Some good news, and some more good news

Waiting on news each morning is hard. I'm hoping for good news, or at least no bad news.

Good news this morning: Mercy is back up to her birth weight!

This weekend she’s getting treatment to close her PDA - the opening between two blood vessels leading to the heart. For most babies, this closes at birth, and in some premies it resolves on its own in a few weeks. Since the PDA (we believe) is causing apnea, poor kidney function, and episodes of low oxygenation, Mercy’s team recommended treating it now.

To treat it, they’re using an IV drug which is similar to ibuprofen. Mercy has been getting a tiny amount of breast milk every couple of hours; treatment means that they’ll have to pause the milk feedings. They’ll up the IV nourishment to make up for it but she’s unlikely to continue to gain weight over the weekend.

Overall she’s doing well.

Here’s a pic of Mercy looking like she’s getting ready to box someone:

And the best news of all today:

Erica was discharged and is home!!!!!!

Many visits to the doctor ahead for her as we continue to monitor preeclampsia symptoms (including blood clots), but she's back and recovering with us.

Ways to pray:

Praise God for good news, for bringing Mercy's weight up and Erica home!

That Erica and I stay healthy as we visit Mercy in the hospital

Recovery for Erica

Treatment would work on Mercy's valve

Peace for us each morning and lots of good news