Prayer at Noon Tomorrow

Our Nags Head Church pastors are driving up tomorrow to lay hands on Tricia in prayer for her and the baby. If you can, please take a few minutes between noon and one PM to pray with us. Thanks.

Nate

Stupid People Riding Elevators

Seriously, if you're going to ride an elevator (especially at Duke University Medical Center), please, follow these four basic rules:

1) When waiting for the elevator, do NOT stand immediately in front of the door...

2) When boarding the elevator, do NOT try to get on while other people are trying to get off...

3) When I ask you what floor you want because I'm closer to the buttons and I'm a nice person, do NOT tell me the wrong floor...

4) Please, for the love of all that is sacred and holy, do NOT wear a heavy amount of cologne, perfume or hairspray...

Now, back to your regularly scheduled program.

Nate

Prayer

Tricia is not doing very well. She's having a seriously hard time breathing, due to her CF and the growth of the baby. Here are a few things she has asked prayer about. Thanks!

> Lungs to clear up and remain stable, and her need for supplemental oxygen to be reduced.

> Meds to start working.

> Regain strength from being stuck in bed.

> Continue to be free from infection.

> The baby to stay healthy and safe.

> Peace of mind.

Nate

Family Visit!

Thanks to Agnes, Bryanna and Britton for hanging out with Tricia and I the past several days!

Nate

New Baby Pic!

Here's a 3D ultrasound of our baby this morning:

The OB docs came and did a growth check this morning. Our baby in the 50 percentile and everything looks good. She currently weighs (approximately) 1 lb 4 oz.

Nate

Tricia's Hospital Room

In case you ever wanted to know what a Duke hospital room looks like...


Here's the new BiPaP machine that basically forces oxygen down Tricia's lungs:
Nate

Just Because (Scrapbooking)

Why?

Macs Are Fun!

Nate

Awkward Hospital Moment of the Day

It's just me and this other guy on the elevator from floor 1 to floor 7, and he sees my camera hanging on my neck and asks if I'm with a newspaper. No. He then says, "You must be into scrapbooking...my wife carries her camera everywhere."

?!?!
Nate

Thanks!

> To all those who made us cookies and other snacks (please, no more for at least 2 months)!

> To all those who have and are coming to visit us!

> To all those who sent Christmas and "we miss you" cards!

> To all those who sent Christmas gifts!

> To all those who have called!

> To all those who link this blog from their blog!

> To all those who have posted!

> To all those who read this blog!

> To all those who are praying!

Nate

Little Boy with CF Needs Prayer and Help

Please check out This Blog and post something there if you can help.

Pray for little CFer, Dameron!

Nate

Us At The Hospital

Nate

Going to the Hospital

Tricia's going to go into the hospital today for at least a few days. She's been having some congestion in her sinuses for a few weeks and it's causing issue with her breathing (the tube from her oxygen runs to her nose). Hopefully the docs can clear it up pretty quick.

Thanks for your prayers.

Nate

Cousins

Thanks to (Tricia's cousin) Jamie, April and their two boys (pics below) for coming by to hang with us for a little while last night. We always appreciate visitors!

Nate

First Big Baby Purchase

We walked into Babies R Us yesterday, and sitting right there at the front of the store was the pack 'n play portable thingy that we had decided we wanted. We weren't planning on buying it already, but when it's 30% off...
Nate

Our Christmas Pics

Tricia's stocking


My stocking

The "kids"

(Thanks Terry)

Nate

More Pictures (with my new camera)

Nate

Christmas Update

> This Christmas was very different, but very special. It will be our last as non-parents, and hopefully our last with CF lungs. I don't want to spend another Christmas in a hotel, but I wouldn't trade this one for anything.

> Waffle House is the only restaurant open on Christmas, and they are hopping. I basically ate cookies all day.

> Breathing is getting harder and harder for Tricia as the baby gets bigger, and her nose is clogged up, which makes it hard for her to breathe her extra oxygen.

> We're almost at 24 weeks, when our girl could survive outside of her mommy's belly.

> Tricia just asked me what today's date was... (duh!)

> Our next doc appointment is January 8. Hopefully we'll have more pictures then.

> I got season 3 of "The Office" on DVD for Christmas...I still need to finish season 2 first.

> We're going shopping at Babies R Us tomorrow!

> Meka is seriously scared of my new camera...every close shot I get of her, she's got her ears tucked back.

Nate

New Camera!

Tricia got me a nice digital camera for Christmas, and here are a few of the first pics I've taken...she wouldn't let me take any pics of herself, and Meka's scared of the camera.







Nate

Christmas Family

Thanks again to my family for coming up to spend time with Tricia and I and make this Christmas just as fun as any other!

Here's a pic of the siblings and spouses.


Nate

Belly Pic 01

Nate

Updates

Our friend, Cindy was able to go home today with her parents. She's recovering well, although she won't be back to normal for at least a few weeks. Thanks for your prayers!

Our nephew, Jack is still in the hospital, and they're not yet sure what's going on inside his belly. He's in pain, and they're not giving him anything to eat or drink for a few days. They hope it's just a virus that will wash out of his system in a few days. Pray that the docs will figure it out, that God will heal him, and that his family will be at peace with the situation. And, pray that he'll be released in time for Christmas.

Thanks to our good friend, Sophia (and her imaginary husband) for coming over tonight for dinner and a card game. And, she brought Christmas gifts...always a plus!

Thanks!

Nate

Pray for our Nephew, Jack

Please pray for little Jack. He is 15 months old and in the hospital, and the doctors are trying to figure out what's going on. He woke up this morning vomitting, and they think he might have a bowel obstruction, possibly related to an operation he had ealier this year. Jack is the youngest of 5 kids. Thanks.


Nate

Tricia's On TV!

Tricia was on local TV yesterday. Check it out Here! You can see Tricia in a red shirt drinking a bottle of water in the distant background of the first shot from the report. She's only visible for about 2 seconds, so don't miss it.


Nate

Family

Thanks to Agnes (Tricia's mom) for hanging out with us yesterday and today. I took the opportunity last night to get out of our apt. (cabin fever) and let Agnes and Tricia hang out.

My family is coming this Sunday to do Christmas with us. With two new members added to our family this year, we've decided to do the pollyanna thing.

Nate

Blog About Cindy

For those of you who have been praying for our friend, Cindy, you can read the latest update at Her Parents' Blog. Thanks.

Nate

Weekend Update

> Tricia and I will be staying here in Durham this weekend. We'll miss spending this time with our faimly and friends back home, but it's nice to be together without much to do.

> Our friend, Cindy is doing as well as she could be and is hoping to be going home by Tue/Wed. Thanks for your continued prayers for her.

> We're going to try to go see a movie called "August Rush" tonight. It looks like our kind of movie.

> The baby is moving around a lot, and Tricia is finally starting to look pregnant.

> We bought Meka a ginormous bone the other day. She's been chewing on it non-stop.


> Thanks to everyone who's been sending us cards and such. It's nice to get mail here. Email me if you want our address.

> My family (nine of them) is coming up next weekend to celebrate Christmas with us here in Durham. That's very cool of them.

That's all for now.

Nate

Pray For Cindy

We have a friend our age named Cindy who is the daughter of one of our pastors. Since birth, Cindy has spent just as much time in the hospital as Tricia, for different reasons. She was driven from the beach to Duke late last night by her parents because she was complaining of head aches, and the doctors discovered that she had some sever infections going on inside her body.

Cindy just came out of some very invasive surgery, and she'll be at Duke for at least 7 days, as long as she recovers well. Her parents are going to stay with us for at least tonight. We appreciate you praying for our friend. We're hoping to go visit her tomorrow.

Thanks.

Nate

Update

The doc appointment wasn't exactly what we expected. No ultrasound...just a check in with the doc. We'll have the ultrasound next week. We did learn that Tricia has gained 6 lbs in the past 3+ months, which is a slightly more than average, which is great news.

I did get a short nap in the waiting room...they always make me sleepy...


Nate

Doctor's Appointment Tomorrow Morning (Tuesday)

Tricia has an appointment with the OB docs tomorrow. We'll find out more about the baby, and whether or not she's healthy. Thanks for your prayers.

BTW, Tricia had a really good day today. Thanks!

Nate

Fun With Comic Life

Nate

Death In The Family

Tricia's "Uncle Joe" (Not really an uncle, but somehow a part of the family) had a heart attack and passed away last night.

I didn't know Joe very well, but I know he was loved by the Kischners, and that he'll be missed.

Just this week, Aunt Patti sent Tricia a hand-made quilt that she, some lady friends and a priest had prayed over for Tricia.

Please pray for the Kischner family and Aunt Patti. Thanks.

Nate

Please, Pray for some Friends

My friends, Paul & Anna Joseph. Anna's brother was killed yesterday morning. The Josephs are worship leaders in GA. Thanks.

Nate

Weekend Update

> I'm headed home for a few days to get some work in and bring up some more stuff.

> Tricia is staying here. She won't have much to do ater this afternoon, so feel free to email or call her.

> Agnes, Tricia's mom, is coming up today to hang with Tricia for the weekend.

> We're moving from our suite to a two bedroom unit today to give us some more room and so that we can have people come and stay overnight.

> Tricia is feeling pretty good the past few days. The baby is kicking and moving around a lot, especially when Tricia eats. We have an OB appointment next week to check on everything.

Thanks!

Nate

Just To Clarify

Seems a few people are unsure about the following:

Tricia was never on the transplant list. She would have been in late Sept. had we not become pregnant, and she will hopefully be sometime after the birth.

Outside of a few short stays at the hospital, we have been staying (living) at a Residence Inn hotel in Durham while we're here. We get a different room every week. It looks and feels more like an apt. complex, but it functions like a hotel. When we have gone home on the weekends, we have been staying with my parents. Once Tricia or both of us are here full-time, we'll continue to live here, but be in the same room/apt. all the time and be renting on a monthly basis (instead of nightly as we have been).

We can receive mail here, although we are keeping out Nags Head PO Box as well. You can email me for either of those addresses.

Thanks!

Nate

Stuff

> I'm going to be a father...

> I changed the label of this blog on that lieel blogrush widget over there --> to "Pregnancy".

> Tricia is probably staying up here this weekend. I'm probably going home on Friday to get some work in and clean soem slothes and brings some more stuff back up, and her mom will come up and hang while I'm gone.

> Thanks, Patience and Jordan for bringing over a load of maternity clothes...we haven't had the time to shop for anything for Tricia yet.

> Thanks again to all of the thousands of people (most of whom we've never met) who are all of a sudden praying for Tricia. That means a lot to us, because we know God is real and hears and answers prayer.

> We sat around the hotel tonight playing card games and watching tv (which is cool with me). We thought about going to church, but Tricia wasn't feeling completely up to it.

> Looks like we'll probably be celebrating Christmas here in Durham.

> I felt the baby move again tonight...she doesn't like to move much for me.

> Tricia has not been sleeping well the past few weeks. She got an echocardiogram today just to check on things, and everything looks normal. Please pray that she gets some good sleep (me too).

That's all for now. Thanks!

Nate

Another Big Day

385 hits yesterday. 723 the past two days.

193 came from Jordan & Patience.

84 came from evajanette.blogspot.com/ (I don't even know who this is).

Lots of other hits have come from lots of other people asking lots of other people to visit us and pray for us. Thank you so much! Please, let us know you came by posting so that we can say thank you.

Nate

Tricia's Blog Updated!

Check It Out!

