One Step Forward, One Step Back

Pretty eyes

sweet little back

Thomas dancing to Hannah Montanna at the Zoo!

Well, I don't even know how to begin to update you on what all has happened in the past couple of days. First let me say I am sorry that it has been so long since we have updated you. Wow, well it has been like this, one minute we are praising God for His faithfulness in answering our specific requests and thanking Him for His healing of Lily, and in the next moment fear and doubt find there way in and it is as if we are sinking and have nothing to hold us up. But in our darkest moment God always shows up. He always finds a way to show us He is there. It may be that the doctor walks up at just the right time to calm our fears or answer questions, or that she starts doing better without intervention from the nurses. At my most vulnerable moment when my emotions almost get the best of me I am reminded that He is still standing right where I left Him. Even when our human nature takes over and we begin to carry our burdens and worries, He reveals that His mercy is new every morning. He he has taught me so much about His timing and how to just rest and rely on Him and in Him alone. It is definitely not always easy, but with His strength we are able to face each day knowing that He is in control!

So, for the update. Lily has had a very busy day today. Her vent tube was removed this morning and she had her first trial of the CPAP. She did pretty good, breathing on her own, but her little body was just not strong enough and this evening she had to be re-intubated (put the vent tube back in). But the doctors were very encouraged that she did as well as she did today. They plan to let her grow another week and hopefully try it again.

On a very positive note with a huge shout of thanksgiving and rejoicing, Lily's echo cardiogram was normal!!! This means her heart is normal and working as it should!!! Yea! They had heard a murmur come and go, but didn't really think it was anything to worry about and today's results proved that.

She is now eating 12cc of breast milk through her feeding tube. They are adding extra calories to it to help her get her chubby cheeks!! She is tolerating them well and her digestive system is doing great. Thanks for your prayers on that.

She is continuing to have fluid on her lungs so she will be getting a maintenance dose of Lasix 3 times a week at least this week and maybe longer. We hope that as she gets bigger and her lungs develop more and when she is off the vent. this will get much better.

Again, we can't thank you all enough for being faithful to pray for Lily. It is so evident with the progress she is making and with all of our requests being answered. Continue to pray for her lung development, that the fluid on her lungs will decrease, and that she will be able to come off the vent again soon.

"The times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"I will pray morning, noon, and night...and He will hear and answer.'' Psalm 55:17

May God bless each of you and meet all of your needs as you trust in Him.