Today is Alexa’s second full day in the NICU with me and Eiley. It’s been a joy to have my whole family together and you can feel the healing in our hearts and weary bodies. My entire world is often found sitting in a recliner together and I have never felt so whole. The burden of being a provider is handily outweighed by the privilege of being a husband and the joy of being a father.

Now I have some good news. During this morning’s briefing with the doctor we were given the most wonderful update.

“Her blood results have finally come back normal.”

A few days ago Eiley started breathing more regularly and slowly. This was our first big step towards healing and it meant that she was making good progress clearing the meconium from her lungs. But now these lab results are the confirmation we have been looking for. The breathing is now helping to reduce the acid in her blood which accumulated due to the difficulty breathing. As much as she was having trouble bringing oxygen in she was also having trouble getting the CO2 out. But that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore! It’s further evidence that she is breathing as efficiently as she needs.

Now the road ahead of us looks to be short. Her current bag of fluids on the IV is hopefully her last and they’ve reduced the flow on her respirator. Slow, careful progress is being made to unhook Eiley from all of the machines assisting her! The doctor also requested that her feeding quantities be gradually increased as the day goes on. Hopefully in the next couple days she’ll be free of IVs, respirators, and feeding tubes.

Thank you all for your prayers and kind words. For the rides between hospitals and all the meals. For spending nights out of town for us and reading our updates. For sitting in waiting rooms and sending us scripture. We are truly blessed. Our hearts are rejoicing! The Lord has been our strength and our provider. I’m so full of joy that I can hardly focus on writing. Sorry if I’m babbling. I’m sure Ellie or Megan will sort that all out.

We’re inching our way out of here. I am so excited for you to meet my Eiley.