Update

Well, I wish I could say that things have gotten easier for Andrew, but that is not the case. They started feeding him yesterday and had to stop last night because his stomach became enlarged. They were able to feed on continuous feeds for most of the day before they had a problem and he has been able to move something through his bowels which are all good signs. They may retry feeding tomorrow or the next day. They did a chest x-ray today and his lungs are not in good shape. Today they have had to increase his rate on the ventilator from 25 breaths per minute to 35 and then to 40. He has a lot of secretions and they have started PT every 6 hours. Basically, they tap on his chest to try to break up the "junk" in there. The doctor explained that they often give steroids to kids who have lung disease like he does. The steroids help the inflammation in the lungs. But, they also can prevent wounds from healing. And since his incision has opened, they don't want to do that right now. Another difficulty is that he can't transition from the ventilator to CPAP because of the air that CPAP blows into the stomach. So, looks like it is going to be a longer road than we thought to get him off the ventilator. When they were doing his chest x-ray, it appeared that his heart may be enlarged. So, they ordered an echo on him-which I have not heard the results of. He is scheduled for an ultrasound of his head tomorrow. I am praying that it is improved. I thank God that we have not had to deal with that while all of the other challenges have been going on. It would be wonderful if it resolves on its own and a shunt is not needed. Right now, he couldn't get one if he needs one. They were able to come down on his pain meds a little today and he seems to be tolerating that well. So, that is good news. Although I haven't looked at it, they tell me his incision is looking better. Please pray that his lungs improve and that they won't need to go up on the vent settings. They are going to do another x-ray on Thursday. Also, continue to pray that his feedings will be successful and that we will see improvement with the hydrocephalus.

Matthew and Anna Kate went to the doctor on Monday and had a great report. Anna Kate now weighs 6.1 lbs and Matthew weighs 7.10lbs. They are both adjusting well to being home. Like many newborns, they are fussy in the evenings-but other than that-I can't complain. I am very thankful for all the help and support we have been getting. Brent's parents have been wonderful and my mom was a huge help when she was here. Almost every week, I meet someone new who knows about the kids or Andrew specifically and has been praying for them. Last week, I saw the cleaning lady at the hospital. She cleaned my room when I was in the hospital and she cleans the NICU. She asked me how the kids were doing at home and then told me that she is praying for Andrew. I was so touched that she knew his name. A nurse told me that another one of the nurses said his name is on the prayer list at her church. To my knowledge, I don't know anyone who goes to that church-but people are praying everywhere. I can't wait to be able to tell him when he is older about the many things God brought him through.