Ann Arbor

Okay, Aaron is working lots of hours these days, so I am attempting to teach myself how to do this. I will do this entry without pictures, and then try to do some entries with pictures later because we have lots to share. Jayna is sitting here helping me do this. Here is how our visit to Ann Arbor went on Friday:

They were very pleased with Autumn's lab work/levels. She seems to be maintaining healthy levels with her iron, potassium, phosphorus, bicarb, etc. They also were happy that she is still growing. She is in the 5th percentile for height and 10th for her weight. They have decided that she has inherited her mom's genetics for growth and just will be a smaller girl. As long as she continues on this curve we are good. They are going to watch her blood pressure, as it was high again. Also, they believe she has polyuria. This is the production of excessive urine, which is not surprising for her kidney issues. That is why her urine is so diluted and why she is getting up so often in the night...she is super thirsty. We just have to work hard at keeping her hydrated to help this situation. They are also rechecking her protein levels in her urine because they feel they didn't get a good test due to the dilution level. Other than that, we don't have to go back again until December, unless there is a problem that can't be fixed over the phone!!!! They will do an ultrasound at that time to see how her kidneys are functioning. I hope I have covered it all. Jayna has a closing comment, and then we'll see how this posts.

I love Sissy and I like to play with her and I love Mom and Dad.

Sisters Video

God's Promise

God has many promises in His word. After He flooded the earth and spared Noah and his family - he promised that he would never destroy the earth by way of water again. At that time he created a rainbow as a reminder to us of that promise. He has many other promises in His word - on that September day last fall when Autumn was born - we clung to many of His promises that day including:

• "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."



• "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

On my drive to Ann Arbor that early afternoon we were in the middle of a major rain storm with sun coming towards us from the west. As you can imagine - it formed a beautiful rainbow, but not just a rainbow - a full rainbow (I mean both sides stretching all the way down to the ground - reaching way up in the sky), but not just a full rainbow - a double full rainbow. Yep that is right - not just one but two. It was a great reminder, to us driving south in the Tahoe that day, of God's love and promises to us.

All of that brings me to a day a couple of weeks ago. Here are a couple of pictures of what we saw out our window that night:

Earlier that day we had received news that for the first time - Autumn had no protein in her urine. PTL - God is continuing to heal her (understand that she is on many medications to make these things happen, but we are still believing and praying that God will completely heal her kidneys) - here is a recent picture of our little miracle - does this look like a sick kid to you? Nope - us either. We thank God every day for her life and the way that He is working in her. She is a blessing to us and is loved tremendously by her big sister. I will try to get a video on later of these two sisters, but today I am thankful for God's promises. He also has promised eternal life to all who believe in His son. I can't wait!!

Love Is In The Air

Congratulations to Heather and Curt. In case you heard a rumor - there are no pictures of Jayna, Jen and I doing the 'Chicken Dance' or the 'Hokey Pokey' - but here are a few pictures of that day!!

Dirt Day

On the one year anniversary of Pops' homegoing we had a dirt day at Mom's house. We had a load of black dirt dropped off and worked in the dirt all day making a new butterfly garden for Mom. There were many friends and family who stopped by that day and we put most all of them to work!! It was a great day of celebrating Pops' legacy. At the end of the day we sat around the dinner table to some wonderful steaks that some great friends brought over and talked and laughed and rememered many of the things that Pops did and many of the things that Pops taught us. He left a big imprint on many people. He is still missed!! For now - enjoy these pictures of our 1st Dirt Day w/out Pops!!

Here We Are!!

Sorry about not posting in the last couple of weeks. Be looking for lots of updates in the next few posts!! Lots has been going on and we have stuff to share!!

From A Granddaughter's Heart

Me and Taylor loved to read with Grandpa. I loved him. I know that Grandma is sad. I want her to feel better.

jayna hess

autumn hess

aaron hess

jen hess