Today Jerry and I both hit a bit of a wall. We realized we have been going on adrenaline and now we are settling in to the fact that every day is a waiting game. There are lots of tests and then you have to wait for what seems like forever to hear what the test are showing the doctors. You will see a pic of Benjamin getting an xray right at his bedside...now we just wait to hear what it shows...not easy for an impatient mamma. We did get to speak to Benjamin's surgeon last evening and he said that he felt like Benjamin was doing really well and that feeding from his OG tube was a really great step. They will be doing the dye test on Friday which will indicate if there are any leaks in the esophagus. When I ask his doctor about some tests he had this week (an ultrasound of his spine and rectum) he said they saw a small cyst on his spine. Of coarse to a non-medical person who is terrified by the thought of a new issue we were concerned to hear about this. His doctor just said they would have to review the ultrasound images with a neurologist and they definitely wouldn't address this till he was older. After talking to some medical friends it sounds like a cyst (which is a sac of fluid) could resolve itself on its own (which is our prayer) or in the worst situation would have to be dealt with by removing it, ect (which seems to be something that is treatable and successful in most situations).

Please pray that Jerry and I would be able to stay healthy and rest so that we are able to take care of Barrett and visit with Benjamin (I'm feeling a little under the weather and heading to the doctor now to be extra careful before visiting the baby...pray that it is nothing that would prevent me from seeing him). Please also pray for Benjamin's continued healing and that his esophagus would be ready to take food on Friday (this would mean his chest tube and OG tube could be removed...so we would be able to hold him and he would be so much more comfortable)! Pray that as he is taking breastmilk down the OG tube he would digest it and would soon have a BM (he still hasn't which the doctors said is normal because of all the pain meds and the surgery...but it needs to happen sooner rather than later).

You will also see pics of Barrett showing off his baby brother at mother's day out yesterday. B is having a hard time because we are popping in and out so much. Please pray for him and that we would have good quality time with him.

I asked one of the nurses when it would get easier to leave the baby at the end of visitation...she said when we get to know them and realize how much they care and want to take care of Benjamin. Please pray for us to have peace and to trust the care God has given him at the NICU.