Austin's Update

First of all, a huge thank you for all the prayers and support we've received for Austin. I can't tell you how deeply we appreciate it and how much I know that the prayers are helping. We've been so blessed with how well Austin's recovery is going! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Austin is still at the NICU and is going on day 5. They originally thought it would only need to be 72 hours but as they've done more testing and lab work they've let us know that he'll be on the antibiotics for a full 7 days and then as long as he no longer needs his oxygen tubes and is nursing really well then we'll be able to take him home by Wednesday or Thursday of next week.

He's been making huge leaps in his recovery the last 2 days. His chest Xrays are still about the same but his doctor said that's a good thing because they aren't getting worse. Yesterday, they turned down his oxygen from 2 liters/hr to 1 liter/hr and were able to change his breathing tube from a high flow O2 flow to regular flow. He was put under photosynthesis lights since his Billy Reuben count (has to do with how his liver is functioning) has been too high and the light helps fix that (I'm not a science person so I don't know exactly how it works, even though the explained it to me). He gets to wear these awesome "sunglasses" to protect his eyes from the lights.

Today, he actually wanted to nurse and I was able to feed him twice while I was at the NICU.  Dan was able to hold him for the first time as well and he was so cute all snuggled in Daddy's arms. After feeding him the 2nd time today, I got to just hold and cuddle with him. I can't believe how good it made me feel to have my baby safe in my arms, even though he has about a dozen wires and tubes sticking out all over him that were constantly getting tangled, it was so worth it and hopefully over the next few days a lot of the wires and tubes will start being removed! 

Ethan is also doing well. He is getting to spend lots of time with my Aunt Ruth, "Ha-ee" (my cousin Haley), Grandma Sue and "Papa" Foster. He still doesn't really get that he has a brother but he's never seen him since he wasn't allowed in the nursery before Austin was moved and the NICU is only for 14 yrs and up. He does realize that my tummy isn't as big though. He pats it every once in awhile and gives me a curious look. We've been practicing saying Austin's name with him but all we get is a scrunched up nose and a smile. I've missed my happy little boy this week while I've been at the hospital and NICU but hopefully soon I'll be able to be home with both my boys!