Baby Update - 77 days and Counting

I saw my OB yesterday afternoon and had my 1 hour glucose test done. W hen I get the results I will most likely just add them in the comments section. Since it was late afternoon, I had to take the kids with me. Fortunately everything went well and there were no problems with bringing them.

My doctor said everything is going great. The only note of concern she had (not really just something she mentioned) was that I'm measuring two weeks bigger than I should be. She already moved my due date a week earlier than the first date they gave me at the beginning of the pregnancy. One concern that I failed to mention (having the kids there kept me from thinking I guess) is that I'm having significant lower back pain almost constantly now. (77 days until the due date)

I've always suffered with lower back pain due to my scoliosis. However I've noticed that when I'm consistent with exercise I can usually manage my pain. When I'm not pregnant and I'm in a lot of pain I take 800 mg of Ibuprofen, use lots of heat, and wear my brace (none of which I can do now). Sometimes I have back pain that makes sense - when I make a bad decision thinking I can do something that I shouldn't do. Now, I think its from the extra weight that I'm carrying out in front. I'm in a lot of pain after sitting for a while or sleeping. The pregnancy belt I'm using offers minimal relief.

The doctor wants to see me again in two weeks and she said she will do a sonogram then because she wants to see how big the baby is. So pray that I can find ways to minimize the back pain.

On a positive note - I seem to be on the road to recovery from my sinus infection. I finished my antibiotic on Thursday and continue to flush using a Neti Pot - very odd and a bit gross, but quite helpful.

Quick Update

I haven't been on the computer too much lately for a couple reasons. This weekend we suffered some damage to our house and I've been very busy trying to get everything in order again. And for the past three days my allergies have been bothering me a great deal. I couldn't even sleep last night due to the congestion and pain, so I ended up going to the doctor's today. I found out that I have a sinus infection - antibiotics are flowing through my system. Hopefully they will help kick the illness quickly because I have so much to do and my house is in a shambles now because of the other problems. Please keep our family in your prayers. Thanks!

Pregnancy Update

I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and the visit went really well. My doctor's main concern was that my blood pressure is high whenever I come to the office. Interestingly enough when my blood pressure is taken away from the doctor's office its always fine. He said that if someone looked at my blood pressure record he'd have to explain why I wasn't on medication for high blood pressure. I assured him that my blood pressure is elevated because I'm rushing around trying to motivate my family to get to an appointment when they'd rather be sleeping. So from now on I'm going to go to my doctor's appointments alone and it will be better for the whole family. Getting myself out the door in time for an appointment is no big deal. The doctor asked the nurse to take a second blood pressure reading after my appointment and the results were perfect. He ordered a panel of tests for blood pressure issues which I completed at the lab yesterday and every single test came out within the normal range.

He still wants me to rest as much as possible and to say out of direct heat and sunlight. He also wants me to drink lots of water (I'm the Queen of Water Drinking) which is no problem at all. My gym membership is on hold until next January per doctor's orders. He said I could go to the pool as long as I went after the heat of the day and as long as I drank water even if I didn't feel thirsty because people often dehydrate while at the pool - again not a problem.

My sonogram is scheduled for July 16th and they will do a thorough check on the baby and the placenta. So I feel that my appointment was terrific news! Thank you all for your concern and prayers - keep them coming :)

Update from Ethiopia Work and Witness Team

I received two updates today from one of the team members who is part of the Work and Witness Team.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Update from Ethiopia

All,

We arrived in Jimma last night, after a gruling drive from Addis Ababa. The team we have here is incredible! There's no other words to describe their attitudes. They've been through a lot these past few days, long flights, long drives, and a new culture... but throughout all of this each member has had a servants heart. I'm so proud of everyone of them!

We had our first workday today. The school that we're working on for the first part of the trip is needs the last few rows of bricks put around the top and some work on the roof. Once we complete this project we will move on to the widow's home.

Prayer needs:
Driving to and from the worksite
Opportunity to share/witness
The team's stamina working in the heat
Safety on the worksite
Our leaders, David Argabright & Jeff Jackson

Thanks for all of your prayers!
Jason

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Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Update

Hello everyone! First and foremost, thank you for all of your prayers. We have definitely felt the Lord's presence on out trip. Tonight's "after dinner" meeting was awesome. God was with us in a very special way. Each of our team members are experiencing growth in their own way! We spent our second day on the worksite working on the school and playing with children. Our team is a true picture of the body of Christ. Each of us have a special role on the team. Some of us are builders, some of us are evangelist (playing with the children and talking with the adults), but the entire team has been acting as a servant.

Please continue to pray for us!
Jason

Pictures of Daniel

Daniel's mom Laura is staying with Daniel during his time in the hospital and his dad visits frequently. Here are some pictures of Daniel from February 3. Mark said that Daniel ate and drank yesterday, but he didn't open his eyes much....and went right back to sleep. Please continue to pray for him as he continues his recovery.


A Father's Love - Daniel and his dad

Daniel Resting with his Bear


Daniel and his family appreciate you, your prayers, and your love!

Daniel is out of Surgery

Dr. Yaun with Laura immediately following the surgery.



Dr. Yaun checking Daniel's incision after surgery in ICU with Laura.



Thank you to each and everyone of you who have been praying for Daniel today. I just spoke with his brother and he said that Daniel just got out of surgery 20-30 minutes ago and is in recovery. His parents haven't been able to see him yet. Please continue to pray for Mark and Laura and Daniel and the whole family.

Daniel resting peacefully.

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Update from our Pastor's wife:
Robin,

Pastor and I went to the hospital and were able to be with Mark and Laura while Daniel had his operation and according to his Doctor everything is going well and they are pleased. Daniel was still very groggy when we left but was resting peacefully. He was holding on to Laura's hand tightly so we think he was somewhat awake but just couldn't quite open his eyes. Mark and Laura thank everyone for their prayers, and they are still welcomed.

Mary