Saturday, March 03, 2007

32 hours & holding steady...


It has been 32 hours since Isaac came out of surgery & so far, he's holding steady. With each lab, his levels are showing to be coming down to their desired ranges nicely. His lactate has gone from 7.6 to 2.68 since yesterday which is awesome! His blood pressure has had some elevations from time to time, but the nurses have been able to successfully level it each time. Dr. Mill has called several times today on his day off to check on our boy & is pleased with his status at this point.

Thank you all for your prayers! It is evident that God's hand is on our sweet boy as he slowly progresses towards recovery. Yesterday, Dr. Valley said it was the smoothest Norwood/Sano Procedure he'd ever been a part of. Praise be to our God! We've been humbled by the overwhelming amount of prayer & encouragement we've received from so many across the globe - some whom we've never met, but in Christ we are family. How awesome it is to see the Body of Christ at work!

Closing Isaac's chest is the next big hurdle. Due to swelling from surgery, his ribcage is still open at this point & the heart exposed. Beginning Monday, Dr. Mill will start assessing when to close the chest, though there is no telling when this will actually be done due to swelling & blood pressure. Once his chest is closed & his levels stable, we can begin assessing his diaphragm. So several hurdles lay ahead.

Please pray for our boy, that his body continues to embrace the surgery. Pray for protection from infections & clotting. Pray for supernatural healing on his diaphragm. Pray for a clear report from genetics, indicating no defects or abnormalities. And pray for Jordan & I as we're here at UNC - that we would be a light to all who care for our son & who also stay at the Ronald McDonald house. Already, there are a few doctors & nurses who stop by our room in the PICU just to check up on Isaac & visit with us. God is using this situation to share hope with others...to Him be the glory! Let's continue to go before our Maker through this journey. He has great things in store. What a privledge to be a part of His plan!


Here are some pictures from the past week. Enjoy!




36 comments:

Anonymous said...

man, oh, man, we just love the 3 of you. we think of you all the time. haven't been by to visit cause i've got the boys getting over a cold. we'll be by as soon as all are healthy. give baby isaac a kiss from us.
<3 the figs

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update and the pictures. Please know that the prayers are going up and the blessings are coming down. Our connect group is lifting you up as well. Stay strong and encouraged. I will pray that the Lord will give you the words to speak as you share with others. I pray that all the test results will come back normal. God is in control, and His perfect will will be done.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update. We think we saw your Mother last night at C3, but couldn't get over to speak to her. We will continue to pray and praise God for all of you. Our God is a mighty God.

Duane & Kelli

Anonymous said...

Hey Leinos,

Pipes' here. Thanks for the update! God is good! Lots of prayers are being lifted up for Isaac. It's amazing to see the love and compassion demonstrated for this little boy. We'll give you a call later to see how you are doing. Don't worry about anything here. All's well on the homefront.

Blessings,

C, D, N & S

Anonymous said...

It says in scripture to pray without ceasing and that's what we are doing in our household. Thanks for the regular updates so our prayers and line up with what you need. May God be with you during this time.
Angela Jenkins

Anonymous said...

We have been praying & praising with you through these past "eventful" days in Isaac's life. To God be the glory for all He is doing, and for the way He strengthens and fortifies your beautiful family for each minute of each day. You are an inspiration to all of us. We love you, and so appreciate you taking the time to keep us informed and feeling connected with you. Nancy (for all the Singletons)

Anonymous said...

I MISS you guys and love you guys!. and i have got to say. you have had to of taken the BEST delivery pictures EVER. Man i dont even look that good normal. work it girl! lol
But anywayz, Isaac has been in prayers everyday. It's amazing to see how BIG God is and how little we are. I will continue on praying for healing!
Love, Christal!

Anonymous said...

Isaac,

I see you wherever you are in time. I see you as I created you to be. I watch your every movement. I move mountains so that you will be free to walk in the fullness I have for you, a life with ME at your core. Isaac, I want you to be an eagle so that My Holy Spirit will soar.

Blessings, Uncle Bob

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this journey, prayers are being lifted continually for all three of you. The pictures are wonderful, Isaac is such a sweet boy.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear such good news. Each day is a wonderful hurdle that has been overcome. I hope to only hear good news from here on out.

Just remember take care of yourself in the process too. I am glad you are able to be at the Ronald McDonald house, it is such a wonderful organization.

