For the first time since Monday night, Natalie was able to leave the NICU at St. Mary's. It is amazing what a cup of coffee and an hour sitting along Lake Superior can do. Ezra is continuing to improve. He continues to rely upon the support of the NICU to help him through the days. He is six days old and has not yet eaten. His respirations per minute continue to be twice what they should be. Thus, he has not eaten as he may aspirate once again while eating. He is receiving electrolytes and lipids from the NICU and mom continues to do her good work pumping every 2 hours, building up a storehouse for him when he is ready. It will be a feast.
Grandpa and Grandma Salminen stopped in today along with Uncle Micah and Cassy. Grandma Rude is in with Natalie as I type. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Grace and Peace.
Hey Guys (and one Gal)It is great to see that you have made time to move outside the walls for even a short time. I am sure Grandma is excited to be there and I would love to be there also. It's wonderful to read and hear about Ezra's improvements and amazing to know each of you are being lifted up in prayer from people around the world. Blessings to the three of you!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning-
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome pictures! Boy do I miss you guys! You are where you need to be though! What a beautiful boy you have! Boys are the best you know!
Natalie, just wanted to let you know I miss our visits and hugs. You all have made a difference in my life. Josh, Katie says she misses you coming in for you daily cookies :) Have another hopeful day-Love, Kara
Josh & Natalie,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on Ezra's birth! He seems to have dark eyes like his father.
We're empathizing with your current mix of experiencing this temporary trial simultaneous with the great joy of becoming parents.
Our now 17 yr.old son, Eric, also had Merconium Aspiration Syndrome. He's a healthy, robust example of doing well after those first difficult days.
Bet you'll relish his first feeding time...may that be an extra-joyous time as you experience that landmark of his improvement!
We'll continue to hold you up in prayer,
Cindy & Dale Blomgren and sons
What a handsome young man!Sweet little Ezra, we so want to meet you soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping us updated with pictures and stories...a feat in itself amidst all you two are doing.
Ezra appears to take his sweet little time in life. Such lessons of patience.
We love you three,
J,Tensy,Solomon,Olwen
Whew! Was waiting for word from you guys for what seemed an eternity. Now you are three. Yippee! Congratulations on your little Leo guy Ezra. I was hoping you'd have a boy. He is a beautiful child, so sweet! Trite but true: "time takes care of things" and before you know it you'll be chasing him around the house, with all this faaaarrr behind you. I'll say a prayer for a fast forward, okay? Don't forget to take care of mommy and daddy. Love to you all. I'm so happy for you. Love, Sandi
ReplyDeleteEzra my Dad said you needed a good wish, so I hope you get home soon. When you come to Florida I can show you around the park and the beach.
ReplyDeleteEmma Sophia Sullivan
natalie, josh & ezra,
ReplyDeletewe just discovered your blog and it feels good to finally know what is happening over there. you have been in my thoughts daily since i saw you at the art opening and you will continue to be in our thoughts while you work to bring ezra home. -- he is absolutley beautiful and i know that he feels your love every moment of the day. we will continue to follow along on this lovely blog you have created! xoxoxoxoxo and so much love, tia, souliyahn & silo
So wonderful hear the news of Ezra's miraculous birth. You have been in our thoughts and prayers these past weeks and now we will redouble our efforts. He is so amazing, you have so many beautiful days (not to metion sleepless nights) ahead. Wishing you many more blessings and so much love.
ReplyDeletePetra, Todd and Aberdeen Grey
Congratulations Josh and Natalie on your newest family member! I'm sorry to hear that you haven't been able to bring him home as soon as you would have liked, but am glad that things seem to going better with each passing hour. Ezra is joining two wonderful people and two wonderful families.
ReplyDeleteYou three are in my prayers.
From Boston, Anna
Ezra~Welcome to the world and Congrats to you and Josh! I'm so happy to find out about your blog so I can see and hear as much of lil Ezra as possible. What a cutie pie. I too agree that boys are the best! Mark, Cooper and I are thinking of you and send our love.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute family you 3 make!
XOXO
Amy
Still praying...Encourage each other and Rest in God's sweet promises. He's a handsome little boy, and I'm sure he's a fighter! He'll be fine. God's best to you all! (Natalie, can't wait to meet you!) :) Kristi Steen and family
ReplyDeleteHey Natalie and Josh,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see you were able to leave the NICU for a bit as those walls can easily close it on you. From your pics and writings it looks like Ezra is showing a lot of strength (just like his parents)! Your family continues to be in our prayers and I wish I could send a big hug via this internet portal. We love you guys!
Melissa
A verse from "our Josie":
ReplyDeleteI will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Psalm 23:4
(she snuck out of bed just now to tell me to share it with you!)
Take care, Kristi and Josie Steen
Josh & Natalie...
ReplyDeleteOur hearts ache for you and yet are joyous as well...Ezra is very handsome...what a strong little boy. May God's love lift you to the heights of strength needed to bring your son through this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily. Hold onto God's promises...
Blessings of hope and peace...