Update and Pics

During rounds last night they said that these two are "doing as well as expected". They have no major health issues at this time and are doing wonderful. Their bilirubin counts are a bit high, which is normal and are under lights. Other than that they are wonderful. Enjoy more pics.

Yet More Pics - Black and White

Grandparents First Visit

Introducing Joleigh Faith and Jeremiah Wayne

THEY ARE HERE

They are here. NICU. Jeremiah Wayne 2lb 10oz and Joleigh Faith 1lb 15 1/2oz. Thanks for your prayers.

Update

Update: Doc just in. She doesn't seemed too concerned over what has been going on. She said "thats why you are here". We know we are here for a reason. God is good and we are in the right place. Than you all for your prayers.

Latest Update

Update: Contractions have slowed down again without the second dose of meds. Pain has decreased and timing is sporadic, not many contractions at all. Thanks for your prayers.

Update

No real time to write a whole update so here are my facebook postes for the last few hours:

9 Hrs Ago: We could really use some prayer right now. Jen has started contracting again. They are doing monitoring as we speak and just gave her a shot of medicine to stop the progression. I will update when I know more. For now, keep the prayers coming.

8 Hrs Ago: Update: Monitoring is over. Contractions are fewer and farer between. They are also not as painful. Keep praying but know they are working.

Now: Update: Contractions back again this morning and a little worse pain than last night. Back at 6 min intervals. Jen was given a dose of meds to stop them, same as last night. They will monitor over the next 15 minutes and then if not better give another dose of meds. Will update as I know. Please continue prayers.

Please be Praying!

-Jace

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are thankful for God and all that he has provided over this past year. We are thankful for our families, our church family, and our friends. We are thankful for the gracious outpouring of help and support in the last month. Right now especially we are thankful for the docs and nurses and techs and everyone that has a hand in keeping our turkeys in their oven. We are thankful for Carle and everyone here. We could go on and on but one last one, we are thankful for all the people that had to work today at Cracker Barrel and provided our Thanksgiving Day meal.

Here are some pictures:

Jace slaved all day!

So here is the breakdown from top to bottow, clockwise:

Stuffing, sweet potatoes, greenbeans, ham, cranberry sauce, turkey, pumpking-pecan pie, biscuits, hashbrown casserole, and mac and cheese.
One very happy Momma to be. One happy Daddy too!
Daddy after Dinner Jace thinks he should be on bed rest!
We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We definely are enjoying our day. Parade, football, meal, and nap. Enjoy your family and have a great rest of your holiday.

-Jace and Jen

Overdue Update

So this post might be a little long and involved buts it’s been a while since the whole happy happenings have been reported. Try to stay with me here. No doubt side tracks will occur because days and nights are running into each other. Where to start?

How about with yesterday as it marked week 27. WEEK 27…can you guys believe it? One week away from 28, the original milestone. 4 weeks ago we didn’t think we’d still be a family of 2 but rather a full fledge family of 4. Which brings me to another point, you might have noticed I said “original milestone” above. Why? Well Doc advised that he sees no reason why Jen cannot stay stable and unchanged through week 32. Contractions are rare these days, dilation is stalled, and babies are growing so week 32 here we come.

Along with that new 32 week goal Jens other Doc mentioned the possibility of being able to be released after that goal is met if no changes happen between now and then. The limiting factor is the 2 hr drive between home and Carle. We will cross that bridge when the times come as for now we just take it day by day.

Let’s see, what else. Well, we got another sonogram done yesterday. Turns out the babies are already acting like me, active, shy, and stubborn. 30 minute monitoring at 2pm has been turning into marathon struggles lasting upwards of 3 hours to get 5-10 good minutes of heart beats. Since they are having trouble monitoring them they did another sono yesterday just to verify all is ok. Don’t worry, all is ok. In fact I am pretty sure I saw Girl J smile on camera like they are in cahoots and playing jokes on us. We even got to see them practice breathing on the sonogram. Pretty cool stuff.

We had fewer visitors over the weekend which lent itself nicely to a lazy Saturday full on napping and movie marathon watching. Norm and Cinda came Sunday and brought yummy pumpkin bars and Hickory River BBQ.

