Things are continuing to get better.  Levi is now off his IV.  We have chosen to supplement Amy’s milk production with formula.  He just needs more than she can produce right now.  She is pumping and we are feeding him what she produces.  This was a very big step.  They are hoping that tonight they will be able to take him out of the incubator.  He has to be able to maintain his body temperature before this happens.  Betsy, one of the greatest nurses, has been slightly lowering the temperature all day.  If he is able to hold his own, he will move to a regular crib.  However, he will still be in the Special Care Unit. 

  Once he is in a crib, things can really start progressing.  He will be able to start all the things that babies regularly go through (hearing screening, circumcision, etc.).  They have given us hope that Levi could come home on Monday!  This depends on if they can get him into the neurological department at Akron Children’s on Monday. 

  They want him to go straight there for the tests and the consult with the neurologist.  From that point there are several possibilities.  The first is that we will be able to go home.  If Levi’s problems are not producing any present complications, we will just have to come back for check-up.  The second option is that they set up a treatment plans for what needs to happen (this would be outpatient also).  The last option is they admit him there for observation and further testing.  We are praying for one of the first two.

  Since we are supplementing his food, Amy will be able to rest more.  I can feed him when needed.  This will allow her to heal.  She still has some swelling.  It was tough having to travel about 50 yards to the nursery every 3 hours.  This will be a much needed rest for her.

  I wanted to let you know that Amy did not have to deliver c-section.  I am sorry for the confusion.  She delivered in the OR for Levi’s sake, and it turned out he really needed it.  It was not because she needed a c-section.  Thank you for your calls and concerns.  It has been tough covering all the details and I know if one person had a question, others did also.

  Your prayers are being answered: Levi is eating better, Amy’s milk production is increasing, and we have peace.  Peace is the big one and I wanted to share something that happened to us today. 

  Sandy was our nurse through out the day.  She is a sweet older lady that we found out is a Christian.  She said that she had been very concerned for Levi and many of the nurses were staying updated on his progress.  This says a lot about Levi’s story so far and the amazing power of testimony.  We pray we are a faithful witness of God’s glory.  Levi even has the nurses pulling for him.  We pray the progress continues and that we will be home together on Monday, but God’s plan is bigger than ours and he still may have more to accomplish through Levi.