We are a family of five, going down the road of life.  We have had many exciting destinations and some scary stops, but we are in this together and can't wait to see the other side.

Our son has been diagnosed with well, lots of labels.  Hydronephrosis, high blood pressure, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, urinary reflux, kidney disease and now our latest, kidney failure.

It all began when I was about 5 months pregnant.  Our ultrasound showed "a large bladder".  We were told, the doctors wanted to see the baby empty his bladder.  So they asked us to come back for a second ultrasound in a month.  We then learned what the doctors were fearing, our son could not empty his bladder in utero.  That doesn't seem too bad until you realize that babies drink amniotic fluid and cycle it through their systems.  Our son had a tiny flap of skin blocking his urethra (pee tube).

At five days of life our very healthy 9lb 9oz boy went in for surgery at OU Childrens' Hospital and had that tiny skin cleared.  Unfortunately, the damage was done.

Jump forward 10 years and 5 months and we are now facing what the doctors suspected for Joe, kidney failure.

Joe is a funny, sweet, loving (at times), brave kid.  He has endured more in his 10 years medically than Jeremy and I have combined.  He has come away with some scars, but amazingly very "well adjusted".

I hope this blog can keep those who are praying for Joe and the rest of us (Dad-Jeremy, Mom-Carrianne, Sis-Emma, baby Sis-Hope) informed of the journey.  I am finding it difficult to keep up with all the phone calls and texts.  It is especially hard with each new diagnosis.  So please, don't be offended if we need some time.  We want to hear from you and we do need to talk about this, but it is often hard.  Please share this with anyone willing to pray for us.  We believe unashamedly in the power of prayer and the healing of our Lord.

Jeremy came home today and said, "I don't know what the road hold, but we know Who holds the road."  Personally I think he read this in a fortune cookie, but hey, it works!

God's not done with us yet.  See you on the road!