That’s about all for the update portion of this post. Now for the PSA:
Thanks to all who have offered to bring us Thanksgiving dinner. We are continued to be overwhelmed by everyone’s gracious and giving hearts. We got it taken care of. Jen and I will be spending Thanksgiving together with wonderful takeout from Cracker Barrel and enjoying each others company, being thankful for everyone and everything that has happened in the past year. People continue to ask what they can do to make our holiday better. Here is what you can do…enjoy your family. Sit around the table, the tv, the church, and the backyard and just be together. Through complications our life has simplified and let us focus on what’s really important. Enjoy what’s really important this holiday season. OK, I will step off my box now.

Oh, and if you are wondering why no “View from the 11th Floor” pics lately? It’s dark when I rise and dark when I return back so it would just be a black square so I will spare you. Have a great Tuesday…which reminds me it’s been 1 month here at Carle. Time flies when you’re having fun.

-Jace

View From the 11th Floor

Today's view show a couple interesting buildings off in the distance. Not sure what either of them are but they are prominent in the scenery out our easterly window.

Below Jen just wanted to show everyone her favorite thing...READING.

Here she is about to finish book number 15.

Hardback, softcover, electronic...she doesn't discriminate.


Jen had a few contractions during monitoring both last night and again this morning. While nobody is alarmed, as they went away with bathroom relief or adjusting sides, we'd just rather not having in so specific prayer for that would be wonderful. All in all we are gearing up for another blessed Sunday. I hope your is too!

-Jace

View From the 11th Floor

Since no real updates are streaming in I will be sharing randomness from here. This is the view from Jens room. It over looks a park. Enjoy!

Oh and someone wanted to say Hi! Figured after almost four weeks of exile you might be forgetting what she looks like. Here she is, in her bed. She has become a nurse favorite around here because of her good attitude and friendly face. We are getting settled.

Hope you enjoyed the pics. Also, only update from this week besides new weights...is well...a new wait! Doc says no reason why she cant stay right like this until week 32. That means 32 is finally the new 28! Everyone have a blessed day!

-Jace

Babies Update

Sonogram was today. Our daughter now weighs in at 1lb 12oz and our son at 2lbs 2oz. Jens cervix is the same and dilation remains the same. All praises!

-Jace

Week 26 Mark

I realize these updates are coming few and far between but that is because everything is steady. Nothing has happened in the last two weeks. When the doc does rounds the conversation turns towards changing leaves, cinema, and cafeteria rather that contractions, complications, and cause for concern.

Since I cannot update you on what’s not been going on I will give a few updates on what has:

• We were visited by many family, church family, and friends during the latter part of last week and extending through the weekend. Always helps pass the time with people that care about you and people you care about.
• I was able to complete two whole pages in the Disney Princess coloring book, though my green Prince Eric did not pass Jen’s inspection.
• At last count Jen had read 12 books in these three weeks and was on 13 when I left this morning. Read count will probably be 13 and well on its way to 14 by the time I get back.
• Every nurse and doctor comments on the numerous cards, notes, pictures, and flowers that adorn Jens windowsill, cubbies, and cabinets. One even said coming into her room was the highlight of her day. Thanks to all that have sent things. Your caring thoughts are appreciated and won’t be forgotten.

Today marks week 26. Two more and we are breathing a little easier but the more the merrier when it comes to days in the cooker. When we were admitted at week 23 we thought no way we’d see 24 or 25 let alone 26…now we cannot wait to mark 27+ off the calendar. God is marvelous and has a plan. Its been interesting watching that plan unfold. Thanks again to everyone who has prayed, is praying, and will continue to prayer. Your prayers, thoughts, and kindness are well received and highly appreciated.

-Jace

Update

Just realized I posted request and no report. Jen passed her GTT and is no longer considered at risk for diabetic. She can eat whatever she wants now and can order of the normal menu. The sonogram was cancelled because the docs new the babies were healthy, as they montitor them once a day, and they know her cervix is already gone. That means the sonogram would show them nothing they didn't already know so it was cancelled. All praises.

