Update --- Novemeber 8

Post date: Nov 8, 2010 6:16:15 PM

November 8, 2010 - Julia and I feel so incredibly blessed! God has demonstrated His faithfulness in so many ways, has been with us through the entire journey, and has surrounded us with so much love and support. Thank you seems so insufficient to say what we are feeling toward the Lord and to each of you right now.

So now to what most people are asking about... "The Little Guy"

He is doing well! Last night one of the doctors told me, "He must not have read the playbook for premature babies." The doctor warned us that there will be some surprises, but right now the little guy is doing well. This morning I was visiting with another doctor who told me how pleased they were with the little guys vital signs (see the picture!) and his weight. Apparently, most of the premature babies had stressful developments and are below the recommended weight. Our little guy weighs what he should at this point, something the doctors rarely see. This morning Julia and I were spending some time with him. I can't tell you how encouraging it was to hear one so small start to cry. I never thought hearing a baby cry would make me feel so much better :) If things keep progressing, they will take him out and let him lay on our chests soon. Honestly, that sounds both exciting and scary!Julia is doing great! You wouldn't think she had delivered a baby yesterday by looking at her. Her strength is slowly coming back, she is eating more, and ready to get more active after the days of laying still. I'm amazing at how quickly she has "bounced back" from having a baby! She should be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.So many of you have come by, called, emailed, or texted. I'm sorry that we can't visit with everyone who has come and have not been able to personally respond to each message. Even though we haven't been able to respond to each, know how much it means to us that you have reached out to us! One specific prayer request...Besides continuing to pray for the little guy and Julia, we do have one very specific request. Since the baby will need to stay at UAB until February, we want to be close to him. The Ronald McDonald house is located directly next to where our little boy is being cared for and has incredibly affordable rooms for families with loved ones in long term care at the hospital. We really would love to have a room there so we can live for the next few months right next to our baby and be just a few minutes away from getting to him if there are complications. However, the house is full and it sounds like they have a waiting list. Would you pray that we would find favor in the eyes of the social worker we meet with this afternoon who can get us in there, and for a room to open up at just the right time for us to be able to get in. Thanks!

Blessings,

Grady