Goodbye, PICC

Ben will reach his first big milestone tonight - he will be receiving full feeds of milk from now on so he no longer needs a central line (the PICC line) or the fortified saline.  Every doctor or nurse that walked by us today siad it was such a good step to be removing the PICC line, not only becase his risk of infection will decrease, but also because the more milk Ben's receiving the bigger and healthier he'll (hopefully) grow.  Over the new few weeks we just want him to remain stable and content while he puts on some weight and his body matures, especially his lungs.  In several weeks the doctor will revisit the idea of taking him off the ventilator as he appears ready.

Ben did have his first bath two nights ago - not a dunk, more of a sponge bath.  He still has a lot of dry skin from the phototherapy light and I would just love to introduce him to lotion and chap stick, but I don't think he's ready for those yet.  He still refuses to sleep on his side and will always roll as much as he can onto his back, although we found that he absolutely loves sleeping on his stomach and he looks precious in that position.

We know the Lord has been holding our little Ben in His hands for him to have done so well these past two weeks, but we ask that you continue to pray for him.  Mostly that he will remain stable and infection-free and that his little body will grow in health and strength.  It's so encouraging to know that "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective".  James 5:16