I responded earlier about being a heart mommy too. Lots of prayers and well wishes being said for your family and especially baby Isaac. Cheryl

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! You can FEEL the Holy Spirit surrounding you, Isaac, and extending out through our C3 family. Worship last night was especially wonderful, as many of us were praying for you guys specifically! While God is healing Issac, He has you two in a place where you can reach "real people, in a real world",witnessing to the other parents and staff that PRAYER works and helps all those who humble themselves before the Lord! I know you are both shining lights in many of their lives as they struggle with babies and children who are seriously ill. We continue to pray for healing, and peace for all of the children at UNC, but especially for Isaac! We love you! Keep the pics and updates coming!

Laurie Larry Jayme and Shannon Yaw

Anonymous said...

WOW, what a beautiful family. We are praying for your family. You are already wonderful parents and he is blessed to have you both. We miss listening to your beautiful voice on Sundays and we can not wait to meet your precious son. God loves you all.

Anonymous said...

It's good to see and read about Isaac's recovery and your continued faithfulness in the Lord. People are praying for you from all over, so continue to take comfort in just how much God remains in control.
Valerie Samuels (Matthews, NC)

hroddy said...

Hey Cousin! My dad has been updating me on a daily basis throughout this intense process. Know that we are sending lots of love from Seattle and praying for you on a daily basis! Lots and Lots of love lil mama! oh! and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
mmmmwwwwwaaaahhhhh!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Patience & Jordan,

Patience, your mother (and my dear friend) sure did give you the perfect name!I can't even imagine what you all are going through but I know that your faith is helping you each and every day. I love the pictures that you've posted! Isaac is the most precious, adorable, beautiful baby boy! He is just a chunky little bundle of love! We are praying for you and for continued good news for Isaac. Thank you so much for the daily updates! Stay strong and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers every single day!

With lots of love & hugs!
The Ulvilas
Liz, Larry, Trip & Cam

Crystal S said...

I think this blog is a good example to show non-believers and believers both that God DOES exist. You guys really know how to make it through and I am so proud of you for that. I truly believe that you have a great support system and I am glad to be a part of it. I love you guys and please come home soon so we can meet him!

Crystal

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the pictures!
Isn't it amazing what God can do?

You both are such great examples of faith!

We are keeping you in our prayers and telling all we know to pray for your family and especially for baby Isaac's healing.

Anything you need, please just let us know!

Anonymous said...

I'm still praying! :-)

and come on Pai! Only you could look that beautiful after giving birth!

love love!
_Katie Benitez

cceeyore said...

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

You guys are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are lifting you up in prayer every minute of the day. Running the race of perseverance has taken a new meaning for you guys, and you are winning that race. It's a tough race and we are all running it with you.

It's been said a hundred times through these comments, but please, let us know how we can help you!

Benjamin, Carlyn and Makayla

Anonymous said...

What a BEAUTIFUL family! the world is a better place with you two in it! God Bless! Issac's health and your health is in my prayers!
Nora

Anonymous said...

We are sp thrilled to see the photographs of the radiant parents and newbornbaby Issac. Several prayers are being offered each day for the judgement and skill of the medical team, and the willing body and spirit of your son in receving the healing touch of God and those surrounding him.
Love, Aunt Cora and family

Gregory E. "Rettaman" Johnson said...

Dear Patience and Jordan...

Thank you for sharing this journey of your lives (Issac's too!) with me, your family, friends, etc. I've read some of your posts, but haven't left a comment until now...with the exception of a comment a few months ago.

I can tell that children are indeed precious no matter what their age...even though as adults we (mainly me) sometimes forget, especially dealing with our own parents. I guess that I do need a good reminder every now and then...and reading about Issac has reminded me.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and your precious son. I know that God is watching out for all three of you and has a plan for you.

Also, Patience (what an appropriate name!), I saw your Mother today (Sunday, March 4th) at C3 while I was taking pictures outside at the road looking back at the church building. It was great to see her. I know that she's been a blessing.

Well, I need to go now. I'll be in contact with you again later. Hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,
Gregory <><

Anonymous said...

I just want to squeeze those PINK cheeks!!!! He looks GREAT!!!! You all con't to be in my prayers as well as all those who care for Isaac. God is GOOD, praise be to him! I feel in my heart of hearts that God has BIG plans for Isaac as evidenced by his growing testmony. Thank You and God Bless!!!

Rachel Wentling said...

