March Gladness

Greetings.
During the first couple of weeks at the hospital, we were really unsure of how long Elsa and Jonas would need to stay at the NICU. We knew it would be a while but we weren't sure if we were talking several months or closer to a year. One of the doctors sat down with us after a couple of weeks to review both kids' medical needs and to give us an overview of what challenges they might face in the days and weeks ahead. He noted that their expected due date was the end of March and he jokingly told us that we would have the whole college basketball season together. At the time I really appreciated that comment because it time-bounded our stay a little bit. A college basketball seasons isn't too long...we can do it.

Now that March Madness is here, picking my bracket is a little different this year. In year's past, I made my choices and hoped for the occasional upset and always picked Duke to lose. This year, I am rooting for the sixteen seeds (I didn't actually pick any on my bracket--but let's go Morehead State), teams to overcome amazing deficits, players to show gritty determination, coaches to show wisdom and grace, and Duke. The doctor is a Duke fan.

Our baby bracket update:
Jonas Bjorn is still doing quite well with the two a days on nasal cannula. He can use the cannula when he is being held. So far so good. The J-tube for feedings has seemed to have done the trick for his reflux problems. Mari reports that he really loves his pacifier but can sometimes still get a little too focused on it and need a quick reminder to breathe. With that being said, he hasn't had any serious apnea or brady episodes in days. He is still doing well in his new room assignment in the NICU. While it is a bit more crowded, it is a positive step because it means the doctors and nurses trust that he needs less supervision.

Elsa Joy is having a blast up in the ICN. She had one of the nurses make her a sign declaring her a princess. During the photo shoot for this sign that is placed next to her crib, she kept refusing to open her eyes. Yesterday, Mari said that Elsa took over 50 ml of milk during her morning feed. This is her best result to date. Elsa proceeded to sleep the rest of the day to celebrate her success.

Mari and I are looking forward to taking baby CPR sometime in the next couple of days. This is a check-off that needs to be done before Elsa (and Jonas) can come home.

Thank you for the continued prayers of healing for Elsa and Jonas.

God Bless,
Dan & Mari & Elsa & Jonas