We arrived back in SC this morning safe and mostly sound.  To say that the flight was a challenge is putting it mildly.  The flight was pretty turbulent most of the way, but I was distracted from my discomfort by Noah’s extreme distress.  He didn’t fall asleep this time and was hysterical because he was sitting just feet away from me and reaching out frantically for me, but I couldn’t pick him up.  At some points he was so upset that he started literally pulling out his hair.  Finally the flight crew decided to unplug him from all of the equipment for a bit so I could hold him and settle him.  He was peaceful as long as I could hold him and even fell asleep.  But when it came time to return him a few minutes later he woke up terribly upset again.  So we were hurling and bouncing along about a bazillion miles or so up in the sky while Noah was choking and sobbing, when a flight nurse noticed a puddle on the floor.  Would you believe that Noah’s j-tube had apparently caught on some of the other medical equipment and come out??!!  There is a larger tube that is still in place in his tummy and is holding the “hole” open, but the j part of the tube that was threaded through the larger tube in his stomach and then into his intestines had come right out.  His stomach contents were emptying all over everything, but they clamped the tube off with a hemostat until we could get him into the hospital.  Right now we are just leaving that tube where it is as a placeholder until we can decide what to do.  I was honestly too stunned to even be upset and have to trust that God obviously has a better plan for Noah than the tube we worked so hard to have put in.

Once we got settled in the room the children and Jeff came up, and I am so thankful for our wonderful visit.  I am thankful for an afternoon spent:

1.  Losing a game of air hockey to 7 year old David and having the time of my life doing it.

2.  Cuddling up and reading to David, 4 yo Sarah, and 8 yo Timothy.

3.  Watching Noah having fun with his siblings.

4.  Zillions of hugs and kisses.

5.  Sitting around talking to Hannah.

6.  Chatting and laughing with 10 yo Matthew and 12 yo William as they played pool with Jeff and each other (and trying not to laugh TOO much when the little boys got in on the game!)

7.  Sitting on the couch with my head on Jeff’s shoulder just watching all of our happy children.

8. Eating dinner together in the cafeteria.

Baby Noah is tired and fussy (who can blame him?!) so I need to wrap this up.  We should have more of a plan tomorrow and are just shooting for SLEEP tonight!  Feel free to come see us in room 6514 (6^th floor) as we have missed all of our visitors!

Love,

Kate

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Posted by Joy Kinard

Kate, I am so thankful that you all arrived back safely, and were able to visit with your family tonight. Sweet dreams to you and Noah.

Joy

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Posted by DonnaC

Haven't replied to every post, but have been reading. {{{hugs}}}} I hope there was something the Lord had in mind for your trip up north. Rejoicing with you that you all got to be a family together again. Continuing prayers for wisdom and discernment for the doctors for Noah's care, as well as his healing from the Lord.
In Him,
Donna C
http;//donnac.com

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Posted by Anonymous

Dear Kate,

I am so sorry to hear things have been so difficult! I'm praying that the doctors there will have some good ideas about how to help your little guy - and I'm praying that you are able to sleep tonight! May you feel the Lord's presence in a special way.

Deanna

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Posted by DandelionSeeds

Thank you again for the wonderful reminder of sitting and watching the children...

Please take pictures again soon and share with us.
Praying...

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Posted by ruby from ky

Kate, i am so glad to hear you and noah made it back safely and that you got to spend some time with your family. i pray the doctors find some way to help noah soon. god bless you and your family. ruby

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Posted by Kathleen

Am keeping you in prayer, sorry this is short, my mother is hospitalized and I too thank our Lord for such wonderful hospitals. *U* K

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Posted by Anonymous

So glad that you had a nice day with your family. We pray for you all several times throughout the day. Our God is so gracious.

I went back to the beginning of your blog and read every post, so now I have a better understanding. Thank you for your faithful blogging. God has united all of us here through it, and He surely is glorified in all that you write.

Praying for a peaceful night of rest, and strength for tomorrow.

Marti

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Posted by tami www.xanga.com/a_godly_homemaker

OH KATE! I AM SO STUNNED AT THE WAY THINGS WENT TOO. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS DAILY BUT OH HOW I WISH THIS WAS OVER! THAT POOR BABY. IF I LIVED NEAR YOU I'D BE THERE TO HOLD THAT BABY ALONGSIDE YA!

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Posted by Debbie in NNY (SHS)

Oh, Kate...nothing has gone too smoothly for you all!

Glad you are back on your home turf and the family has had some time together.

Continued prayers.

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Posted by Anonymous

I am new to reading your blogs.One of my friends asked me to take a look. And as I read I began to just cry..You have such strong faith..You and your whole family is in my prayers And I know that Jesus will touch him and Heal Noah of everything. You are such a beautiful family.

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Posted by Anonymous

Thank you for bringing them home!!!
Please heal Noah!! Find someone who can - we know they are out there!
Thank you for a sweet homecoming for the Estes family!!!

Hugs and Blessings from the Kiessling family from Fresno, California

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Posted by Patty

So happy you made it home. I hope things progress more towards a conclusion for you. Praise the Lord for everything so far.

God bless and many prayers,
Patty and family

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Posted by Anonymous

Keeping you guys in prayer continually & especially baby Noah. Praying for an easement in the stress and pain especially and for a healing answer soon!

*gentle hugs*

Susan in Va

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