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Concerning Isaiah

A lot has been going on with Isaiah. We have been trying to get everything we could figured out before sharing any of it. There was so much we just didn’t know- and some we may never know. Anyway here is an update on our son Isaiah:

First we know that he is a precious gift to us from the LORD. God has given him into our hand in such a way that we can be assured he is ours and we are his Mom and Dad. The funny thing is that the initial agreement we signed in this adoption was to become his guardians. In Texas, it takes six months to finalize an adoption. Our agreement allows for us to give the twins back in any time during the first six months or for the adoption agency to take them back any time in the first six months. Isn’t this a sad commentary on the low value that our society places on children and families? Isaiah is NOT a pair of pants to be returned to Wal-Mart when we discover he doesn’t “fit” or when we find a flaw in the fabric. Isaiah is our son and we praise God for allowing us to be a part of this little man’s life. It is our great privilege to steward him on God’s behalf, to watch him grow, to watch him laugh, to watch him fall down and get back up, yes even to share the love of his true Father who sent Christ to die for us and for Isaiah. We have now been parents for over 31 years, and still we cherish every day and look forward to what God has planned for Isaiah.

Second, we knew almost from the day we became his parents, that he had a short optic nerve. As it turns out both his optic nerves are short, but the right much more so than the left. This condition is called optic nerve hyperplasia. We were told that it could mean that he might have limited vision, or possibly cause him to be blind. Yet this did not change our love for him or our determination to be his parents. As he grew we knew he had vision in both eyes- which is very good and a relief for Betty and I. As time passed, we did begin to notice his right eye crossed a lot. Some of our other kids have had this problem. We took him to see a pediatric optimoligist we have used for years. She agreed with his previous diagnosis. She examined his eyes and told us Isaiah’s vision is very good in both eyes- nothing she would correct at this point, perhaps a bit near sighted though. Then she began what has been for us a several week investigation into neurophysiology. She explained in many cases of optic nerve hyperplasia there is also something wrong behind the optic nerve; she wanted us to have an MRI of Isaiah’s brain. This was a bit unsettling, but we know that God had given us Isaiah and he would empower us for anything that might lie ahead. There is a very unpleasant syndrome that is associated with optic nerve hyperplasia where portions of the brain do not fully develop. The areas of concern were: where the two optic nerves cross, the connection between the two halves of his brain and the outer covering of the brain. The MRI has shown that all of these physiological possibilities are not a problem with Isaiah. This rules out any problems with his brain.

The second area commonly affected with optic nerve hyperplasia is the pituitary gland. This gland is essentially the control center of the body, producing many essential hormones. The next step after the MRI was for us to get Isaiah to see a pediatric endocrinologist. This was normally to take 2-4 moths to get an appointment. After seeing the MRI, the endocrinologist worked us in the following Monday. In all of this God has given us an incredible peace to go along with the deep love He gave us for Isaiah. We knew something was up to get an appointment that fast. The diagnosis is that Isaiah’s pituitary gland is a bit smaller than it should be. This is NOT something that he will grow out of. We are still awaiting the results of several blood tests to tell us if the pituitary is keeping up with the hormone production Isaiah needs. The endocrinologist was GREAT. He explained all the symptoms and warning signs we should be looking for should the pituitary be failing to keep up. Isaiah will have blood drawn and visit the endocrinologist every 4 months for the first two years and then once or twice a year probably for the rest of his life. We will go more often when and if his pituitary isn’t keeping up. The doctor was very encouraged with his physical examination of Isaiah. His impression pending blood tests is that everything is working as it should right now. This can change at any time as he grows. His growing body may at some point exceed the ability of his pituitary gland to keep up. At this point we just don’t know if that will happen, and quite honestly it doesn’t matter to us. God had allowed us the amazing opportunity to be Isaiah’s parents, as I have said we have amazing peace with all of this and know in our love for our son and God’s great love for all three of us, we have great joy.

There are many hormones produced by the pituitary. We think, should there be hormonal shortcomings, that he will be able to make up the difference with hormone therapy. Most people have wanted to know what problems might develop. Therefore, we want to share the possibilities as we currently understand them (we still have a lot to learn). Growth hormones may not be produced in sufficient quantities. Hormones that regulate sodium, potassium, and other critical mineral absorption may fall too low. Hormones that regulate sexual maturation (physiology) may fall too low. Hormones that regulate his body’s stress response can fall too low- this hormone is the one that triggers his body to fight off infections and disease. At this point everything appears to be normal and we will be watching out for the warning signs of change.

