November 17th with some pictures

Missy's dad arrived safely today from Mobile. We went immediately over to the hospital so that he could see Noah. Noah was off of CPAP and on the nasal cannula when we saw him. It was great to see his face and full head of hair. His sprints off of CPAP have been lengthened to 9 hours now and will be 12 hours with the next one. He is doing great there. I think it won't be long until he's off CPAP for good.

He continues to tolerate full feeds without a problem. They may add some calories so that he gets a boost in weight gain. That remains to be seen. I'm quite sure that they will start really working on oral feedings this week. I did a few things tonight to check to see if he has the reflexes needed to take oral feedings and everything was present. I can't wait until he's taking his feedings by mouth. Since I haven't given his weight lately, as of last night, he was 3 lb 9.5 oz (1630 grams). He hasn't been making huge gains, but he's making enough.

Miss is feeling good today. She was able to visit with the little man for a bit and took about 30 bottles of milk for Noah. His bin has been expanded to include a second one.

I was able to hold squirt tonight. He's still tiny and just sleeps there when I hold him, but it was great. I haven't held him in quite a few days. It's nice to kiss his little head. Poppa Tom was a bit afraid that he might break, so he didn't hold him. He's looking forward to when the little man doesn't come with wires, etc.

I was able to finally get some new pictures. I am going to put them in tonight. I am also going to throw in a couple of pictures of a tree that is in our front yard. I think it may be the most beautiful tree I have ever seen. It turns a brilliant orange every fall for about four or five days and then it's gone. Since I first saw it last year I have been eagerly anticipating it. God really made something spectacular with this tree. The pictures don't do it justice, but I want everyone to see it anyway.

Jay is set to arrive tomorrow morning and will stay the evening with us tomorrow night. It's his first visit to see us here. I am planning to drive him by Merion Golf Course, which is about 1 1/2 miles from our house. He's excited to see it. We're excited to see him. Jay and I have been best friends since I was about eight or nine I guess. I can't remember for sure. Having someone that has been there for so much of my life like Jay has is a blessing that I can't thank God enough for. I think in this day and age such a friendship is extraordinarily rare. We each have played a role in the other's development as a Christian, man, husband, and father. I can't thank God enough... I'll be glad to see Jay.

Thanks for checking on Noah and Missy today.

Please pray for the following:
Noah's neonatologists and nurses
God's continued working in the lives of our friends and family
Strength for our family
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
Our working with Anna during this difficult transition time for her

Please thank God for (at least) the following:
His love, grace, and faithfulness as exhibited in our lives
His working in the lives of all those who have played such an important part in Noah's life already: those who have and continue to pray for him

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40: 28-31