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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Catching Up...

It has been a couple of days since Jeff and I have updated. Not like we've been busy or anything... :)
Jacob has had his ups and downs in the NICU, but when we arrived today his numbers were excellent! His swelling has gone down because of the lasix they had given him and his oxygen support level is down to 56%, which is lower than we've ever been. The nurse was telling us that he is completely off one of the blood pressure medications, and almost off the other. These are all really good things! As Jeff says though, we better "Strap in" because we are on the roller coaster ride of the NICU and when there are ups, usually there are downs too. As long as we are trending in an upward direction, we will continue to have hope.
The surgeons have been a little stumped at the response of Jacob's liver during the first surgery. They told Jeff that they are going to meet on Wednesday to discuss our case and see what plans they can come up with. Most of the surgeons have never had a liver respond the way Jacob's did during surgery.
Here's a couple of pictures of our beautiful baby boy as we wait on the Lord for our next steps.
Mr. Lion is peeking out at Jacob and giving him some Lion strength! He's teaching him to be fierce and strong.

Jeff helping the nurse move Jacob's head so he is not always laying on the same side.

The yellow earmuffs are helping Jacob since he is so sensitive to sounds...aren't they cute.

Mom getting a lesson on how to take Jacob's temperature. How fun!

Here are some of the things we can be specifically praying for:


1) When the surgeons meet on Wednesday, that they will come up with a plan to repair Jacob for his next surgery, and that God will put that plan in their minds.

2) That Jacob continues to grow stronger, not weaker, while we wait for our next surgery.
3) When surgery takes place, that his liver will respond more positively to being placed in the abdomen and that Jacob can be on the path to recovery instead of waiting for the next steps...
4) After surgery, that Jacob's right lung will expand and work efficiently, as if it was developed in there all along and just needed space to inflate.
Jeff and I want to take a second to thank so many of you that have come by to visit us, sent cards, responded to the blog, given food for our family, and those that continue to pray fervently for our beautiful son. We can't tell you enough how much it means to us to have such wonderful support. Your support is seen by many of the staff here, and many of them have commented to us about the faith of those that are standing behind us and that Jacob is evidence of God working. Through your prayers, God is allowing Jacob to be a light to the world around him. Praise God!

28 comments:

  1. Jeff & Julie~
    I think about you every day! Stay strong and keep loving that sweet baby for us. Thank you for keeping your blog up to date for us. God Bless you all!

    Julie Nichols Vinton

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  2. We are always praying for you guys. Thanks for giving us some specific things to pray about. We love you very much!!!

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  3. Thank you our loving and compassionate Jesus. Jacob truly is fearfully and wonderfully made! What a precious miracle he is, your darling baby son. Stay strong Jeff and Julie and continue to draw on the strength of our Lord. The pictures so touch our hearts, thank you for sharing each one with us. We continue to pray and believe God for answers to every need. GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS! HE IS ABLE! God bless you all.
    Love, Uncle Steve and Aunt Vicki

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  4. I had no idea about all this until it was mentioned at church on Sunday. Please know that you are in my prayers and that I will be following Jacob's progress through your blog.
    Blessings on you all!

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  5. Pleas know you guys are in our prayers. We love you all.

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  6. Was so glad to see your update!! Please, know that you are and will continue to be in our prayers Jacob is just beautiful!!!! Thank you for sharing your little light with us all.
    God bless you all!

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  7. thanks for sharing the specific prayer requests. jacob is absolutely precious!

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  8. I've never met you, but we go to church with the Thornton's. I just wanted to let you know we're praying our hearts out for you and your precious little boy. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

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  9. We continue to pray for you both and for your preceious little Jacob. Thank you for giving us specific prayer requests. May God grant you peace and strength.

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  10. Thank you sooooo much for the update...we've been hanging by our toenails! Holding our breath! You get the point! Chris and I have been praying and praying and praying for that sweet little guy. And will continue to do so!

