Hold on Loosely (but don't let go!)

Sunday is the "big event" for Gus. He gets to change isolettes and be held by us. He has responded really well to his second round of endomethicin with no signs of danger to his kidneys. We will continue to pray that the electrocardiogram tomorrow shows that the Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) has been taken care of.

More incredible pictures of Gus' perfect features - here holding Jill's hand. He had been sleeping before we arrived and Jill took his temperature and changed his diaper as we were getting ready to hold him during the isolette change.

Jill gave me the privilege of holding Gus during this first change - she said she will get a lot of one-on-one time later when he is nursing... She is such a kind and thoughtful soul. He is so tiny and fragile, but the nurse encouraged me to pull his hat back and kiss his head. What a joy that was! I didn't think we could do that until later. His head smells like "baby" and he was so warm, comfortable and content wrapped up in his blankets.

Gus received his PICC Line today for high concentration glucose feeding - sort of like really thick Gatorade. Unfortunately it didn't get inserted as far as they had hoped, but it will serve its purpose until Gus begins to feed on milk from his mom. That little line going into his left arm is the size of a thick thread - really so tiny but so important to his growth right now. I captured this picture just after it was inserted so the image is a little "raw." This is a normal part of preemie life and I thought it was important to document.

Gus gained another ounce today - up to 1 lb 8.75 oz. He is doing so well, yet he still has such a long way to go. I was able to go to our home church today, David's United Church of Christ in Kettering, OH, and was so warmly welcomed by the 100s of friends there who have huge hearts and concerns for our entire family. I have the joy tell everyone that our committed donations to the WalkAmerica "Team Gus" are now over $2600. Thank you all for your support and faithfulness to helping preemie children reach their full potential..

Your prayers and well wishes continue to sustain us all,
Gregg, Jill and Gus