Still in NICU III

We had a good day today. I was finally able to meet and hold William and speak with his doctors who said that he's doing wonderfully. I gave him his first feeding by mouth at noon, which he didn't like very much, but we managed to get it all in. After resting for the afternoon, we returned to the NICU to learn that William's noon and 3:00 feedings did not stay down. They did an x-ray of his belly and found that his intestines are full of air--normal for a baby who has been on a c-pap that pushes air into his lungs. They've taken him off food for now, continuing IV nutrition, and have given him something to get his bowels moving. He has a nasogastric tube, so once they feel like he has room in his belly, they'll start feeding him breast milk and/or formula by tube. He's also having a little trouble maintaining his body temperature, so he's back under the warmer for now. There's a chance he'll be moved to Level II NICU tomorrow, but maybe not until some of these issues are resolved.

To put all this in perspective, these issues are really minor, especially compared to when we were in that same room with Ben two years ago. It's sort of surreal to even be there at all with William, who actually has tiny fat rolls, jowly cheeks, and a bit of a double chin. What a blessing!

This evening, I held Will kangaroo style for about an hour, and he enjoyed a snuggly nap. He's a grumpy little man, crying whenever he's disturbed but perfectly content as long as he's warm and left alone to sleep. (Makes sense to me!)

Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support. We have felt God's power in this place in His perfect timing to care for our whole family, in the success of my c-section and relatively low pain, and in William's health and progress. And it's been wonderful to see everyone who has come to visit!

We're looking forward to seeing Jack and Ben tomorrow when my Mom brings them up to the hospital. They won't be able to see William--children under 13 are no longer allowed in the NICU--but I will enjoy hugs and kisses from my boys.

"But I trust in Your unfailing love. My heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me." --Psalm 13:5-6