Well, Ezra is one day stronger. We were able to hold him for the first time last night, since his birth on Monday. What a joy to feel his warm little snugly body! It was a bit of a trick to do with all of his tubes (we call him our "tubeasaurus") but wonderful, so wonderful, so very wonderful to hold him. Mama is tearful at the thought.Today he is needing a bit more oxygen, meaning he will need to stay in his isolet for a while longer. This is the part where our patience really needs to kick in. Of course we want to bring him home, but we also don't want him to leave the hospital without being well. So we face each day, hour really, with hope of simple goals being met. Somedays they are met, others they aren't. Today, Ezra just needs to breathe. We will eventually get to the unassisted part, but today we just want his little lungs and heart to keep up the good work. We face these hours knowing that he is being prayed for by so many. We face it knowing that the Lord will not burden us beyond what we can bear. We face it knowing that Ezra is in the care of a wonderful medical staff and most importantly a Loving God.
Congratulations Josh & Natalie on your beautiful little boy. I'm so glad you finally got to hold him! We were going to come up on Saturday, but I think we'll wait until you're home. Hope that's okay. Hang in there and keep posting photos - we love to see the newest Rude! Lots of love and prayers - Nathan, Dawn, Rachel & Aaron
ReplyDeleteCongratulations dear Natalie,Josh, and precious little grandson,
ReplyDeleteWe are still in awe over Ezra, and love him so much. Our God is being bombarded by the prayers of so many, the newest to the list are sweet friends in Honduras.
It is so good to see Ezra today without the endotrach tube in his mouth and sucking well on a pacifier -- soon it will be Mama.
Blessings to you three, Love "Imma"
OH HOW BEAUTIFUL HE IS! Congrats to you both...or to you three! You are in our thoughts!
ReplyDeleteBartz trio
Congratualtions Natalie and Josh!!!! We are so excited for you! Our prayers continue for all of you....but we too are veterans of NICU and know that they are awesome there.....little mister Ezra is getting the tops in care and will soon be at home all snuggled in!!!! (((HUGS)))!!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog and your updates!!! Prayers and blessings....
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Heather and gang
Congratulations my precious Natalie and Josh in the birth of Ezra Monroe! He is just beautiful and a spitting image of you, Nat. I think your mom and I were burning the long distance airwaves last week. Thank you so much for your blog site as it makes me feel a little closer to you. Natalie and Josh, God has been preparing you all these months for Ezra, and he is truly a miracle. The pics are terrific and you are a beautiful family. We'll keep the prayer chains going here in Virginia. All my love, Aunt Susan. P.S. I'M A GREAT AUNT! It's about time. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Natelie. Congratulations to you and Josh on the birth of your beautiful son. Just wanted you to know that we are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Pastor Dave & Joy (and your extended family at the Vineyard in Naples)
Oh my precious Natalie and dear Josh, now I know why I have been thinking about you all so fervently for the past week.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on beautiful sweet Ezra. He is soooooooo wonderful and I am very pleased to be able to read along with so many that care about all of you. The pictures and updates keep us all close with the power to send strength and love.
Big big hug to the three of you, many prayers and know that this test will continue to bring sweet fruit.
Love you,
Christie
Oh my I just have to say again how beautiful that little boy is !!!
Wow, what a handsome little man Ezra is! Nice work you two. I'm one proud uncle and I can't wait to meet the newest member of our family. Take care and enjoy this awesome time, hugs all around!
ReplyDeleteNoble