6/12 update

We had another followup visit to the hematologist today and Carissa's platelet count has been basically unchanged for the last week. That is a huge step and we are very thankful for that. Her hemoglobin is down some and will be a concern if it does not level off or improve. The hematologist has compared numbers since the last rbc transfusion almost 3 weeks ago and set an appointment for us for next Friday to do another blood count and potentially a transfusion. Her hemoglobin is very important for her breathing to be able to improve because that is the blood component that carries the oxygen. Carissa's neotrophil count has also been in an acceptable range over the last week so we are very thankful for that as well.

Carissa seems to be doing very well at home. She has a great appetite and, as mentioned before, has more and longer awake periods now. Thankfully, Carissa travels better than either Colton or Luke did as an infant, which has made the trips back and forth from the doctor visits go pretty well considering how far we live from the Medical Center.

• Please thank God for Carissa's amazing and continued progress, especially her platelet count leveling off over the last week. We celebrate her eighth week with us today.
• Please pray that Carissa will continue to improve on her platelet count and that her hemoglobin will start trending the right direction.
• Please pray that Carissa's lungs and breathing will continue to develop and that she moves toward not needing oxygen support.
• Please pray that Carissa will continue to improve at home and that she will have no long term effects from any of the issues that she has dealt with before and after birth.
• Please pray that our Almighty God continue to receive praise for Carissa's healing and please take opportunities to give Him credit if you happen to tell Carissa's story.

Colton continues to improve after his 4-wheeler accident on Tuesday. He is still very sore but the abrasions are actually healing well and look much better for such a short period.

There have been times since April 8th when this all started with Pamela going from specialist to specialist and finally being checked into St. Luke's in the Medical Center that night that we have wondered where we would get the strength to just get done what we need to get done. How great is it that we have a savior that tells us in Matthew 11: 28-29 "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Thanks so much for praying for Carissa and please keep lifting her up in intercession.

Yours and His,

Terry