Ben's kindergarten class celebrated the Chinese New Year yesterday.
Enjoy the pics!!!!!
Ben's kindergarten class celebrated the Chinese New Year yesterday.
Enjoy the pics!!!!!
Jerard had a blood transfusion on Tuesday and it caused his hemoglobin to come up to 110 from 91. The doctors are pleased with anything over 100. They say that this will help him recover faster.
Jerard is on two strong anti-biotics and an anti-fungal medication to fight both kinds of infections that he has. We did notice a slight increase in his appetite yesterday which is a good sign.
If he can go 24 hours without spiking a fever then the doctors will be inclined to release him from the hospital. In the month that we had him, Jerard has always been running fevers on and off. It will be nice for him to get better.
Jerard's bowels still pain him greatly. The doctors say that this is because of the infections.
Your prayers are very much appreciated for Jerard's quick recovery.
Jerard is sleeping as I write this. His hemoglobin is low again so he needs another transfusion. Fortunately, when I went to the Red Cross to get the blood they had AB+ packed in stock -- no donor needed this time. That is a blessing since AB+ is rare here in the Philippines.
What they have determined so far is that Jerard has a urinary tract infection and a fungal infection. His bowels are distended by gas most likely due to the infections. This gas is very painful for him and this causes him to cry a lot and not sleep well. His appetite is still not very strong.
The plan is to let the medications run their course over the next day or two and see how he does. We pray that his appetite returns, that his bowel pains subsides, that his hemoglobin recover, and most of all, that all of these infections are healed.
Over the weekend Beth and I noticed that Jerard's appetite was significantly reduced. On Monday (today) Beth took him to see three doctors -- his pediatric pulmonologist and then his neurosurgeon who recommended that he see a pediatric infectious disease doctor. After that, all three concurred that a stay in the hospital was needed so today Jerald is back in the hospital.
I just came home from the hospital; Beth will spend the night there with Jerard and I will stay with the other kids at home. Jerard has an IV and is on a stronger anti-biotic. The thought is that there is a persistent infection that needs a strong anti-biotic to treat.
As always, your prayers are appreciated for our little Jerard. It seems that in his short little life he has had more hardship than many who are much older.
Just wanted to share some pics with you from other events happening around here!
A few weeks ago there was a talent show at school. Kirsten's 4th grade class performed as a praise band. Kirsten played keyboard. They played "Father, I adore You" with guitar, keyboard, bells, violins, recorder....it was very pretty music.
Kirsten continues to excel in her studies. She is a big help with the babies too.
Kirsten at keyboard
The 4th grade Praise Band
Kirsten and James having fun
Ben has started t-ball. He really enjoys sports!
He also really enjoys being a big brother. Kuya Ben! 'Kuya' is Cebuano for 'older brother'.
Ben, James, Kurt
Ben hitting a three-base run
Ben and James
Mikayla has been busy with her studies and helping out with babies at the house.
The middle school is getting ready to leave this Sunday to go to Taal, a volcano in Northern Philippines, for a week-long Outdoor Education program. The middle school does this every year. It is an out door ed and spiritual retreat week. Last year Mikayla went to Corrigador, a WW II site.
Mikayla is looking forward to the trip. Pray for her and the whole middle school group and sponsors to have a spiritually enriching time; a fun, educational time exploring the volcano; and a safe trip.
Mikayla and Ben helping with James and Jerard
A scene from Corrigador; last year's OE trip
Studying!
A scene from Corrigador; last year's OE trip
James and Jerard - Jerard is looking better