And then there were 6!

I thought I'd keep the trend going with the post title.  Yes, Grace Elise arrived home yesterday evening, borne safely to her nursery in our Chrysler "stork."  She's doing great and eating VERY well, for which we are grateful.  She is on an oxygen machine (which I have dubbed "Vader," due to it's breathing sounds) through her cannula, but it is not actually necessary for life support. It's just boosting her oxygen saturation a little bit, especially when she's eating.  She is on six different medications that are spaced differently throughout the day, so that's a big change in workload as far as preparing her bottles as compared to David and Marcie's relatively simple preparations.  (We prepare the bottles and add the medications ahead of time, so don't let that scare any volunteers away!) Fortunately, she eats so quickly, it's not a problem.  Marcie, on the other hand, is extremely slow and challenging to feed, which we hope will change soon-- a current prayer request.

Feeling a little insecure about leaving the NICU, Grace? (She's holding her oxygen tube.)

(Carrie writing now): Will is coming home tomorrow! His reflux is finally completely figured out, with the right anti-reflux formula and bottle nipple combination. Sadly, I can only nurse him for a few minutes before he starts feeling the burn and pulling away. Oh well, God knows the other babies need it and is saving it for them! :)

David and Marcie were in bed, otherwise we would have included them.
We'll try to get a picture of all four babies with us at home tomorrow. 

(Gavin again): We are doing pretty well at this point, starting to get a system figured out and INCREDIBLY thankful for the help that we have thus far during the day and overnight!

(Carrie): Deb has done 2 overnights, and what a difference two full night's sleep make to my mental and physical stamina! Other wonderful volunteers allow me to sleep in after nights I have been up or didn't get to bed until late (2 am last night). Still others do our laundry, make our meals, clean our house, entertain Isaac, and much more. WE COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU, including you prayer warriors and generous partners in this journey. (Thank you for the diapers, Sandra's Bible study!!!) Seriously, at times I get so overwhelmed by the road ahead of us I think, "Dear God, help us!" and realize immediately how abundantly He has and continues to!

Feeding times are a little crazy, but thank God so far all the babies are on the same schedule, so the craziness subsides for a couple of hours in between times. Granted, we only have three at home at the moment. We are using precious blocks of time to try to get organized, or in this case, blog. :)

Regarding Seth: What a little stinker! He got so worked up about getting his outfit changed today that he projectile-vomited right into my hair as I leaned over him. I can smell it now. :) Lovely. It's delightful to have him so healthy he demands attention from his nurse, his mobile, his bouncing chair, etc.! He has been hovering around 40% oxygen requirement and is on a lowered CPAP setting (7 instead of 8). I look back to where we've come from and stand amazed at the grace and power of the Lord in healing those little lungs! He's no longer retracting at all when he breathes. He's fully weaned off of his sedation and pain meds, I believe, so we praise God for that, too! Thank you for all your prayers, and please keep them coming!

All glory to our only God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Carrie and Gavin