So many blessings.

First, an update on Kaela. When Rachel and I arrived at the hospital at around noon, she didn't look very good. Her complexion was pale and splotchy, and she was very visibily uncomfortable, contorting her face and fidgeting with her limbs. As the day went on, and I guess as the antibiotics and prayers started to take effect, her color came back and she became much more calm. When we left at 5:30, she looked much better. The 1:00 PM X-ray came back and they said that her bowels look "better," which we'll take as a very good sign.

Kaela did have about 7 Brady/Apnea spells during our visit, which is quite a high number for her. Several times, we had to reach in, rub her skin, or flick her feet to get her to come back around. The nurses brought her O2 levels up a little, which also helped. I think she's just all worn out. We know the feeling.

And now, at 9:00PM, Rachel just called me and said Kaela is doing much, much better. Man, that's awesome. These NICU babies can change so fast! It looks like they'll keep her on IV feedings for now, but as long as we can keep infection away, we'll take it.

On a lighter note, Christopher and I had some great Man Time tonight. We broke out his tools and "fixed" his firetruck. He's learning so much so fast...it really blows my mind. His little brain has its own logic, and the way he thinks through things is just incredible. He always wants me to play WITH him, where he has a car, I have a car, he has a tool, I have a tool, etc. I know that these are moments that I'll cherish for my entire life. There's nothing quite like having your own son think you're his best friend. As I was rocking him to sleep a few minutes ago, singing him his bedtime songs, I cried in gratitude to the Lord. I don't deserve such a wonderful family; really, no one could possibly merit such precious time and experiences. As we were discussing with our good friends the Hunters last night (who also had a NICU baby), there is nothing quite like crisis to break you down, bring life into perspective, and make you extraordinarily grateful for what you have.

Tonight, I'm grateful for a loving wife, an amazing son, and a beautiful daughter. And the fact hat we'll soon all be under the same roof, fixing firetrucks. And maybe playing with dolls.

Maybe.





--Andy