May 16 Update

Carrick is off dopamine. They gave him a dose of the medicine to close his PDA again. They usually give 3 doses but they only administered one because it did the job. He's on a lower pressure setting-6-on the CPAP. The doctor said they would try to get him down to a 5 today. He began the CPAP on level 7. Progress. He's forgetting to breathe less, which is good. There's been more turn-a-round in our section of the NICU. Two of the new babies that came in a couple days ago are gone, but there are two other babies in isolettes, also. It's like Carrick has friends his own size, well, I think they're still a little bigger. Lately, when we read to him he starts squirming around a little. He likes to stretch his arms over his head and then leave them there. It's adorable. He keeps feeling all his tubes and various straps like he wants to know what the huge contraption on his face is. Today he fell asleep with his hand covering the prongs going into his nose; we tried to take a picture because it was so funny but it was too dark and we didn't want to turn the light on and wake him. Occasionally, he opens his eyes but he's still too young to focus them on anything so he looks at you all cross-eyed. He's always too quick for us to get a good picture, but it is really worth seeing- so cute. So, this week has turned out to be a real blessing. Everyday he remains stable is a day he can just spend growing and getting stronger. We're really grateful to God for that time. Maybe we can hold him soon for the first time. Thanks so much for continuing to pray. More to come.