September 8th

There hasn't been any change in Elijah's condition today. They took one x-ray of his lungs in the morning and it was the same as the previous ones. They were discussing taking another one this evening, but decided that it wouldn't be much extra help, plus they don't want to move him if they don't have to, so they are going to wait until the morning. They are definitely taking an x-ray every morning. They let us listen in during their rounds every morning so I stood there while they talked and it sounds like they aren't really going to do much of anything right now. They are monitoring everything and adjusting small things such as drug doses and feeding doses and body temperature and such. Other than that they haven't done anything different today. Just watching and waiting and seeing what happens.

The doctors are still stumped at this point. I believe there are more test results that haven't come back yet, they said they would let us know when they learn anything. I'm sure we will find out anything there is to find out tomorrow morning at rounds.

The last 2 nights Chris and I slept on some couches in the family lounge at the hospital but tonight we have gotten a room at Ronald McDonald House, which is only a few blocks from the hospital. We will be staying here for a while, but we are on a waiting list to get into the Rossi House, which is a similar facility that is located inside the hospital. That way we will have a private area to sleep and shower and rest during the times we are not with Elijah. We are looking forward to that so we can be in the same building with him. Even though there is nothing we can do and there is no way to interact with him, it is still incredibly difficult to be away from him.

We have gotten so much encouragement and support from friends and family, we are just overwhelmed. Please continue to pray and even though we don't get a chance to respond to everyone's messages, trust me when I say that we are incredibly grateful for each and every one. Every little bit of encouragement helps us, and every person who says they are praying for us is an incredible blessing.

Anyone who is in the area, feel free to visit. We love having visitors. Elijah is in the Pediatric ICU, 7th floor, in room 3. We are usually in the family lounge down the hall.

I keep thinking I should write about how Chris and I are feeling, but I just can't find the words. We are resting in God's faithfulness and trusting Him. There are many scriptures people have sent us and I am grateful for those and we are always happy to get them, so if you have a word please send it. I don't have a specific verse that is on my mind, but there is a song that I have been singing over and over in my head and that is "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns. I will end this post with the lyrics to this song and although the lyrics are fantastic alone, I encourage everyone to listen to the song because it is very powerful.

I was sure by now
God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm