All we want for Christmas is...to hold our baby boy!

Today has been a good day!  After a rough night, Eli is now off one of the medications for his blood pressure and the other medication is set at "medium-low".  This is a big step in his recovery!  His oxygen levels are fluctuating slightly but close to normal room air.  The doctor even mentioned that if he maintains his current progress, we could be looking at getting him off the ventilator entirely as early as tomorrow!  He will still need oxygen, but is breathing fairly well and they believe he won't need much assistance very soon!  Eli does not like much commotion (sounds, lights, etc) and the nurse today gave him a binky instead of sedating him, which worked!  Who would have thought that something so simple would be effective!  She also placed some blankets and beanbag-type things on his body to help settle him down after he got aggitated.  We were very thankful that these methods worked and he did not need to be sedated!  Eli is also opening his eyes more and more.  He was awake and looking around for quite a while this afternoon, which was very exciting!  He is responding to both Ted's and my voices and that warms our hearts.  Once his blood pressure is under control, they will begin feeding him (slowly), which will put us that much closer to taking him home!  It is still a ways off, but we're starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Please continue to pray for little Eli.  He is in God's hands and we are trusting that he will be healed in God's timing.

We can't even begin to express how thankful we are for the love and support.  We have enjoyed some wonderful, nutritious meals and are so thankful for the generous financial assistance.  It is so nice not to worry about those things and to be able to focus our time and energy on Eli.  He knows when we're with him and the nurses have noticed that also.  Staying at the Ronald McDonald house has been such a blessing to us as well.  They let us know today that all our rooms have been paid for for 3 nights by a very generous donor.  Everywhere we turn, we are feeling blessed and thankful.  We could not have imagined such an outpouring of love from our wonderful family and friends.  We have so much to be thankful for, even in this difficult time. 

Much love,

Lys, Ted & Eli