Stable

Ben's had a stable week so far and has looked more content and relaxed than ever before.  He's been fed milk regularly for two days and his digestive system appears to be fully functional now.  There has not been any change in his lung function, which isn't really good news but it's not bad news, either.  Staying on the ventilator is causing excess fluid in his lungs, which decreases his lung function, which in turn causes him to be more dependent on the ventilator.  It's going to be a tough cycle to break but there are no alternatives to the ventilator at his age so it's a problem most early preemies face.

Today Ben moved from an open bed into an enclosed bed to give him a little more peace and quiet.  He has a great location in the NICU, a corner away from outside noises and with very few people walking past, but apparently he still didn't like the action around him.  Hopefully he'll be happy in this new bed.

It is amazing to watch the changes that have taken place just in the past week.  Ben's already developing some dark hair on his head that was not there last week.  He's becoming a little more comfortable with our touch and today he held onto Matt's fingers for quite a while.  Any day now his eyes should open so we'll get a real look at his little face.  Although we'd prefer him to still be happily in the womb right now, it really is amazing to watch such a perfect little person grow.  God has truly given us a tiny miracle!