Nate

338 Hits Yesterday!

This blog got 338 hits yesterday...wow! The most I'd ever gotten before in a single day was 82.

Here's what the chart on Google Analytics looks like:


Thanks for wanting to be involved in Tricia's life. Please, let us know you came by posting sometime, even if it's just "hi".

Nate

Prayer Requests

So, I told you that I'd list some specific prayer requests. Here you go:

> The doctors have taken Tricia off of several of her normal CF meds to protect the baby. They have replaced some of them with safe meds, but she is definitely missing out on the benefits of her usual meds. So far, everything about the baby is healthy, but Tricia is suffering because of it.

> Tricia now has Gestational Diabetes. Diabetes are common both in CF patients and in pregnancy, so she was almost guaranteed to deal with it at some point. She is currently taking three different kinds of Insulin (all shots) to counter her need for a high carb, high calorie diet. Counting carbs, pricking her finger every few hours to test her blood sugar level, thinking more about what and when she eats (and doesn't eat), etc. has added to the stress of her daily life.

> As the baby grows, the room for her lungs to expand shrinks. Tricia is now on oxygen almost 24/7. She carries an Oximeter with her everywhere so that she can always be sure her heart rate and oxygen intake are at a healthy level for both she and the baby. She also carries portable oxygen tanks everywhere. Even with the extra oxygen, her levels are constantly on the brink of being dangerous, especially for the baby.

> Because of her oxygen level, Tricia is very limited in what she is able to do, where she is able to go, etc. Things as common as folding laundry, fixing lunch and walking to the car have become very laborious for her. Her daily PT at the Center for Living is becoming more and more difficult, and more and more important. She is not able to travel much any more, and she may not be going home again until after the baby is here, which is not fun to think about, especially for her. More than likely, she will be on bed-rest in the hospital in the near future.

> Because of the new diet, diabetes, oxygen issues, etc., we have to get up several times in the middle of the night to tend to things, which makes our daily routines a little more difficult. I suppose that it's god preparation for the baby, but not really healthy, especially for Tricia. Needless to say, we've both been sleeping later and Tricia has been getting as many naps as she can.

That's all for now. We appreciate your prayers and sincere words of encouragement. We are relying on God more than ever for our strength and joy, and we are seeing Him provide all that we need. We're always open to phone calls and emails and even visits (for anyone who wants to make a trip to Durham). Thanks!

Nate

First To Last

So, in the three months since we found out we were pregnant (Sept. 2), we have had no less than six friends announce that they too are pregnant. We totally would have been the first to announce, but now we're the last, and the others have stolen our thunder. :)

Seriously, though, we have two friends at church who are due around the same time as us, two friends from my days with Light at LU, one friend of mine from high school, and one worship leader friend in VA Beach, all due within a few months of us. That's pretty cool.

Nate

Guests

So, how do you host people in a one room hotel suite? Patience and Jordan are coming over tonight to hang and eat. We're so thankful for friends here in Durham.

Nate

BIG NEWS: TRICIA'S PREGNANT!!!

FOR REAL!

Here's our first family picture taken several weeks ago:


Here's the story:

On September 2 during our Sunday evening communion gathering at church, I shared for the first time with our church family (which is basically many of our closest friends) that Tricia was going to be placed on the active transplant list...PT was to begin the very next day. Tricia was not there that night because she was not feeling well. When I got home, she had some very scary and exciting news to tell me...we were (and still are) pregnant. She had literally found out as I was sharing the transplant news at church. While we had been trying to become pregnant for several months last year and early this year, we were no longer trying.

At that point, she was about 5 weeks along. She is now almost 4 months along. She is incredibly high risk...about as high risk as any woman can possibly be. Although we immediately told our doctors and family and closest friends, we have waited this long to tell anyone else because the chances of losing the baby in the first few months are especially high, and the added stress of trying to answer a bunch of questions that we couldn't answer was not something we desired for our lives at that time.

