A Joyful Drive

Today’s drive to the hospital was different than the previous trips. Last week, I wasn’t sure what awaited me at the hospital. Things were changing rapidly with both Erica and Mercy, and on each drive my imagination would run wild with things that could have gone wrong since I last spoke to them or their doctors.

Driving down to see them was heavy.

Today, I realized we have hit a stride. Erica and Mercy are doing well. I’m not wondering what I’ll find - things have largely stabilized and evened out and I generally know what to expect. And since I have been primary for the older boys, I haven’t seen Mercy for nearly a week. The drive to see our little baby girl was nothing but joy today!

Mercy is doing well, her feedings are slowly increasing in volume as she’s able to tolerate them. She’s still on the CPAP and likely will be until early next week. Her echocardiogram confirmed that the murmur-causing PDA is gone(!), though the doctors warned us it could return. Her bowels still look good thus far. She’s also amazing to hold.

Erica is recovering and it is so good to have her home. It’s also great to have her caring for Mercy in the hospital for a large part of each day. She knows Mercy’s needs and understands her medical updates with a clear head. She’s also working with a nutritionist to be able to increase the calorie density in the milk she provides to Mercy. Here is Mercy tube feeding the good stuff:

I’ll send our next update on Saturday evening. Here’s praying the incremental, good-enough news continues!

Ways to Pray

- Mercy’s lungs grow to handle life post-CPAP

- Mercy’s bowels continue to stay healthy

- Erica's spirits stay up despite physical limitations and being torn between the hospital and home

- Praise for how our other boys are handling the uncertainty, and pray for peace for them as well