Birthday Boy

Today, Grady is 4 weeks old. Happy one month Birthday, Grady Charles.

When we got to Grady's room, yesterday, he was sleeping. Most days Grady will peak out at Mommy when he hears her voice. Yesterday, the boy did not even flinch. He was exausted. The nurse told us they had taken him off the respirator from about 10 am to 2:45 pm. They put him back on because he was forgetting to breath. When it became too hard for him, they decided that today was not the day he was coming off that machine. As we are all learning, Grady must keep his saturation levels up and remember to breathe. He really is not suppose to be breathing air right now, so this is another lesson for him.

Grady has maintained his weight. He is still 2 lbs and 3.9 oz. Daddy tells me he is 14 inches long now. If he adds an inch for every pound he gains, he will be quite tall. Thank goodness it doesn't work that way! Remember, he has to be a minimum of 4 pounds before he can go home....AND breathing on his own.

Mommy tells me, Grady has the same swirl of hair in the crown of his head, that his big sister had. Emma was excited to hear that. Suzanna checked on the restrictions and Emma still can not go see baby brother just yet. We are all wanting her to go see him. Emma has been so patient about not getting to see Grady.

I love to stand and look at him. I have many pictures, so when you see me just ask. I will be proud to show them off. You might see a few of Emma, too.

Just a bit of information about Grady's temporary home. There are quilted blankets on all incubators and cribs. Some of the ladies from several churches make these small quilts for all the babies. Yesterday, one of the NICU graduates had left embroidered pillow ornaments for each of the babies. The caps that you see on Grady are hand made and donated, as well. It is not home, but these babies are loved and well taken care of while Mommies and Daddys are waiting to take their precious children home.

Thank you for all your prayers. Keep them coming, prayer works! Happy Easter and God bless each of you and your families.

Talk soon,

JoJo