(after we told them that aborting the pregnancy was not an option) Our doctors told us that the best thing for Tricia and the baby would be to begin the PT as planned, which, of course, made it very easy to not have people ask questions. Of course, Tricia was immediately disqualified from transplant candidacy. (our prayer is that she will be healthy enough after the pregnancy to be re-evaluated and placed on the list)

Tricia has been monitored especially closely by her CF and OB docs for the past three months. Of course, this complicates everything to the nth degree. Tricia now has diabetes. Her meds have been changed. She has only gained about 2-3 lbs. She is on oxygen almost 24/7. I could go on and on, but that's not what we're focusing on...

So far, the baby is healthy. Everything has come out normal (and we've had a lot more tests than normal). We learned several weeks ago (see picture above) that we're having a girl. Just this past week, we saw and felt her move for the first time. We are excited beyond words, especially as we consider that it is a miracle that we even conceived, much less that we have made it this far.

The due date, according to the size, etc. of the baby is April 24. A fetus can survive outside of the womb at 24 weeks...anything we get to beyond 24 weeks we'll count as an added blessing.

We're guessing that Tricia will need to permanently (at least through the pregnancy) relocate to Durham sometime within the next several weeks. The docs want her close by to keep close watch and to keep her from traveling as much as we are right now.

So, now our focus has entirely changed from transplant to pregnancy. The risks are much higher, as are the rewards. We are taking every day on at a time, counting each as a blessing. The prayer requests have changed and grown as well. I'm sure you can figure many of them out on your own, so I'll mention them in detail later.

We told our church family tonight, so now we're telling you because the word will spread fast. Thank you all for your continued prayer. We're headed back to Durham tomorrow to resume PT.

Nate

For Janet

Meka Elfed


Nate

Festival of Trees Videos

Instead of reposting here, just jump over to my other blog if you're interested...I believe Frank, Agnes and Don all make an appearance in one of the videos.

Festival of Trees Videos

Nate

Getting into the Spirit of Christmas

Meka Claus

Nate

Festival of Trees, Outer Banks: Tomorrow!

the MilePost13 Band (our church worship team) is playing christmas music at a big local fundraiser called The Festival of Trees tomorrow night from 7 to 8. I just thought I'd let you know.


Nate

Hospital Observations

> My elevator made a stop at every floor from 7-1 on the way down to the caf yesterday...that's the first time ever. Once in a lifetime was good enough for me.

> The one-serving Crystal Light packets are the cheapest way to get a good drink around here (except for the free chocolate milk).

> There are always a ton of people in the waiting room on the third floor.

> Most nurses have personalitities. Most doctors do not.

> Most male doctors have beards.

> Some nurses have beards (guys and girls...).

That's all for now.

Nate

Word of the Day

100 crazy points to the first person who can guess what the following word is...I saw this word today in the hospital caf:

"Supachoke"

Nate

FREEDOM!!!

Tricia should be released tomorrow! We're headed home to relax for a few days (Tricia will be relaxing, I'll be catching up on work). This has been Tricia's longest hospital stay in a few years...

Nate

Santa's Little Helper

Merry Christmas

From the Lawrenson Boys (AKA, NHC Staff)

Nate

Thanks!

To Tricia's family for making the drive up and Giving us a fun thanksgiving. Tricia was even able to sneak out of the hospital for a few hours so we could eat at the hotel!

Nate

Encouraging Thanksgiving Video

This is Chris Scarborough. Chris is a local guy on the OBX. I shot and produced this video:


Do you remember your story? It may be similar to Chris', or it may be completely different. If you follow Christ, do you remember where He has brought you from? Take time today to give God thanks for your story.

Nate

Thanksgiving In The Hospital

Tricia is still not feeling well enough to come home, so she'll probably be in the hospital at least until Monday. I'm going home today for our Thanksgiving Worship Gathering and coming back up tomorrow. Tricia's family is coming up today to hang out until tomorrow.

I wonder what hospital turkey tastes like?

