Joshua's Journey: Day 62

Derek just got home from feeding Joshua his 8 pm bottle. He weighed 5 lbs 6 oz, and was 17.32 inches long. Derek said that he had 44 mL and drank all of it but about 3 mL, so he did great! I breastfeed him at 2 pm and he was bottle fed at 11 am. The only time that he was fed by his tube today was at 8 am. He just needs to get up the stamina to wake up that early! The good news is that he is now que based for as many feeds as he can tolerate. So, once he gets all his feeds down, we should be good to go! (Just thinking about it brought a smile to my face!) I am going to attempt to go up tomorrow at 5 am, hopefully I can get up and get going!

I have been trying to think of ways that we can be a light to others in the NICU, and as I think back on the past two months, there were a few things that really has helped us along the way. One was the gift cards we have been given to be able to go out to eat. That takes away so much stress of trying to figure out what to do for dinner. The second was the Jesus Calling calendar we were able to put by Joshua's bedside. I want to give you an opportunity to help me bless those who are going through what we have been going through. Please don't feel obligated, I know there are tons of other ministry opportunities out there and God may be calling you to other things and that is great! But, if any of  you feel led to help give a little goody basket to brighten some families day, then I would love your help! Each one will be about $35, (with a $25 gift card and a $10 calendar) You can give cash for me to get the stuff, or if you want to pick up a gift card or a Jesus Calling calendar yourself, then that would be great too! I think it would be neat for you would like to include a note to say you are praying for whoever receives the bag. Being in the NICU can be a very hard experience and honestly I have no idea how anybody can do it without God. He has been our Rock through each day. To know people all over the world have been praying for this little guy is such a blessing for us. Thank you!

Maddy found one of Joshua's old pacifiers on the bar today and when Derek turned around, this is what he saw!

We also took Maddy on her first bike ride today and she ended up passing out. It was fun, I haven't exercised in a while. It was quite a work out for me:)

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua can wake up for all of his feedings, so he can get his feeding tube out and come home!

He doesn't desat and stays in the high 90's-100 for oxygenation.

We are well rested, but also can get up to the hospital for as many feeds as possible.

For all of his friends and their parents that are in the NICU. For God to work in their lives!

Wisdom and blessings for the NICU staff