There is nothing in this that you should be sorry about or worry over. Isaiah is fearfully and wonderfully made according God’s perfect plan for his life and ours. His bright smile touches the hearts of everyone he meets. We know that God chose us to be Isaiah’s parents, and he is a blessing to us beyond measure. We often in Christian circles talk about being prolife. But do we mean that we are prolife or do we just mean that we are anti abortion. Betty and I are unashamedly prolife. To us this means far more than opposing abortion. It means placing value on every human life that God creates. God does not create junk or accidents. We believe there is value in the elderly, value in the unborn, value in the orphans and widows, yes even value in a tiny seven month old boy named Isaiah with an under developed pituitary gland. All have value and are a significant part of God’s plan for His people and His creation. Because there was infinite value in a tiny babe in a manger, we have a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father who creates each of us with value and purpose. Isaiah has great purpose and Betty and I hope we will be faithful stewards of him on behalf of the LORD. God knew Isaiah when he was knit together in his mother’s womb and has created him according to the perfect blueprint He drew up for Isaiah Samuel. We live in a fallen world that would encourage us to take Isaiah back to the adoption agency. The world around us would say that we should not be burdened with these potential medical problems. The world would say it’s not your problem. We are so glad that the Spirit of God who dwells within us, assures us that we are not of this world, it is this Spirit that allows us to shout “thank you LORD for blessing us with Isaiah, for allowing us the privilege of being his Mom and Dad.”

Jim and Betty

August, 12, 2010

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over. It has gone by way to fast and we did not get those things done we had planned this year but we have done quite a few better things. Makenzie and Isaiah continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Makenzie is now 12lbs13oz and Isaiah is 10lbs 11oz. They are doing great. Both are starting to be very interactive. They will coo and laugh at you when you talk to them.

Isaiah had his surgery and did wonderfully. He is fully recovered. The doc and the hospital were both excellent.

What have we done this summer? We spent alot of time bonding with babies, went to the CHI adoption reunion in St. Louis and went to Daytona Beach with my parents. The boys played some baseball and the girls did a dance camp. We did sneak in a few swimming trips as well.I think we are actually ready for fall and cooler weather. Maybe even more school although we never really quit for the summer. The beauty of homeschool!

Settling Into a Routine

It has been several weeks since we updated all of you on how things are going. Sorry for not being active on the blog- I think it has something to do with all the middle of the night feedings! When we get Makenzie and Isaiah down for the night, Betty and I have started to make a mad dash for our pillows. I'm not the spring chicken I once was! :-) We always wanted to have twins, just weren't planning on it in our 50s! All kidding aside we do consider it all joy. When we were young, we thought getting up to babies was such a burden. I can honestly say this time it is not a burden at all, just 100 percent JOY (feeling joy and feeling sleepy are compatible feelings- just for the record). We have prayed for a baby every since God quit allowing us to conceive. He has answered our prayers with TWO babies, how could every moment not be a joy? We keep saying to ourselves, there are two of them and two of us, how hard can it be? Those of you who can remember the old Dunkin Doughnut commercials may remember the one where the doughnut man met himself at the door- one of him was coming home and he was also on his way out the door to make the doughnuts. We had a few of those moments early on, when we though we were meeting ourselves coming and going, ahhh but when you are holding a sweet baby in your arms......

We have now settled into a bit of a routine, most nights Makenzie sleeps 6-7 hours has a bottle and then sleeps another 2 or 3 hours. Isaiah usually gets up one time more per night than his sister. The schedule is very manageable now. Thanks for your prayers. Thanks also to our daughters Brianne and Kaitlyn- they are an incredible help. If 4 hands are better than 2, how much better are 8 hands! Josh even helps when we need him too.

It has been such an encouragement to watch our biological kids and adopted Colombian kids receive the twins with such joy and enthusiasm. Many have asked us how the Colombian kids were handling it as we only adopted them about a year and a half ago. Amazingly well - they love the babies to pieces. They do not feel threatened or in any way jealous.

Since we have been home with Makenzie and Isaiah we have been notified that our dossier that is in Colombia for two girls was approved! This approval came the first time through- no follow up questions from ICBF. Very unexpected, but we had to put the dossier on hold for 1 year based on ICBF requirements. Please pray that God would give us discernment for what to do about this when the decision time comes. We desire above all else to be faithful to Him.

We will be having a consult with a pediatric surgeon this week on Wednesday. Isaiah needs to have hernia surgery. One surgeon has told us it is the 2nd largest one he has ever seen. So there is some sense of urgency to get it taken care of. Those of you who have ever had you children out under anesthesia know what an unsettling thing this will be. We trust God and at the same time covet all of your prayers. We have been told that around 50% of all preemie boys need this surgery.

The 4th picture is our puppy Oreo. We got her late last winter- not expecting babies in the spring! Timing is everything don't you think?

God bless each of you.

Jim and Betty

Pictures

Everyone is doing great! Just wanted to post a few pictures. We will try to update you soon.

Home

Sorry - this post is a bit slow! We returned home on Tuesday. Our approval to leave Texas with both Isaiah and Makenzie came through around 1000 am and we headed for home. We arrived safely back at home around 1:45 am Wed. Long trip, but it is so good to be home. Thanks for all your prayers. Babies and the whole family are well.

