November 10th

Noah's up to 3 lb 5.8 oz (1526 grams) as of last night. They weigh him every night, so I don't know what he is for today yet. I am hopeful that this represents some actual weight gain and not just fluid retention. These little guys can have significant fluctuations in the fluid status, which would be reflected in their weight.

They are slowly increasing his feeds. He is now up to being fed every three hours. He is only getting 2 mL (less than 1/2 teaspoon) per feed. I'll be glad when the feeds can start being increased in volume and not just frequency.

He remains on CPAP. The nurse reported that his breathing was a bit more labored today, so they increased the pressure from 4 to 5. She also mentioned that the prongs were not in place, so hopefully that was actually not required. We will see what tomorrow holds from a respiratory standpoint. It's possible that some of that weight gain could be a bit of fluid in his lungs that is causing his breathing to be more labored. I'm sure that they will get a chest xray to check on that in the morning.

Noah is receiving his third dose of ibuprofen tonight at 20:00. This will complete the second course for treatment of the PDA. His blood pressure looked good today and his pulse didn't suggest a PDA. I listened to him when the took him off of the CPAP for a second and couldn't hear a PDA. I pray that it is completely closed. These things can be evanescent such that they are open at one point and closed at another.

Missy spent some time doing the skin-to-skin holding again today. I think that is really good for them. The nurse was trying to convince me to give it a try, but I was able to hold my ground. I feel as though I might be sucked into it though. The little guy is so cute, you just want to hold him close and nuzzle with him.

Anna and I took my mom for a little tour of Philadelphia after we went to see Noah. We drove by CHOP and through the University of Pennsylvania. We roared down Chestnut to Independence Hall and she saw the Liberty Bell. We then came back up Arch Street and drove up Ben Franklin Blvd so she could see the Art Museum. I couldn't convince her to get out and run up the steps like Rocky, though. We took West Riverside Drive and looked at Boathouse Row. There were several eights out rowing, likely as part of the Frostbite Regatta that was held today. We ended up coming along the Mainline and cutting by Merion Golf Course before coming back home. Anna did most of the touring with her eyes closed and a loud snore emanating from her mouth, but a good time was had by all.

Thanks for checking on Noah and Missy today.

Please pray for the following:
Noah's neonatologists and nurses
Missy's OB/GYN, Dr. Heinzel
Strength for our family, especially Missy
Opportunities to be salt and light to others
Noah, and his big sister Anna, that they would come to know the Lord at a young age

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."
Micah 7:7