A place for news

We have set up this blog to post information about Josh and his progress.  We will post a full story about how we got here when we have had a chance to get some rest.  For now, here is an update on how he is doing, and ways that you can be praying for him.

1) Lungs - Josh has received two doses of surfactant to help his lung function, and both times he responded well.  His oxygen levels are good, and the ventilator settings continue to be reduced.  He has had some episodes of apnea (where he goes for short periods without taking a breath), but he has corrected himself without medical intervention.

2) Bleeding - Josh is at high risk for bleeding, especially in his brain, because of his age.  He is on medicine to reduce the risk, and there have been no signs that it is occurring.  He received a blood transfusion yesterday, and his hematocrit is much better (another sign of no bleeds).  If you live in the Gainesville area, have A+ or O+ blood, and are CMV negative (ask if you do not know), please contact us to make a directed donation, should he need more blood.  He had some bruising, which resulted in jaundice, so he has started receiving light therapy (blue UV light) to help his body break down and eliminate the jaundice.

3) Feeding - Because of the medication for his bleeding, they are holding off on giving Josh food.  He is currently receiving nutrition through an IV.  The best food for him would be breast milk, which we are currently trying to stimulate through pumping.  We are having some success, and hope he will begin feedings tomorrow or soon thereafter.

4) Mom & Dad - Mom did really well with her surgery and was discharged to go home today.  She has some pain, especially at the incision site, and limited mobility.  Both mom and dad have not been getting good rest, and of course are worried about little Josh.

Prayer Requests:
1) That his lungs would continue to mature, and that we would see improvement (disappearance of signs of lung disease associated with premature babies).  That they continue to wean the ventilator to the point of extubating him.

2) That he would continue to have no signs of bleeding, and that his head ultrasound on Friday or Monday go well and find no bleeding in his brain.
3) That the light therapy be effective in decreasing the jaundice.
4) That mom is able to continue to build a good milk supply, and that he is able to begin feedings soon.
5) That mom continue to heal from the surgery, that she gain mobility quickly so that she can more easily visit with Josh. Also that mom and dad get good rest in order to take better care of Josh.

Praise Reports:
1) His lungs are responding well to treatment, and he is on low/minimal settings on the ventilator.
2) There are no signs of bleeding in his head, and his bruising is improving.
3) Mom is able to produce some milk and it seems to be increasing.  We are also thankful that she is out of the hospital and home.  We are thankful that both mom and dad have jobs that can accommodate taking time off to be with Josh.
4) One grandparent (mom's mom) will be able to donate blood directly for Josh, which make mom and dad feel better.
5) We have had a huge outpouring of love and support, and we thank everyone for everything that they have done and offered to do.  It would have been so much more difficult without you.  We love you guys!
6)  Josh opened his eyes when mom and dad talked to him, which made these young parents both melt and jump for joy at the same time.

We will have more updates and details later when mom and dad have rested some more.  For now, here are some of the first pictures of Josh.

(Josh and mom's hand as he is taken from the hospital to the NICU)

 

(Josh and dad's hand)

 

(Josh's little foot)

 

(Josh taking a peek at the world)

 

(Mom very happy to see her Josh after getting out of the hospital)

 

 (A very proud dad encouraging his son to grow big and strong)