Just a word of encouragement:
My name is Rachel Wentling, sister-in-law to be to Christie Johnson. I just wanted to let you all know that a group from Officer's of Christian Fellowship in Pensacola, FL is praying for Isaac, and you both as parents. We are glad to now know the details since we didn't have your blog address til yesterday. But the Lord hears our prayers, even when we don't know everything. We'll continue to keep little Isaac in our prayers. May the Lord continue to bless you and protect baby Isaac.

Anonymous said...

Hi Leino family,

Just want you to know that the 5:00 First Touch team are praying daily for you and Isaac...he is such a trooper! We pray for God to continue to heal him and comfort him supernaturally. God bless you as you place your faith in HIM. Your faith is truly an example to others. We love you!
Elizabeth Parsons

Unknown said...

Thanks for the photos of Isaac!
Baby Isaac,
Keep holding tight to the hand of The Savior, hold on with all your might! Jesus will calm the raging storms. You are strong & powerful and all of the love & prayers will continue to strengthen you everyday. We all love you, Lynn & Ronnie

Anonymous said...

Jordan, Patience & Isaac:
below is a prayer from one of my sisters in Christ, Evelyn, from Miami. i translated, but left the original in Spanish immediately following:

I decree in the name of Jesus, name above all names and at which the knees of any information of problems with Isaac’s heart will bow as a sign of submission to the authority of the Lord. I decree that each tongue of his diagnosis, will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord for the glory of God the Father. The Lord will do in Isaac’s heart, what His will & Lordship think it should do and we will give thanks, so that God’s will is fulfilled in baby Isaac. Visualize his heart working completely restored and healed.

Declaro en el nombre de Jesus que es el nombre sobre todo nombre en el cual las rodillas de cualquier informacion de problemas en el corazon de Isaac se doblan, en senal de sometimiento a la autoridad de el Senor, y cada una de las lenguas de ese diagnostico confiesan que Jesucristo es el Senor para Gloria de Dios Padre. El Senor hara en ese corazon lo que en Su Voluntad y Senorio crea que debe hacer y nosotros solo damos gracias, para que se cumpla la Voluntad de Dios en ese bebe. Visualicen su corazon trabajando completamente restaurado sano.

much love, thought & prayers out to you & your family......
<3 the figs

Anonymous said...

another quick update:
the student & children's ministries @ la palabra revelada in miami are also praying for baby isaac.

amazing, huh? God bringing His church together, from the four corners of the earth, agreeing on one thing: baby Isaac, jordan & patience. how beautiful is that?

i'm just in awe of how in control God is over every situation & has care for each detail in all of our lives. what a mighty God we have. no one can compare to Him.

<3 the figs......

Anonymous said...

We are so glad to hear he is making it through. He is such a beautiful baby boy! You remain in our prayers.

With love,

Hilary & Bryant

Anonymous said...

Praise God Pai!! The pictures are wonderful and the news is good! Continue to allow God to use your family's story to spread the WORD! Be sure to take care of your health through all of this as well, as Isaac needs you when he's allowed home!

Anonymous said...

Jesus, He can move the mountains. My God is Mighty to Save! We're still praying and expecting this mountain to be overcome!! Praise God for being so powerful! Thank you for keeping us all updated. We love all 3 of you dearly~

Anonymous said...

Still praising and praying.
Patience, you are the most beautiful new mama in the world!!! What love radiates from you.

Love you all, RKNBE

Anonymous said...

"God gives us expressions of how he loves us so. He gives us the flowers, especially A Rose. It is not free from obstacles, the thorns cut sharp and deep, but one look at its gentleness, you know your in God's keep. The petals open slowly to whisper of life's sweet call, the perfume of it's fragrance, the most precious gift of all. God sent his son, Jesus to loves us and to take of us our cares. God gave us all creation, the answer to our prayers. Thank you Lord for wearing a crown of thorns that cut sharp and deep. Thank you Lord for giving Patience and Jordan A Rose named Isaac to keep."

2Corinthians 2:14,15

Blessings

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I'm Margie Bennington's Mom (Margie is Corrine's friend),

I have "Isaac, Patience, Jordan" on a post-it note at my computer. I have been and will continue to pray for health, strength and encouragement for the 3 of you. Your website is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

we barely know you guys from church, but we are so encouraged by your story as we are expecting a little one. what a scary thing you have gone through, but thank the lord for his strength and guidance as you make decisions. we are praying for you guys daily. keep posting and we love the pictures. he is so pink and healthy looking.

Anonymous said...

Love you guys and I know the Lord has His hand on this situation! What an evident work of God! You are in my prayers and I pray blessings of joy and peace on you....Love,
Angela Carl