November 29th

Noah reached 4 lbs 4.7 oz (1948 grams) today. That guy is just growing like a weed now. There was some concern tonight about the frequency of his pooping. It seems he is going quite a bit. I mentioned to the nurse that a likely culprit could be the fortifier that they have been adding to his bottle. She gave a curt "oh, okay," and went on about Miss needing to drink less milk. Some people just don't get it... I don't say these things to hear my head rattle. I say them because I've actually given them some thought and think it could help the situation. I don't know how many times these same sorts of scenarios have to unfold during Noah's hospitalization before some of these folks listen.

The little man continues in an open bed. He is really just working on feeding now. I was able to hold him for about 25 minutes tonight. He's such a sweet little guy. Noah is derived from Hebrew and means rest, comfort, or peace. It truly fits him.

Missy continues to improve daily. She is eagerly anticipating Noah's discharge; Anna and I are as well. Miss is planning to go to work next week.

I don't have a whole lot more tonight. I want to spend some time talking to Miss before my four day trip to Memphis for Guard duty. It always seems that I have to do that when I want to be home the most.

In keeping with the verse that I included last night, I have decided on the subsequent verse in the 23rd Psalm. It's interesting that the verse says "He makes me lie down." That implies that the psalmist may not necessarily want to lie down, but God makes him. So often we are caught up in running to and fro busy with some self-induced hectic schedule that we don't have time to find rest. God wants us to be at rest, at peace. He makes us lie down in those green pastures of rest so that we may know that rest. The whole 23rd Psalm is about the rest, comfort, and peace that God provides us. It's interesting that I have been moved to recite that to Noah given the meaning of his name... The Lord is gracious.

Thanks for checking on Noah and Missy today.

Please pray for the following:
Noah, and his big sister Anna, that they would come to know the Lord at a young age
God's continued working in the lives of our friends and family
My mom (Susan) for continued comforting and encouragement after her surgery for a detached retina
Noah's neonatologists and nurses
Opportunities to be salt and light to others

Please thank God for (at least) the following:
His love, grace, faithfulness, and provision
His 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

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters."
Psalms 23:2