Tonight, both mother and child are stable. Christy will likely be discharged tomorrow (Tuesday).

Bella is being weaned off the ventilator this evening and taking her first sips of her mother’s milk through a syringe. She will, of course, remain in the NICU for the forseeable future. Her cardiac condition is stable, but we still anticipate having to transition to Children’s in the near-term. Everyone involved is hoping and praying (and you would be surprised to hear how many of those attending her add prayer as part of their protocols) that she will fatten up a bit before we have to think about surgery.

Just as she has throughout the pregnancy, Bella continues to offer no shortage of mysteries. Due to the rather odd coincidence of heart defect, low birth weight for a nearly term baby, the excess amniotic fluid during pregnancy (polyhydramnios), the thinness (gracility) of her ribs, and other subtle anatomical features, the neonatologists elected to run the bloodwork that would offer some insight into her genetic/chromosomal situation. Results from those tests won’t be available for around a week or more. I know it may seem we’ve lurched back and forth as to whether Bella has some genetic abnormalities; we’ve certainly heard our share of impressions, insinuations, and educated guesses on both sides of that debate from the medical professionals involved in her care. Now that Bella is in plain view, one can’t help but wonder if there’s some common denominator–some syndrome with a name–that might explain her quiver of curiosities.

As you would expect, the uncertainty surrounding those issues and their potential implications for prognosis and long-term care give us pause, and, we confess, occasional spikes of anxiety. Your prayers are certainly welcomed.

Meanwhile, we thought you might like a video vignette of part of our day. (The new camcorder is getting a workout)

His Providences continue–many through you.  Thanks be to God for you.