God is great.

Jim and Betty

Still Waiting

Kids with Uncle Frank and Aunt Molly

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy as we continue to wait for approval to come home. our state asked for 5 additional items on Isaiah which were provided today. Hopefully we will finally get the OK to come home tomorrow. Please continue to pray.

Jim and Betty

A Bit of a Delay

Just a short note to let all of you know we did not get the final approval to leave today. our state has asked for some additional information. We don't know what they want, but hope to resolve this on Monday. Please pray for this to be resolved quickly so we can get these babies home. All is well with us here other than being anxious to get home.

Jim and Betty

Half Way There

First, let me thank each one of you who have been praying for us. Today God answered our prayers by smoothing out the wrinkles in our interstate transfer request for Makenzie. We thought last Friday the whole paper trail might have to start over again- in answer to your prayer and ours, God has accomplished it all through a series of phone calls today. By mid afternoon, we had approval for the request to take Makenzie home. To God be the glory and credit for bringing this about. We praise Him for it. We have also been told that all the right people are watching for the request for Isaiah and will immediately keep it moving. We are told that everyone along the way thinks we will have his approval by Friday or Monday at the latest. That puts us back home on either Saturday or Monday. We are so grateful that we are able to leave with both Makenzie and Isaiah at the same time.

I want to especially praise God tonight for my brother Frank and his amazing wife Molly. They have been putting us up here in San Antonio. They have treated us like royalty and have blessed us in more ways than we will be able to express or repay. I know scripture says there is a friend who is closer than a brother, but I am so grateful for a big brother who is like no other. He always looked out for me when we were boys and continues to do so today. THANKS to my big brother Frankie!

Please continue to pray for continued speed in the process and God's speed and safety for the journey home.

Jim

Together at Last

We were finally able to bring everyone together today. We discharged Isaiah from the hospital today at around 12:30. It was such a relief to get him in our arms to stay. As we received our shower of blessings for which we had prayed, San Antonio received so much rain we were experiencing flash floods all morning. All this rain did nothing to dampen our spirits- God has given us the desire of our hearts and blessed us with these two beautiful babies.

When we got back to my brothers house, we had the most unexpected experience. Makenzie's entire continence changed once she heard her brother cry out the first time. Up to this time we had not seen her smile yet. I know it sounds difficult to believe, but she has smiled almost constantly since we brought Isaiah home. She now has the same peaceful expressions on her face as we had come to expect from our 8 biological babies. She has also visibly calmed down and is more relaxed and sleeping better. Every time we lay them down next to one and other she flails her arms around until she touches him- then she just lays still with her arm on him. This is the most amazing response we have ever seen in with babies. Very touching and heart warming.

We do covet your prayers tonight. We figured out late today that there is a mix up somewhere with our paper work. Our state for some reason, thinks this is a foster arrangement rather than an adoption. Everyone involved will begin on Monday to straighten this mess out. Isaiah's paperwork should begin processing on Monday also. We covet your prayers for God to intervene and give wisdom for this to be resolved quickly. We have people advocating for us in our state and TX, and trust that God will work all this out together for good according to His perfect will.

Here are our "reunion" pictures.

God Bless.

Jim and Betty

Three Things in Texas We Decided not to Adopt

I know many of you thought we were here to adopt a set of twins, but while were are waiting on the legal system to approve us to leave the state we thought we would, in true Texas pioneer spirit, scout around to see if there were any other adoption opportunities for us in the Lone Star State. Our roaming around led us to some truly unique spots in the old west where we firmed up in our mind that we found the perfect fit for our family in Isaiah and Makenzie. So they are the only ones (or things) we plan to bring home. The pictures above represent the the things we have unquestionably rule out for adoption now or in the future. They are from top to bottom; an Emu, an Ostrich, and a Zebra. Once we told the Zebra, he took it so hard he tried to take a bite out of our dash board. None the less, we stood out ground and left him in our dust as we drove off into the sunset. Happy trails to you......

On a more serious note, we had a great day. Betty and I spent a couple of hours in the morning with Isaiah. We got to feed him for the first time. What a great eater- not finicky like his sister. While we we visiting we got to spend an hour just visiting on a personal level with the twins pediatrician from their time in the hospital. What an amazing man. He told us both kids are doing great and they do expect Isaiah to be released tomorrow. Mostly though we just swapped stories about our adoption experiences. He has adopted 11 of his 13 children. I have never met a man with a bigger heart for orphans. We were so blessed to have shared a brief time of fellowship. We were most encouraged to spend time with someone God has similarly called. We pray God's blessings on him and his family.

In the afternoon, as you can guess from the photos, we went to drive through wildlife ranch- it was a great time. God bless each of you.

Jim and Betty