-Jace

Prayers Today

Asking again for specific prayers for today:

• Please pray for the babies today as they do a sonograom to check their size. Praying for bigger, stronger, healthier babies. Also prayer for no progression in regards to Jen's dilation during the sonogram.
• Please pray for Jen also as she has a GTT (glucose tolerence test). Its a test where she doesn't get to eat for a while then has to drink this less than good tasting liquid. Then they test to see what her glucose reading is. If its low she risks going back on the diabetic diet. Lets pray that doesn't happen.
• Pray for Buffy Brooks as she is at Mayo right now preparing for surgery.

You all have been great and God is hearing and acting upong your prayers. Keep them coming.

-Jace

Update

Doc has reinstated regular bathroom and shower privileges. While that doesn't seem like big news to many, its a huge thing to her. Hooooraay!

-Jace

News, or lack there of, From Carle

So it’s been like three days since I have posted last. Reasoning? Nothing blog worthy has taken pace to be honest and as we all know, that is a GREAT thing.

So let’s see, weekend review…Sunday morning I snuck out of the hospital and headed south, first stopping at my parentals house and then on to church. After church the Mulveys twisted my arm so I had no choice but to enjoy Mexican cuisine and good conversation. It was tough for sure. Between loads of laundry I was able to go shoot some family pictures of the Shulls (Thanks Susan and Alissa for letting me capture your family).

Enough about me, this blog is about Jen. Sunday she was visited by her parents and its always a joy for her to see them. Visiting also was her cousin Heather and her friend Mo. She really enjoyed their company. Neither Sunday nor Monday was a contraction to be had. Doc was happy with the progression of the no progression. Everything looks great with both momma and babies.

Two notes of news from Monday. First, it marked 25 weeks gestation! Wooooo Hooooo! Second, and the lighlight of her week indeed, was the fact that the nurse and tech went above and beyond and borrowed a gadget from another floor in the hospital that would allow them to wash her hair while in bed. I don’t know how it worked. All I know is they used real shampoo, real water, and worked her head over good. She said afterwards that the tech was her new best friend, move over Tucker.

Thanks again for everyone to stopped me at church and asked how Jen was doing. I appreciate your genuine concern. Thanks for everyone that has sent things. Your general generosity has been overwhelming at times but exactly what we needed when we needed it. God is good. We have settled in nicely at Carle and you all are a big part of making it comfy for us. Please keep the prayers coming, as we know without a doubt they continue to work.

-Jace

Just Another Day

Another day at the Car Le Hotel is nearly in the books. As far as health goes, another boring, no change day, which is exactly what we want. The day nurse even commented during bed-side report that "nothing changed...and that's how we like it" when telling the night nurse an update.

As far as the overall day goes, it was a great day. We hosted several family members and other speical guests to our "apartment" today. Aunt Patti and cousin Alicia graced us this morning. Auntie M and cousin Heather this afternoon. Jen's Mimi and Poppa came as well (Larry and Lora Short). Mixed in there Martha Allison visited and after dinner Ricky Jo Champ popped in. All our visitors today made it a great day. It's good to see familiar faces. We appreciate your conversation, your genuine concern, and your gracious gifts (especially the blizzards Auntie M, pretzels Aunt P, and Jelly Beans Martha).

Since all is good on the health front, I can fill everyone in on the great food of the day. Two blocks down I consumed giant breaded shrimp and fried okra for lunch from Windy City (a chicago eatery). Ok, I will admit the name probably has a different meaning after you eat there (Isn't everyone glad they visited today and not tomorrow?). Get that previous joke yet? Don't worry, you will. For supper I treated Jen to Old Chicago Pizza....mmm.....good.

In summary, another great day filled with no progression, great family and friend visitors, and rest and relaxation. Tomorrow more visitors for Jen and I will be traveling south to Newton for church, photography, and laundry. Thanks again for all who continue to pray for me and my growing family.

- Jace

Update...er....Continuance!

I know everyone comes here checking for updates. I would be amiss to not include one today and let everyone down so here goes. The update is more of a continuance instead of an update because after all an update concludes a change and there has been no change the last two days. Still no contractions. Still no more dilation. Still no babies born. All three stills are great news.

