Slow and Steady

Thank you for those prayers! Jimmy has started to take a couple small bottles a day when he wakes up to ask for them. He doesn't seem all that interested in figuring the bottles out, or putting much energy into it. He still does very well nursing, to which I am so grateful! But bottle feeding is his ticket outa that place. We haven't seen any signs of major reflux, and the doctor was confident it was still within the "normal" range for a preemie. I worry about his disinterest in bottles and hope there isn't an underlying issue there.

The scale says 4lbs 12 (when he's really 4, 11), but see that very wet diaper?
That's his trick for upping his weight!

His weight is steadily increasing - up to 4lbs 14 ounces. (I took this picture two days ago, and he's already put on 3 more ounces!) Each day he looks a little bit fuller and a little bit chubbier :) He's beginning to act like a newborn - making precious squeaks and whimpers while he sleeps. He's also started making lots of cute facial expressions and showing bigger opinions about things.

Jimmy's bedroom at the nicu. (only a few rooms have windows)
We love our two bright windows! 

God has been SO good, and so faithful to answer our prayers. If you're willing to join us in prayer, here are some more specific things we are asking for our James...

*He is having trouble digesting he super-fotified milk and is often grunting and straining to move things along. Pray for easier digestion, less energy put into stooling (so he can save that energy for eating!), and more frequent stools to keep him comfortable.

Jimmy enjoyed his special cuddles with
his Great Aunt Maggie

*His blood counts are still low- he's working at making his own blood, but only very gradually. The anemia is adding to his general sleepy-ness and disinterest in eating. Pray he can steadily make his own blood and not need another transfusion. (I don't know for sure, but I worry with the MRSA that if he needs another IV he'll be more susceptible to a bad infection)
* The NG Tube in his nose (used to run feedings down into his stomach) is causing congestion and inflammation in his nose. The doctor prescribed a nasal decongestant and nasal steroids after trying saline drops and suctioning out his nose for several days without any change. I am not happy about the new medications and pray that God would use these to bless Jimmy, open his nasal air ways, allow him to sleep more deeply, and give him more energy to breath better while eating.

* It's crazy - but we're still not sure how we'll fit our three children in the car! We've found a slim-line car seat for Khiana, and hope that we can squeeze all of them (somewhat comfortably) in the back seat until we can purchase a larger vehicle. Let's pray that the seats do fit, and that the perfect vehicle will be found sooner rather than later.
*These very long days of waiting for Jimmy to learn to eat are wearing on me and our family. Pray for peace and patience during this time of him growing and learning to take bottles. We've been in the NICU for 7 weeks now, and I am SO beyond ready to take my baby home.

*Finally, lets all join in PRAISING our gracious God for all He has done, and is doing in Jimmy's body. If this is the most difficult and frustrating time in the NICU, we are very blessed parents.  (I just need to keep reminding myself of that!)