Resting and waiting on 12/22/11

Hi friends,
Jude spent most of the day resting and trying to recover from the traumatic events of the last two days. We spent most of our time touching and talking to him today. We are trusting the Lord's plan for Jude. He is God's child and we are giving him completely our loving Father.

Here are a few quick updates on Jude:

- We are still waiting on the official ID of the type of infection that is plaguing Jude's little body with sepsis. We know that there is an infection in his system but we must wait around 48 hours for the cultures to "grow" so that the infection can be properly identified. Once it is identified the pharmacist will create a special antibiotic to more directly treat his infection. Currently, Jude is receiving a broad range of antibiotics to attempt to "kill off" the infection even before it is identified. Please pray that the broad range antibiotics are effective as soon as possible and that the culture will begin to give an indication of the type of infection soon as well.

- An ultrasound of Jude's belly indicated that there is little or no fluid remaining within his abdominal cavity after his surgery. Praise the Lord! Please continue to pray for his abdomen, it remains quite swollen from the trauma of his surgery. Please pray that that he will become less swollen very soon. He seems so uncomfortable and it simply breaks our hearts.

-Additionally, Jude's lungs are now "whited out" again. Meaning his lungs are not functioning very much at all. It is believed that they are "whited out" because of all the pressure from the fluid that was once in his abdominal cavity and from all the extra fluid and puffiness that remains from the trauma he endured. Pray that the pressure will be lifted and that his lungs will perk up and start working again. Before the fluid build up his lungs were working quite well and getting good volumes.

- Despite all of this tough news we were encouraged by how much better Jude looked today in comparison to yesterday. He still looks terribly ill and weary. Pray that his body will continue to mend and that he will continue to rest his tiny little body as much as possible. It is killing us to watch our little guy struggle and endure such traumatic procedures. He is such a trooper and it is our prayer that he feels the presence of the Lord with him at all times.

- Please continue to pray that Jude will be well enough to come off of ECMO soon and that he will be given an opportunity to have his repair surgery completed. We'd really like for him to have an opportunity to try both of these. Please continue to ask the Lord to provide a way for Jude to get healthy enough to take these steps. We know that these steps may be days/weeks away, but we'd truly appreciate you praying for these opportunities now.

Thank you for your encouragement, support and prayers. Each gesture is felt and lifts us up. The Lord continues to carry us each day.
- Rose

    I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
        incline your ear to me; hear my words.
    Wondrously show your steadfast love,
        O Savior of those who seek refuge
        from their adversaries at your right hand.
  
(Psalm 17:6-7 ESV)