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  11. So glad for the good news...we will keep praying for all that you have mentioned and for your sweet spirits to continue to be upheld and uplifted. What a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful little boy...we know you are so proud! The Aikens

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  12. Jeff & Julie,
    We are continuing to pray for Jacob! Our children (ages 6, 4, & 2) know him by name and pray for him too! We will especially be praying hard for the doctors and staff tomorrow as God reveals to them a plan for Jacob's surgery!
    Rob & Jessica Cook (Woodmont)

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  13. Jeff and Julie,
    Thank-you so much for the update, and for giving us a direction for our prayers. Mom and Breezy and I are have all of you at the top of our prayer list. We love you all.....
    ~Hugs~ Marie

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  14. What a handsome boy!! He already has an admirerer. My four year old little girl prays for Jacob at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He is in all our prayers.

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  15. We're glad to know of the specific prayers that we can be lifting up for Jacob (and for you guys, too!) I am so glad that he is getting stronger! Sweet strong boy!

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  16. Jacob is just beautiful! I know you guys are head over heals in love...it is the best! :)

    Thank you for letting us know very specific ways to pray.

    Your blog always leads me to pray and it leads me to worship. How Great is our God.

    You're thought of and prayed for around the clock.

    Without ceasing,
    Suzanne

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  17. As you already know, our Lord is hearing every petition for Jacob from each of His children. I know He is storing each of those in His heart because of His complete and true love for Jacob ... something that we just can't understand. We are here with you standing in the gap for your son.

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  18. Thank you so much for taking the time to update us! Your updates and specific prayer requests have allowed each of us to actively take part in Jacob's journey. It has been a privilege and honor to pray for your family during this time of need. We have also been given an opportunity to do as we are suppose to do by fulfilling the law of Christ. For in Galatians 6:2 we read, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Bless you Julie, Jeff & Jacob! Our endless prayers and love are sent your way. We love you!
    Lynette & Tom

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  19. Julie and Jeff,

    Our prayers are with you today as you meet with the surgeons today. We pray that God has shown them His plan in how to care for sweet Jacob.

    Lots of Love!

    Cliff and Tali

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  20. My Dear Julie and Jeff,

    Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures of little Jacob. He is so precious. I just wanted you to know that we have been praying and will continue on his behalf. We know God has him wrapped up in His tender loving care and has provided a wonderful medical staff for him. Continue to TRUST in the Lord and His perfect peace.

    Love ya,
    Prince Brown

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  21. I just found your blog and have been reading Jacob's story. As a sister in Christ I will be praying for complete healing for Jacob's body. May God bless you and your family during this time. God is so good...Jacob is a miracle.
    Blessings, Rhea Anne Wyatt

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  22. Jeff, Julie and Jacob,
    Everyone here at Sonoma Avenue is fervently in prayer for Jacob's progress. We have already rejoiced in his birth and hope to hear of his positive progress. We just want you all to know that we are here watching, waiting and praying.

    Sonoma Avenue Church of Christ Family

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  23. We are praying for Jacob. I check your blog everyday now and I admire your strength so much. He is a very strong little boy.

    May God Bless your family and Jacob.

    Theresa Luciano

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  24. Jeff & Julie, I don't know if you remember me. I'm a friend of Julie's mother and I helped out at your wedding reception. I've been praying for you both and for Jacob. Just found out about your blog. He's beautiful!

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  25. My husband and I continue to pray for baby Jacob. We know God is powerful and have faith that He will heal your precious baby. I check you blog several times a day. Thanks for taking the time to share.

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  26. We will pray for your specific requests! He is beautiful!

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  27. Thinking of you everyday. I will pray just as you request.

    Samantha Harris
    (Ryan Thornton's sister)

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  28. Jeff and Julie - We are praying for you guys. You don't know me, but my wife and I delivered twin boys several weeks ago at Baptist Hospital, right down the road, who are in the NICU. Jacob is precious, and sounds like such a fighter, similar to one of our little guys, Adam! Please know that we will be praying and keeping up with his progress.

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