The Retest Results

The results came in today. My blood was perfectly fine, but McCabe's still showed high levels of the enzyme. So tomorrow we are to report to the Doctor and then the hospital pathology lab to get McCabe's blood drawn and collect urine for more specific tests.

They are testing for 3-MCC, or 3-Methlycrotonyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase Deficiency , a metabolic disease that can cause muscle atrophy, liver failure, and insult to the mitochondria. Amazingly, some people don't ever show signs of the disease. It sounds ver scary to us and we are trying to be patient and prayerful as we await the next round of tests.

It would be ideal if he didn't have it obviously, but we know that either way God is good, that he can use all things for the good of those who love him, and that he is, in my opinion, in the best possible family he could be in because we love him so much.

Psalm 143:1-2 says that the Lord prepares our hands for war and our fingers for battle. Basically, that means the Lord has and will continue to prepare us for whatever obstacles that life brings. I know that the Lord will prepare us for the news and preapre us for the treatment process, should that be the case.

Please join us in praying how we have been ... 'Lord if possible, please take this cup from Macabe. Lord, we ask the he would be totally healthy and free from any disease or manifestation of symptions for the rest of his life ... but... NOT OUR WILL, BUT YOURS BE DONE." We are very challenged by Jesus' prayer in Gethsamane, recorded in Matthew 26. He pleads with the Lord 3 times to not have to be beaten and nailed to the cross. He is honest in pleading that, but WILLING to do whatever neccessary, whatever the Lord asked him to do. If Jesus wouldn't have been hung on the cross, my very sins would not be attoned for and I would be going to hell. So obviously, much good came from a very grueling, trying, lonely, and desperate time in Jesus' life. Jesus didn't want to suffer, but suffering was neccessary for a great outcome ... the opportunity for salvation to all who accept his grace. Jesus was living for a purpose greater than himself and was in complete submission to God. We too want to beg for good health for McCabe, but we also desire to be in complete submission to the Lords plan for our family.

Scary Phone Call

Last night I receive a phone call from McCabe's doctor that his newborn screen had shown some elevated levels of an enzyme called c5-OH. We were asked to go get a retest this morning to either confirm the results or to tell us that it was nothing. It is genetic, whatever it may be, so I got tested as well.

Last night, after the call, I looked on the internet, as did Luke, and we were struck with much emotion and great fear. The internet, though a blessing at times, gave us reason for great concern because of how it spoke of metabolic diseases. We spent some time in bed seeking the lord and praying over McCabe and asking for wisdom to the doctors and that we would be prepared for the results.

This morning, we had an exceptional nurse named Deborah. She was informative and so kind.

So now we wait for the results. Please pray with us.

Warming Up to Each Other

Leighton is starting to really warm up to McCabe. He tries to give him a pacifier, he tries to hold him, and likes to touch his head and face. It is so cute!

Pool Time in the Humidity

It has been hot and humid in iowa these last few days in June. Luke took Leighton SWIMMING in the front yard.

Leighton didn't like it at first ...

Then he slowly got in with much skepticism ...
And eventually he enjoyed it as he splashed around, learned how to say Duck and played with the water toys!

Meanwhile Luke got more and more comfortable in the cool water ...

McCabe lounged on Grandma Ludemann's lap in the shade!

And I took pictures and watched my family in awe! I am so blessed to have them. My boys are so amazing (the little ones and my husband).

We enjoyed the week of help with my mom. It might be hard to get out swimming too much without an extra set of hands.

Leighton Meets McCabe

Leighton came to the hospital tonight to meet his brother. He did okay! I think he was a little confused and didn't like that I was in bed.

Being a big brother, though hard at first, will produce in Leighton such amazing qualities like love, the ability to put others first (share), and the blessing of being united in friendship! Hopefully these qualities don't take too long to produce!

Happy Birthday McCabe Brooks

Happy Birthday McCabe Brooks.

He was 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 inches long. He was born at 1:46 in the afternoon. We are so filled with JOY! Well Luke and I are filled with joy, Leighton isn't so sure what to think about it all.

Contractions started at 9 in the morning, we came to the hospital at 10:45. I was dialated to a 6 at 11:30, a 7 at 12:30 and was ready to push by 1:30. It was a quick labor and I only pushed about 5 times but it was still painful, so saying the words quick and only doesn't really sit well with me! It was well worth it and we consider McCabe quit a blessing!

First Bath!

Psalm 139:13-18

"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand."

Big Boy Bed

Leighton slept in his new toddler bed for the first time today for a nap. He did a great job. The bed was from Leighton's great grandma Beatrice. I also got to make the bedding while learning how to sew. Now I will have to keep an eye out for a sewing machine.