First let me say that Hannah was wonderfully surprised by the arrival of her friend Pip at the hospital last week! They had a fantastic weekend and made lots of special memories - we were all sad to see Pip go on Tuesday and are already hoping for another visit sometime. Hannah had a great birthday on the 4th. I just really can't believe that my little girl (who is taller than me!) is already 16!!
While things went beautifully on the fun and friends front over the last few days, I'm sad to say that things haven't been going too well on the Noah front. In spite of his VERY aggressive treatment schedule, he just isn't feeling any better. The infection appears to be improving, and his labs look fine, but HE doesn't look fine. Something just isn't right. He had a follow-up with family practice on Monday, and the doctor was prepared to send him back to the hospital if we said the word, but I didn't feel that he was **quite** sick enough to warrant being admitted. His nurse saw him Tuesday and was also concerned. She called our amazing infectious disease doctor who ordered extra labs. The labs were fine, but she called today and wants us in Greenville first thing tomorrow morning to see her.
I truly don't anticipate that she will want to admit Noah. I do hope that she will have an idea what is going on with him. He looks and acts anemic - very pale, very tired. He is starting to get those horrid red circles around his eyes - not much, but definitely red/purple under his eyes when he really is feeling yucky. He has been running a non-stop low grade fever of 100.2 - 100.5. He runs a full degree low, so this is enough of a temp to make us take notice. His heart rate is elevated, possibly from the fever.
We're getting glimpses and flashes of "our Noah," but mostly we are seeing a little boy who is too tired or weak or something to even play, or who keeps telling us he is scared (and we don't know why), or who is whiny and clingy. I want so much for this to be something we can FIX. I want a way to get Noah back for more than a few minutes at a time. He's been fighting this infection for almost a month now, and it is so clearly taking a toll on him. Please pray for wisdom and discernment. I don't know what the doctor can do . . . if his labs are normal, how do we know what to treat or how to treat it? Maybe he just needs the tincture of time.
The children have seemed more worried than usual. I'm finding myself frequently dealing with little ones who have bigger questions than I can answer, and bigger worries than I can fix. He's been in the hospital so much lately, and even the youngest children can see that he doesn't look or act "right." A couple of them just about fell apart when we told them we were taking Noah to the doctor tomorrow. They all want to know if Noah will have to go into the hospital, and we can't give them the definitive answer they crave - I just keep telling them that I really truly don't think so. If he had a higher fever, or if his labs were off, he would already be in the hospital. He seems just sick enough to worry us all a bit, but still stable enough to stay home. I guess tomorrow will tell . . .
All I can do for the children is pray with them and point them to the Lord. I keep reminding them that God loves Noah more than we do, and that He is working mightily on Noah's behalf. It's hard for me to see them hurting and confused, and I have to tell myself all of the things I keep telling them.
Hannah and I are big fans of the band Tenth Avenue North, and she got their new CD as a birthday gift. We've been playing it in the kitchen a lot as we are in there working together, and one of the songs has REALLY blessed me over the past few days. I couldn't find a great video for it, but at least this one has the lyrics so you can follow the words. I hope it blesses you.
On a brighter note, we've gotten some really amazing care packages lately. I have to admit, even as an adult I always get a little flutter in my stomach when I see the mail truck coming. Even though we seldom got anything but bills LOL, I could never stop hoping each day that there would be a surprise of some sort - a letter, a special coupon, etc. It's a joke between Jeff and I that I always hope for something great in the mail! Well, now that Noah has been getting so much Zebra Mail, it feels like Christmas every day! I KNOW that I get as excited as he does when he gets mail (yep, my needs are simple LOL), and when package comes for all of us I just about turn inside out. I've got a list on the other computer (no more mixups!!!!) and want to post some "thank you's" on the blog. I'll try to do it tomorrow when I post about our doctor's visit.
Thank you for your prayers, comments, Zebra Mail :-), and love. You sustain us.
Dearest Kate,
You are such a GOOD mommy! You can do no better than poing them to their compassionate, loving heavenly Father (and I'm sure Jeff is a good reflection of Him).
We will pray. And as ususal, that those who care for Noan and ALL of you will have wisdom, skill, insight and ability beyond their natural mode.
Funny that you mention Zebra mail... I was looking through library books for a baby sweater pattern to make for an expentant friend and came across a zebra stripped blanket! I naturally thought of Noah and was tempted to check it out and make it up... but I don't have the time right at the moment, so my prayers are sent your way instead!
Blessings!
JRA in CO
I'm sorry to hear that Noah is still not feeling the best. I pray the doctor will be able to give you some definitive answers tomorrow and give him something that will "fix" it. Not knowing is worse than knowing, in my opinion. I pray for your other children to feel comfort and peace about Noah right now. This shows how loving your home must be. :)
May He continue to bless and keep you in the palm of His hand.
Heavenly Father, I ask now that you would consume the Estes home in your peace. That each and everyone residing there would be instantly at peace in the midst of this seemingly brewing storm. I pray that your healing had would cover Noah and make him whole. I ask for wisdom on the parts of the Doctors, Nurses and Kate and Jeff. Open the human eyes to see what you see and know what to do with it. I thank you in advance for your comfort and your loving arms that you wrap Kate and Jeff & all their kids in. I praise you for Noah and the blessing he is to the Estes family and to all of us. I praise you because you are in control and above all others are God and wise and know best. I praise you because you are you. Thank you for always caring and listening and answering all our prayers on both big and little things. In your son Jesus' precious name. Amen
I too love 10th Avenue North, I saw them in concert in Seattle a few months ago and have like them ever since. They minister to my soul also.