God is continuing to answer our and your prayers. The power of prayer in our case has been overwhelming and encouraging to us and I hope to you all as well. So for the rest of this entry I would like to ask you bless others like you have blessed us with your prayers. Pray for Buffy Brooks as she gears up for surgery to remove a tumor and cancer from her body. Pray for Tim Andrews as he battles and prepares to be put on the transplant list. Pray for Sara Benton and she continues to be a model of hope and encouragement to all as she battles cancer as well. Don’t get me wrong, we still need your prayers but so do these wonderful people and all the others I have failed to mention. God will do anything as long as we ask for it. We ask for it through prayer.

We appreciate your prayers, concerns, and help during this time of trial. As always check back for updates or continuances as the case may be. Hope you all have a great Friday!

-Jace

Refreshed

When this is the biggest news of the day you know its a good day! Jen was able to take a "bed bath" today and got to wash her hair. Thats a small victory just feeling refreshed.

I was able to go back to work today and have to admit it was a nice change for me. We also got good news on meds as after her 72 hr of one meds end tonight at 6pm there are alternative meds she can be put on that do the same sort of thing, which is a praise.

All is good and things are calm. Another good day in the neighborhood. Thanks again for all the continued prayers.

-Jace

Praise Report!

Jen had another sonogram around 1pm and the result.........is it fair to keep you waiting?...........ready yet............ok well, meds have worked and she is dilated at 1.7....which is reversed from what it was just two days ago (2-3). The meds have relaxed her and all is good. So good in fact we are moved back to the 11th floor....which means visitors once again can grace us. Also means catheter can be removed. Still on 100% bed rest but less machines and monitors hooked up.

In summary, God is good and more time has been granted. The longer we wait, the longer they cook, the better off we all will be. Thank you for your continued prayer. As you can see they are getting answered.

-Jace

Overnight Success

Actually it started around 4pm yesterday. Well, actuallier than that, it STOPPED around 4pm yesterday. What did? Contractions. Jen has had little no to no contractions each hour since 4pm yesterday afternoon. Praise God. Last night was calmer than the previous and Jen got some much needed rest, sleeping from 9pm until 6am with minimail waking. She was doing so great she was able to be taken off her mag sulfate IV and eat dinner, first meal since lunch on Monday.

This morning she feels physically and mentally restored, ready to take on whatever comes again. Thank you to each one of you for your prayers. We know God has his hand on this. Specific prayer needs for today: continued stall in contractions, no further dilation, and continued comfort.

On the schedule for today: Another ultrasound and continued meds.

Again, thank you to each of you. We are humbled by the out pouring from our family, our church, our JC Community, and used-to-be-strangers (as we know no strangers now, just friends). Keep the prayers coming!

-Jace

Update

I promised updates through out the day. Take it as a good sign that none ever came. The meds are doing their job medicating, Jen is doing her job laying, and you are doing your job praying.

Keep up the good work!

-Jace

Update: Long/Good Night

I want to personally thank all our prayer warriors that diligently prayed last night and continue today. The meds that Jen was put on successfully regulated her contractions and the doctor is happy with her status. Though she is still contracting they have slowed down and because they were controlled with low dosage she will be able to extend the medicine intake another day (normally the meds can only be taken for two days).

Jen is resting now, as the meds are designed to relax her entire body. Still no visitors but texts and messages of encouragement are always welcome. God has a plan and this is a part of it.

As always, check for continuous updates through out the day. Thanks again for your continued prayers.

-Jace

Update: Prayers Needed

Just wanted to let everyone know that Jen had an ultrasound at about 1pm today (Monday Nov 1) and the results showed little to no cervix and dilation around 2 - 3 cm. This was not the news we were hoping to hear.

She is once again a resident of floor # 10 and now is on 100% bed rest complete with an IV and catheter. She is on stronger meds to stop progression and is back on 24 hr monitoring. Health wise she is fine and babies are still fine. Problem is labor symptoms started back up and we are trying to stunt them yet again.

With a return to the 10th floor there is also a no visitor policy. I will let everyone know when they are able to visit again. For now all we can do is pray. God is good and this again is part of His plan.

-Jace