June 30th, 2006. Beau's doing well for being ONE MONTH OLD!!! He's peeing lots again and returned his "more stable" status and blood gases. That's not to say he hasn't been stable- just now he's more so.... Anyways! He's developed a hernia which is also not uncommon in preemie boys. He's not on any pain with it. They're going to continue monitoring it and if it gets worse, maybe close it up. That will be way further down the line.

Yesterday I was able to hold him, not Kangaroo, but really hold him. It was great looking at his face and giggling with Neill about his little expressions and smiles and reactions. It felt like a normal family. Since it was his first time being held like a full term baby, the nurse said we'll try it for 20-30 minutes and then put him back. Two hours later he got too fussy and we put him to bed. I'm still smiling today.

We also got good news yesterday. One of his nurses suggested putting clothes on him and bringing in his baby blankets to keep him warm and comfy. She said him smelling us will be a great comfort to him and help him calm himself down. It might help to keep him more stable longer since he really seems to like it when we're there with him. It's so funny how a baby so small and not ready to be in the world is here and not only that- but is responding to the world around him. He looks in our direction when we talk to him. He instantly calms when we put our hands on him and comfort him. It's odd, but really great to see him respond better to us than anyone else. It blows my mind- in a really good way!

Please continue to pray for him. I'm convinced it's all the thoughts and prayers that have helped him along so far. Thank you thank you thank you!