Breathing easy(er)

Today was a big day for Gus and Jill. Gus moved off the oscillating ventilator and onto a regular ventilator. He is making fine progress with his breathing and is now in a standard 21% oxygen environment, just like you and me. They will be administering a drug to help close the "backflow" valve that keeps blood circulating around the lungs. This is very common for preemies of this size. He is doing well so they are going to reduce the amount of morphine he gets which is another positive step forward. Again, so many little miracles happen every minute and we are thankful to have such a wonderful hospital staff who responds immediately to any hint of complications.

Jill has come home from the hospital and fell asleep on the couch right away. She needs a few days of rest. We will be at the NICU every day, but having downtime is really important for her right now.

If you look on Gus' left arm in the first picture you will see my wedding band around his bicep. This is a good point of size comparison. The second shows Jill's hand holding his head.

This third picture is just a really cute picture of his foot. As you can see he is perfectly and wonderfully made, just in a tiny package!

So many great people have come to visit and give well wishes. A pediatrician from our home church popped in while she was on rounds, a friend who had a premature baby a few years ago came on her lunch hour, and a dear friend from the church where I was student pastor last year came by to visit. It takes a village - and we truly feel that we are well supported and lifted up.

It may sound strange to say, but I don't have any fear right now. Sure it is horrible to see Gus all hooked up and so tiny, but we feel a great peace from so many people around the world offering their support and prayers. Gus' primary nurse said she was going to be praying for him at her first home church meeting tonight - it doesn't get much better than that... I told her that everyone I had met in the NICU seemed that they did their job more out of love than professional obligation. Parents in this situation couldn't ask for any better care.

Thanks for all your notes and comments and please keep those prayers going for Gus.
Gregg