A little progress...

We do have some progress to report from today! Andrew started the day same as the past few, on the ventilator but trending in positive directions. About mid morning the doctor decided to remove the ventilator and put Andrew on a ‘C-pap.’ This support is similar to the vent in that it provides necessary oxygen to Andrews lungs, but it is administered via the nose and throat instead of the mouth and throat. The meaningful difference between the two is that where the vent was providing much of the pressure to Andrews lungs, now he is doing the pressurizing on his own and the C-pap provides the oxygen. This is a good benchmark to cross. Because Andrew is off of the vent, he is also able to be held a couple times a day as well! Pilar got some ‘kangaroo’ time today as a result! In addition to all of this, his bed has changed. He is now in an ‘isolette’ – or what most of us would call an incubator. It’s a more stable home for him for the next several benchmarks – it will also allow them to administer some photo-therapy to reduce some jaundice that flared up this afternoon. So today brought some new changes but certainly some great progress!

On the home front, Pilar was officially discharged from the hospital yesterday evening. So we slept at home for the first time last night. Leaving the hospital without Andrew was probably the most difficult thing we have ever had to do. Honestly, it was an awful feeling. But after a good nights rest and some positive progress today, we are regaining some focus and perspective. We are also beginning to formulate some plans on how to make sure Abbie gets some much needed attention from Pilar and me. Today we started the day at the breakfast table with her and came home in time to have dinner with her and to share in her bath/bed time routine before heading back to the hospital to finish the night out with Andrew. I can see this is going to be the most challenging aspect of the next couple of weeks. Our hearts and love are in two places – and we don’t want to miss any activity in either place. We will continue to evaluate what works best and make decisions from there.

Love you all a ton and appreciate your continued prayers and support!