Things for which we are thankful today

• First and foremost, I'm thankful for the ultrasound that let us know there was a problem. If we would have never gotten that ultrasound and had been delivered at Rex, like we'd planned, he would have either not made it to full term or they would have had no idea what was wrong with him when he came out limp and lifeless and been ill equiped to care for him.


• He is at one of the best hospitals in the Southeast for neonatal care and the only Level IV NICU nearby.


• The original possible diagnosis of hydrops fetalis was incorrect. He would have had a much lower chance of survival if this would have been the case.


• The question of whether or not the entire chest cavity filled with fluid was squashing the lung or the lung was not developed has been answered. He has 2 lungs and they were just squashed by all that fluid.


• All the fluid has been drained from the right chest cavity and so the right chest tube has been removed.


• The catheter drawing air from around the heart has been taken out because the air has not reaccumulated.


• He has been switched from the jet ventilator to the conventional ventilator.


• Both the brain ultrasound and CT scan showed no signs of seizure.


• He is beginning to tolerate more stimulation.


• He continues to fight through each battle.


• We have each other; so many of the NICU mothers don't have a partner for support.


• We have innumerable friends, family, coworkers, business associates, supporters, prayer warriors, and complete strangers on our side.

Needless to say, today was a good day. Overall every report we got was positive. His morphine was turned way down, so he was more awake than usual. He never opened his eyes, but he did move his arms and legs quite a bit. We were allowed to briefly hold his hand and he grasped on tight to his grandma's finger! Yet another reason for happy tears! The only other thing to report is that they're doing a spinal tap tonight to check for any other neurological problems that the first two tests may have missed.

We really want to say thanks to everyone who's reading this blog and cheering us on! Since the majority of my day is spent at the NICU with Lawson or taking care of Lacey, it would be overwhelming to personally thank each person who has stopped by or sent food, money, cards, prayers, gift cards, gifts and well wishes, so hopefully you'll pardon my lapse in manners, and accept my sincerest gratitude for everything everyone has done for us. You will never be forgotten!