Praying for Noah, that he will take a huge turn for the good tomorrow. Also praying for your entire family, I to know the anxiety that my children feel anytime I talk about having to take Luke to the Hospital, it is a horrible feeling. May the peace of God rest upon you and your entire family.
The song touched my life this morning. If read your blogs and pray for your family and Noah. I am amazed at how the Lord sustains you through it all. His grace is all sufficient.
Still praying, Kate. Hopefully, you will get some answers with the visit tomorrow. Prayers going up for wisdom and discernment for each and every medical professional involved in Noah's care, for the rest of your sweet babies, for Noah, of course, and for you, Mom. I can't imagine what your emotions go through on a daily basis. You are one of the strongest women I know, Kate. Keep on leaning on God. I'll be waiting for the next update. :)
Praying here ! I am so Happy your DD had such a Great time for her birthday..... she deserves it ! Hoping all goes well at the Doctor and that you get the answers you need. Many Blessings, Jessica
Maybe I'll get to see you Saturday morning!? Ben's birthday is Friday and a couple of little boys want to come with me. :) I'm glad I have a 12 year old that wants to hang with me and go to the box sale, I'm sure I'll look back at this one day and long for the simpler times! HA! :)
Someone GAVE Ben a brand new motor scooter recently. The tire design was....lets say foreign....and the guy couldn't get it to work so he just gave it to Ben since he knew Tom and Ben have been working to get a repair business going. So they worked with it and finally got it fixed. Today he and the boy I babysit have been in the front yard on it all morning!
Tomorrow they are having a paintball birthday party here. We have 2.5 acres so I'm sure it will be multicolored after 4 boys finish playing paintball.
I have a picture to get to you for "the wall" :) but I just haven't been to get any pictures printed lately. There are some specials running at Walgreens and Snapfish right now so hopefully I'll get some done this week.
Glad the weekend went well with Hannah and Pip. I think I'd have spent the weekend crying....16!
Kate,
we are praying for your fears to be relieved, we are praying that you are not living on the edge every moment. and of course we are praying for sweet "baby" Noah, I know :) I know no longer a baby!!
anyway, could you please put a list somewhere of the things your family likes, movies that you dont have, games you like to play and dont have, books you like to read, etc. what kind of pizza you like, that sort of thing. and that would be for all of you , not just the kids :) it would be fun to send something that you dont already have.
Kate, is is amazing how so many people are falling in love with your family and learning how to trust Jesus more because of you sharing your family with us.
May God bless you and give you the desires of your heart!!
love, Joyce & Kermit in Virginia
joyce.yonts@fcps.edu
Beloved Kate, the questions of our children do overwhelm us which leaves lots of room for the Holy Spirit to work. :) Stay strong and keep sowing the seeds of Truth. Abba Father is holding each one of you in His arms under the shadow of His wings.
Know that I am praying, praying, praying that you will get the answers you need & that Noah will be feeling much better soon. Since Noah can actually look pretty good & be very ill, the fact that he looks ill must be very concerning. May God bless all of you & give you His peace today!
I am so sorry to read that Noah is feeling unstable; I'm praying for his quick rebound back into more secure grounds regarding his health and happiness and I dearly hope he doesn't have to go in. Whatever happens, God is holding Noah and He has everything planned perfectly according to His divine will; keep telling yourself that and let His peace surround your soul.
May God put His arms around you,
~Pip
Hi Kate,
I was wondering if you could use some diaper coupons or any other specific coupons. They sure come in handy! Let me know if any of the above is neeeded.
Kate, we are dealing with something similar- an infection we are treating aggressively, good labs, and one sick kid... STILL. Very frustrating.
Just to let you know- after overwhelming demand, I finally just reposted your link about how to make the broviac wrap on my blog. seriously- you have a business in the making if you want!
for discernment and peace! And for knowledge for the drs. - for someone "light" to just come on and just say ~ "Ah Ha - this might work for Noah - let's try this!"
So glad to hear that the party went super! Happy 16th - Hannah!
As for the kids - they are getting older and wiser - they are going to ask more questions! All you can do is keep doin' what you both are doin' - answer them the best way that you know how. And if you don't know the answer - pray for it and see if you can find it ! Or just tell them that you do not know! Only the Lord knows!!!
I am done rambling - and am off to a sewing project!
(((HUGS))) & Prayers & Blessings from the Kiessling family from Fresno, California <><
I'm glad that Hannah had a great surprising birthday :-D !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I'm sorry that Noah's not getting any better :-( ! I hope he gets to feeling better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm gonna be praying right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take a look at our sometimes crazy but always blessed life as we homeschool our eight children, run a homeschool business, and serve God as He leads us. You can also follow our baby Noah as he struggles with some serious health issues - we covet your prayers for him.
If you're led to send a financial gift for Noah or our family and wish to use Paypal, you can do so by clicking this Paypal Donate button. Feel free to indicate how you want your gift used. We will honor your request.
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Jul. 9, 2009 - Untitled Comment
You are such a GOOD mommy! You can do no better than poing them to their compassionate, loving heavenly Father (and I'm sure Jeff is a good reflection of Him).
We will pray. And as ususal, that those who care for Noan and ALL of you will have wisdom, skill, insight and ability beyond their natural mode.
Love
Monique