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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Another day with Jacob

Again and again we are humbled by God's gracious mercy toward us. God has been listening to all your prayers, and Jacob's life is the proof! We love Jacob so much and he is the most amazing child we have ever seen! Plus all the nurses think he is so cute! While spending time with him this evening, he opened up his eyes and looked right at me. I told him how much I love him and to keep on fighting! We have a new appreciation for the value of every single breath. We take for granted that which is such a struggle for Jacob.



Here's some pictures of him with some stuffed animals given to him by his family.

Here's a more technical/medical update...


Jacob has had his ups and downs in the NICU. One of the surgeons described him as "Livin on the Edge." That may become his theme song... He doesn't seem to like to be bothered, and all the necessary XRays, poking, and prodding that they do on him makes his numbers go down. However, once he can calm down, he seems to improve. The XRays showed today that his left lung is expanding well and they were able to see that his right lung is attached and they can see a small portion of it getting some oxygenation. This was good news! The doctors have been wanting him to stabilize on the ventilator before moving toward surgery. It looks like Friday or Saturday will be another BIG day for God to show Great Power through Jacob and the surgeons. Basically, the surgeons would move his liver into his abdomen, repair the hole in his diaphragm with a patch, and allow more space in his chest for his heart and lungs. This will also give the doctors a chance to see the amount of right lung that Jacob has. Many of the doctors that met with us prior to his birth said that Jacob would have to go on ECMO and so far, Jacob has not shown the need for ECMO. Another blessing and another way that God has responded! The doctors are saying that Jacob may still have to go on ECMO, either before or after surgery, but our prayer is that God/Jacob will continue to surprise them!!!


On another note...


Many of you have shown us great support through posting comments on the blog, sending an email, etc. But to my Cole Elementary family, I wanted to give a "shout out" to you! Every year in my class we learn how to fold paper cranes when we read the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. It is a Japanese tradition to make a wish and fold cranes in hopes of seeing your wish come true. Jeff and I heard that you all gathered together to pray for us on Monday, and that many of you wrote special prayers on origami paper and learned how to fold a paper crane from one of my students...which I am sure was daunting... Here's a picture of your prayers hanging over Jacob's bed in the NICU. Many of the nurses from other areas have come to Jacob's bed to see these paper cranes/prayers. You are such special people!


Thank you for the continued prayers and support. Keep them coming!!!

20 comments:

  1. You don't know me. I heard about you from my daughter-in-law.

    Jacob is a beautiful baby!

    Short story - Several years ago a friend of mine gave birth at Vandy prematurely. Her baby weighed 2 lb 2 oz and wasn't expected to live. He's a teenager now. I don't think you could get better medical care than what you have in Nashville and it sounds like Jacob has a mind of his own.

    Hang in there.

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  2. How incredibly cool! I love those paper cranes! Jacob is special and loved by so many and Jeff and Julie we love you too! You are awesome parents!

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  3. Mrs.Tuley thats amassing news ,I'm still crossing my fingers .. HE'S GONNA MAKE IT =D i know he is !!! and i agree with the lady under me you and jeff are awsome parents!

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  4. ohh i forgot one thing he is the cutest baby EVER!!

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  5. I just read about the last couple days. Congratulations! Jacob is beautiful! I am so happy that you have been able to share 2 days with your sweet little baby, such precious memories. Our prayers will continue that you are blessed with many more days with this sweet little boy. We love you guys--Cliff and Tali

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  6. (my previous comment disappeared)

    I am very happy to see that he has was given another day of life! It was touching to hear that you were able to look him in the eyes and tell him that you love him. I hope he has many more days ahead. My prayers are with your family and doctors.

    Theresa

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  7. As always, you are in our prayers. We will be praying for Jacob's safety and that the Lord work through these surgeons. Love you guys!!!

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  8. Jeff and Julie, We will say a special prayer at World Christian Broadcasting during our devotional today at 2:15 for Jacob, you both, and for the surgeons and nurses attending him . God is good, and He will see that you won't have more than you can bear! He is precious and so beautiful! Nancy Walker from WHFOG

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  9. Yu o don't know me, but Heather Hood is a friend of mine and passed your blog address along to our Sunday School class. Ever since reading your blog I have been in prayer for you and your family and have requested prayers from our family and friends too. The Lord is Good. Your story is so inspirational. Thank you for sharing it with us. Jacob is such a fighter! I am so proud of him! May the Lord continue to give you all strength and wisdom in the coming days.Please continue to keep us updated about Jacob's progress!
    ps-I used to teach Sadako to my 2nd graders too! :)

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  10. Congratulations on another beautiful day!

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  11. He is covered in prayers as you and Jeff are. Thankful for the good news. The cranes are very special!

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  12. I am still thinking of baby Jacob...all the time! Praying God gives him all he needs to fight through this! All that God has shown so far is truly a miracle! You definitely have a miracle child! You're both sooo strong, THANK YOU GOD!! May you continue to have many more days like this with your son! Continued prayers....

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  13. I am so glad to see Baby Jacob's continued progress...he is truly a blessing. Thank you for the strength and faith that you are showing to us all during this time. Jacob is lucky to have amazing parents! You are all in my prayers.

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  14. I found your blog through Laura Beth's and have been checking in on you regularly. I will be praying that Jacob continues to amaze everyone! He is precious.

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  15. I was SO happy to have the privileged to answer the phone in the church office yesterday! YAY support team Cole! YAY all the prayer warriors! BIG YAY to Jacob's Mom & Dad for your unwavering faith & trust in our awesome God, being inspirations to us all! BIGGEST YAY to the incredibly adorable baby Jacob the fighter who has touched the hearts of everyone who has heard his story, of his incredible parents and their love! Congratulations on another cherishing day!

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  16. It's so great to hear that Jacob is a true fighter. You all are in my prayers. I remember the days of sitting in the NICU with my son. Every moment is, in deed, precious. God is great!

    Denise Bratton

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  17. What a blessing each day is! Jacob is beautiful!!! We are so excited to see God's obvious presence with Jacob's miraculous strength and your ever enduring patience and love!!! Praise God and thank you for your openness. We know God hears the prayers and won't deny us when we all cry out together! We are crying out together for Jacob and will continue to do so!!!
    Jessica Cook

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  18. Your story has been amazing so far! We continue to be amazed at how precious little lives are, and we're praying for peace and rest for you all tonight as you await tomorrow's surgery. We'll eagerly await news!
    (I am a friend of Heather's, and we've all really been touched by your story.)

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  19. We are praying for Jacob right now as he is in surgery. Every time I read your updates, I am deeply moved by Jacob's story, your faith, and God's great love and the time he has given you with Jacob. I am praying for God's hand on the doctors and Jacob this morning.
    The origami swans are amazing and as a teacher, I know how special they must be to you.

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  20. Not a hour goes by that I do not think of Jacob you and Jeff. You are constantly in my prayers and I am so happy each week to speak with your father and hear his updates. The glow on his face is amazing the love he has for each of you and how proud he is of his grandbaby. Enjoy all you can momma were all pulling for you and take it easy.

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