Well we have been in California now over a week and time feels blurry already. A praise we have is that a room opened up Thursday at the Ronald McDonald house right by the hospital which we plan to use until post transplant. We are thankful to be here so that Cohen can interact with some other kids, have a teacher on site helping us with school, and be close for appointments and lab draws. We also got a room right before Colby’s parents left so it was great having help moving in. 

When we got here I saw on announcements that there were tickets donated to the Stanford basketball game, available to people at the Ronald McDonald, so I quickly signed us up and we got to go yesterday! Cohen had so much fun. We also had a family visitor here who was going through the living donor process at Stanford (#4 who has been evaluated for Cohen). It was encouraging to see her. It will probably take another couple of weeks before we know if this will be a good match for Cohen. 

Medically Cohen has had some off lab work and had some med adjustments this week. He saw a neuro ophthalmologist who rechecked pressure behind his eyes and it is still looking normal which is awesome! She also was able to connect dots for us as to why his intracranial pressure was likely high due to his portal vein hypertension. Another thing caused by his liver- that will correct post transplant. He also saw cardiology, had a walking test to check oxygen levels, and an echo.

Overall, we are making it. I plan to fly home later this week and Colby will come here. I miss my girls so much! 

Please continue praying that Cohen receives an offer soon and stays healthy from viruses until then. 

As I’m writing this, Cohen is facetiming a friend at home and laughing hysterically which warms my heart. We are fighting for courage and endurance every day when the wait feels unending. We believe He is at work. 

-Jess

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord (Psalm 31:24)

He acts for those who wait for him (Isaiah 64:4)