Quick update

Just wanted to get out a quick update on the boys so far today. Max is starting to show signs of improvement based on this morning's chest x-ray. His oxygen dependence is also coming down and has been in the 40-50% range, which is a big step in the right direction based on the 50-80% range he was in over the weekend. We also just heard that Max will be having surgery to fix his PDA condition tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. When I talked to the doctor this morning, he mentioned that they have determined that Max does not have pneumonia, but another infection caused by a bacteria called "Staphoria." I am not sure if that means he has a Staph infection or not, but the doctor did say that it is a very treatable infection and they have already started him on the appropriate antibiotics, which will be a 7-day treatment. We are relieved that they have identified the cause for the fluid build up in Max's lungs and that it is a treatable, known cause. the doctor also examined Wes and said he is doing well. He is being fed 7.5 ml of breast milk every 3 hours (this is up from 1.5 ml every three hours just 5-6 days ago), and he is tolerating that well. The doctor mentioned this morning that he did not hear a murmur when he listened to Wes' heart, but Kate did tell me this afternoon that Wes is scheduled to have the PDA surgery on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. I am assuming they will confirm that he needs the procedure before putting his little body through that for nothing.

Heavenly Father,
Thank-you for being such a faithful God. You have promised to hear the prayers of your people, and once again have answered those prayers quickly. Thank-you for the improvement in Max's lung "capacity", and we pray that You continue to heal his lungs, whether that be via the antibiotics or by a method beyond our comprehension. Thank-you that Wes continues to grow and gain weight and tolerate the increased amount of food. Lord, we are scared for our sons as they face a common, yet invasive surgical procedure tomorrow (Max) and Wednesday (Wes). Guide the hands of the heart surgeons that will perform the procedure. You have blessed us with such an amazing capacity to love, but that same love makes it very difficult for us to willfully put our children through a painful procedure, despite the fact that they will be healthier after the surgery. It is so tough because Max and Wes cannot even cry because of the breathing tubes in their throats. Be very near to them Lord...be the air in their incubators, be the bed that keeps them warm, tell them how much we love them and care about them.
Thank-you Lord for surrounding Kate, Max, Wes and myself with such a loving and faithful group of family and friends. We have learned day in and day out what a gift it is to be members of the Body of Christ. We have been so blessed to experience Your love and peace as it radiates through Your people. Although I cannot "see" You...I see You everywhere. Thank-you for revealing Yourself so clearly to us. In the dark times when we feel so alone and scared, Your people have interceded on our behalf and You have lifted the cloud of darkness, answered their prayers, and shown us that You were in control at every twist and turn of this journey. Blessed be Your name.