November 24th

Noah's weight keeps creeping up. He was up to 3 lb 13.5 oz (1744 grams). Hopefully he will keep on an upward trajectory. He'll be up to four big pounds in no time. This evening he attempted to nurse again and apparently did quite well. Once he gets that squared away, he'll be headed home.

They have weaned his isolette temperature to room temperature. He'll be out to an open bed in the next day or so. He is also down to 1/2 liter of 21% oxygen in his nasal cannula. That should continue to be weaned.

Missy is doing pretty well today. She continues to be fatigued, but her spirits are good. She is likely a bit more tired today as a result of a big outing that we had with Anna. I decided that it would be fun if we just went riding around on the trolleys and subway. We road the trolley to 69th street and then caught the subway down to City Hall. We jumped back on the subway and went back to 69th. We then road the trolley out to Norristown and back. It was about a two hour trip for the whole thing. Anna had a great time. She loves to ride trains.

Anna and I finally got an opportunity to see a UT game up here. Anna fell asleep on me after about the end of regulation. Noah was excited to hear that the Big Orange pulled it out in the 4th overtime, though he was disappointed with the fact that it went to overtime. He really did smile when I told him UT won. Of course, that was likely a result of releasing fumes or something...

My mom is having a very rough time after her surgery for the retinal detachment. She is in a significant amount of pain. She can't see at all from the affected eye and apparently is having trouble opening the other. Her equilibrium has been affected and she is quite nauseated. I pray that she improves soon. I know it must be a horrible thing. Not only does she have the issues with nausea and vomiting, but she also has the fear that she might never see from the eye again.
Please pray for her.

Thanks for checking on Noah and Missy today.

Please pray for the following:
My mom (Susan) with her difficulties after her surgery for a detached retina
Noah's neonatologists and nurses
God's continued working in the lives of our friends and 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
My friend Luke as he finally returns from Iraq after 15 months to Germany to be with his wonderful bride Ivy

Please thank God for (at least) the following:
His love, grace, and faithfulness as exhibited in our lives
God's strengthening of our family
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

"And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
James 5:15 & 16