Joshua's Journey: Day 23

I am so ready for Joshua to be home. I know he's in great hands and it's sort of a necessity for him to be in the hospital right now, but I really am anticipating the day when Derek pulls the car up with Maddy in it and we pop the car seat into place and we head home. I can't wait! Then I can hold him whenever I want for however long I want and don't have to worry about trying to figure out how I'm going to go and see him with all the other things I need to do for work. We are going to have a big party and all of you are invited:)

I was able to hold Joshua again today and that time was great as always. He was breathing and oxygenating pretty good while I was there, but he still has some improving to do before they will switch him over to the nasal canula again. He didn't have the benefit of getting the steroid shots that most preemies are able to get when there is a bit more warning that they are coming out. They have found that those shots really help with lung development. I got one shot, but he came out about 1-2 hours later, so they didn't really get to kick in. So, he started off a bit behind on the lung development, but he's doing well and we just pray that he gets better and better each day.

He weighed 2 lbs 8 oz last night and then today he weighed 2 lbs 9 oz, so he's over the half way mark to 3 lbs. He's growing!!!

He wanted you to see his new camo blanket!!!

Specifics to pray for:

That he will oxygenate well and will not desate as much. Stay in the high 90's or 100 and will continue to have less and less episodes where he quits breathing.

He has a new nurse tonight, pray that God will bless her, give her wisdom and that we may be a light to her. Same for all the other NICU staff.

For me to continue to be excited for him to come home, but also patient enough to know that it is going to be a while and I have to take it one day at a time!

For God to be glorified and for us to learn what He wants to teach us during this time.

For you, that God will bless you and use you in great ways for His Kingdom. Thank you for the prayers. I know God would get us through this even if we were alone, but it's so much nicer being able to do this journey knowing that you are faithfully praying. THANK YOU!!!!