19 Days Old (with more pictures)

Well Elijah has begun gaining a little bit of weight, which we are so very thankful for.  After getting stuck just below his birth weight ( 4 lbs. 3 oz.) for almost two weeks, he has gained 7 ounces over the past 4-5 days.  He is 4 lbs. 10 oz. and hopefully not too far from the big 5 pounds!!!

Also, he had his air tube removed several days ago which was necessary because like many premature babies, he would forget to breathe every now and then.  According to the doctors, there are 300 muscles in the windpipe that need to work and can collapse so a slight push of air into the lungs would help minimize this occurrence. Not necessary anymore however, as he is breathing on his own just fine.

Then last night they removed the incubator and he is now sleeping in a crib.  This is good because it means he is able to regulate his body temperature which is another requirement for him to come home. 

So currently we are just waiting on steady weight gain and his ability to eat from a bottle and/or through nursing.  He still has the feeding tube because he only takes partial bottles and then only part of the time.  He has to learn to drink the whole thing consistently before they will release him.  Moreover, we ask for your prayers as we want and need him to transition from a bottle to nursing which can be difficult for a smaller and weaker baby.  Remember, last Sunday was only 35 weeks were he still in the womb.  We are asking a lot of this little guy (breathing, eating, maintaining temperature, etc.) which he wouldn't normally have to do for three to four more weeks.  

Alright, alright, here is what you have been waiting for...