Rachel and Isaac Made it to 19 Weeks!

Dear friends and loved ones,

Today, Rachel and Isaac officially became 19 weeks old. Last Wednesday when Rachel's water broke, we had all but given up the thought of being together even this far.

Both Rachel and Isaac are still hanging in there. Their heartbeats are around 150 beats per minute. Isaac seems to be pretty oblivious to everything as he is doing somersaults in Sonia's tummy, making finding his heartbeat quite challening. Must take after dad, big belly and all. We just pray that he continues to grow as quickly and aggressively as possible. Rachel. Well, what more can we say about her. She is still being our brave little girl. Without fluid, she hasn't been able to move much at all since last Wednesday but she is still alive and possibly kicking (literally).

Sonia's appetite seems to be holding up although she is really sensitive to temperature fluctuations especially those caused by even the most modest physical or mental exertion on her part.

Tomorrow will be our next big step. In order to avoid potential resistance issues, Dr. Sakamoto is planning on discontinuing Sonia's IV antibiotic regimen. The good news is that she won't have an IV drip in her arms (she has very small veins apparently and finding, hitting and keeping an IV drip in her has been a challenge in and of itself for the hospital staff). Unfortunately, this probably increases the chance of infection going forward.

Sonia also tells me that she is starting to feel some occassional pressure around her pelvis. We hope this is just due to the babies growing but as her cervix won't hold anything, we just don't know.

If we are blessed to be able to make it a few more days, we will have another ultrasound with Dr. Sakamoto on Sunday.

As far I am concerned, I'm trying to at least partially refocus on work while spending as much time as possible at the hospital with Sonia. I have been staying overnight with her and hope to be able to do so until they kick me out.

I have also started fasting to try improve my spiritual focus and walk with God. My first attempt was on Sunday but I was only 2/3 successful as a wonderful friend surprised us with some delicious chinese food for lunch. My second attempt started after lunch yesterday. It has been 28 hours and I can't believe it. As a red meat inhaling westerner, the notion of fasting has not come naturally to me. In fact, I have to admit missing dinner was REALLY difficult mentally! I also want to thanks to a couple of other dear friends who are fasting with me. I want to avoid getting sick for Sonia and the babies so I am going to try fasting pretty regularly except for some caloric intake once a day so I can benefit from some vitamins and supplements I have been taking.

Sonia's father will be arriving this Friday. If we can hold on a few more days, I think he will be a great enouragement to both Sonia and the babies. If by God's mercy and grace, Rachel and Isaac are still with us for a couple of more weeks, Sonia's mother will return to Japan at the beginning of April. My mom and dad want to come and I hope they can but given how small the room is, they will likely come visit after Sonia's folks.

Thanks to everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers. We remain positive and hopeful and confident that God's miracle is already unfolding before our eyes.

In Christ,

Jong and Sonia