to see Jayna again tomorrow after school and I am sure that she is going to love seeing her little sister again. We are thankful for God's help, timing and strength. He is always perfect - which is why we have endured this. It reminds me of a song - 'His strength is perfect when our strength is gone; He'll carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in His power, the weak become strong; His strength is perfect.'

We are thankful for His perfect strength. If you are in Midland and are feeling well - stop by and visit Jen / Autumn. She would love to see you. Room A409!!

A Day of Tests and Answers

After another 10 hours without food, Autumn had an ultrasound on her liver this morning. This came back normal, which is good to know. The liver doctors told us they believe her elevated levels are due to her infection. They are going to continue to watch her levels to be sure they come down as her infection clears. It was a blessing to hear them say they didn’t think anything else was wrong with her liver.

Autumn needs to stay on Bactrum for 7 days, with yesterday being day 1, to fight off this infection completely. She will have a PICC line put in her head to administer this antibiotic. This is a more permanent IV line. However, it is not as permanent and invasive as the broviac was. Therefore, there is some risk involved with this one, but not as much. She will have to spend another night fasting though. After this is placed, she will be able to hop in an ambulance and take a ride back up to MIDLAND!!! That’s right; she can finish her 7 days of antibiotics in Midland! We are so thankful for this. I will still be staying with her in the hospital, but I will at least be able to see Jayna and any other healthy familiar face that wants to visit. Also, it will be nice to be close to Lena and the Clarke family again. Autumn should finish her antibiotics on the 12th and then be able to go home.

We praise God for His continued goodness and grace to us. We are very thankful that Autumn is line free! We are so glad to be able to come back to Midland. God knows exactly what we need ALL the time. He has been our sustainer and rock. He has heard our weary calls and answered all of them. He is ready and willing to hear yours as well. He is eager for a relationship with you, if you don’t have one already. Then, He will listen to you, answer you, encourage you and bless you. May God bless you all. Thank you for your continued love and encouragement.

Jen

She's Out...

Just got the call from Aaron....she's out of surgery!!!

Everything went great! She will be awake within a half hour and will head back upstairs to continue to heal.

Praise God!!!

She's In...

10:30 am - Autumn is in surgery - they said to expect a few hours at minimum. It takes longer to take them out than it did to put them in.