Nate

Christmas Cheer Guys

A few friends of mine spreading some Christmas cheer!



Nate

Tricia Update

Tricia is still in the hospital and is not feeling better yet. The doctors may change her meds. She doesn't know yet when she might be released. We're hoping by Wednesday so she can come home and spend time with family for Thanksgiving.

I'm going to bed.

Nate

The Problem with Christmas Music

I love Christmas music. I began listening to "Jingle Bells" and "O Holy Night" several weeks ago. The way I see it, the department stores (and their incredibly early commercialism) are finally catching up to my family and our traditions. My mother would pull out the Christmas music well before Thanksgiving, and we had a very nice collection. Old records of Bing and Nat, updated classics with Steven Curtis Chapman and Amy Grant, and even a little bit of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra filled our house and car with the sounds of the season.

Anytime I hear any of those recordings, or even any recording of some of those songs, a warm and welcome sense of nostalgia causes a flood of memories to flash through my mind. Christmas music is such a beautiful and fun part of Americana...no doubt everyone has distinct memories of Christmases past (whether good or bad), and, my guess is that most of us relate many of our Christmas memories with the music of the season.

And, therein lies the problem with Christmas music. I've discovered over the years that, it's very easy for us to sing our favorite Chrismast carols in December and never allow for anything more than that warm nostalgic feeling. We can get so caught up in the warm feelings that worship never really takes place...worship is the primary purpose of my life as a God follower, not singing Christmas songs.

And, I think this problem goes way beyond Christmas songs. Christmas (or any holiday season for that matter) can, as a whole, seem more like a nostalgic and whimsical dream than a reality. The commercials, the movies, the shopping, the parties, the food and drinks...it's a huge thing that can seem to pull us out of our everyday lives, including our everyday worship. Singing songs, hanging out with friends, giving gifts, and even reading the Christmas story (Jesus) can become the ultimate goal instead of means to a greater end. (that's partly why January can feel like such a depressing month).

So, this season, let's be sure to remember the why and Who that everything Christmas should revolve arround.

Nate

For My Bride

Natey

FYI

Tricia will probably be at Duke through the weekend. They promised to release her in time for Thanksgiving. Meka and I miss her.

Ralphie is enjoying his time with Grandma...I'm sure he's getting more attention than he knows what to do with, especially after all the time alone he's spent while we've been in Durham.

That's all. Go back to whatever you were doing...

Nate

Somebody's Out To Kill Me...

So, when I got to church today, I immediately went to the men's restroom (yes, the men's, just in case any of you were unsure about that....). (without giving too many details) I sat down and just as I was reaching for the paper I noticed something stuck on the first square...


For those of you who are unfamiliar with the local vegetation, that is what we like to call a "sandspur". They're basically deadly...one prick and you'll swell up like a cactus until your throat closes and you die.

OK, so maybe that last part about dying isn't true, but they can hurt and leave little splinters in you for weeks...I can only imagine the pain had I not spotted the trap.

My guess is one of the little punk youth boys left that there for me last night knowing that I often dance with the porcelain queen in the morning...there's no way it could have gotten in that place unless somebody planted it there. I've narrowed it down to a few likely suspects. Lucky for me I know where their bathrooms are located...

Nate

Bored

So I googled my name and found a few interesting things:

Me getting ready to sing the National Anthem this past summer.

Me in my high school soccer days.

Nate

4:52 AM

We're up. Part of the experience of staying at the hospital. Tricia just got poked by a few needles. I'm "sleeping" in the chair.

Nate

Pictures

Here are some pics we just found on Tricia's camera from the past few months:

Meka in downtown Durham

My favorite spot in Durham

Hot date in Duck, NC

Shrimp

Tricia and I at Bush Gardens

Nate

At the Hospital

Tricia and I are in the lobby at the hospital waiting to get a room. Tricia's mad at me cause I wouldn't let her spend more than 45 minutes at Target on the way here...



Nate