Many praises; a few more requests

We praise God that Seth is already better this morning! The pulmonary interstitial emphysema is already much improved. The neonatologist/Director of the NICU showed us the progression from bad to a bit better to much better on the lung x-rays they took yesterday, last night and this morning. Seth is needing more pressure on the oscillating ventilator, but less oxygen. He still needs lots of prayers, of course, that this would resolve completely, that he would start making his own surfactant (the fluid that allows for air exchange and inflation of the alveoli) - that all the babies would, actually, as the 4 smaller ones have already maxed out the dosage of the surfactant they can receive from the NICU. The neonatologist said they should start making their own sometime between today and maybe 5 days from now. We certainly pray so and deeply appreciate your joining us in that request.

Another exciting development Seth-wise is that he is now receiving my milk, too, and David, Marcie, and Will are getting double the number of feeds they were getting - every three hours now instead of every six. Gracie can't be fed by tube until she's off the medication to close her patent ductus arteriosis (PDA). She receives her last dose tonight, will start getting milk tomorrow, and will be re-scanned to see if the medication was enough to close the flap or not. If not, she'll be restarted on the medication. She can have three rounds of three doses before she needs to have surgery.

The neonatologist is wondering if Seth's lung issues may be due to  his PDA worsening, so will probably order another scan tomorrow or the next day to see if it's enlarged and needing treatment.

The other big prayer request for today is that the nurse practitioner be able to get the PICC lines in through their legs. I would love it if they can avoid having surgery to put in "broviacs" for medication and food delivery. Will still doesn't need a PICC line, thank God.

Grace got to get off her blood pressure medication entirely and is no longer receiving oxygen, although is still on the ventilator. Marcie, too, is off the oxygen and requiring less support from her CPAP to help her breath. David is requiring slightly more support that previously, but is getting only a tiny bit of oxygen.

Will continues to thrive and sleep. :)

Official lengths: Will - 15.5 inches, David - 15.3 inches, Seth - 14.25 inches, Marcie - 14.15 inches, Gracie - 12.5 inches long.

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING and for continuing to do so!

Love and gratitude,
Carrie (heading for a nap)