Josiah Update - Monday Morning

Hello Everyone

I realize that it's been over 24 hours since I have posted anything. Sorry to keep you out of the loop. It was a quiet day yesterday for Josiah as he continued to demostrate strength and resolve to live :) Thanks for all the overwhelming love you have been sending. We are touched to tears for all your concern, prayers, and provisions.

So ... what's new. Josiah is now completely off IV. Woohoo! For the first couple of days his food (breastmilk through a tube) was being supplimented by IV (basically sugar & water) but this morning he has reached the point where he is able to take in just milk. Yah!!! Of course, the pressure is now on Marie to 'perform and provide' but that hasn't been a problem yet! She has been getting quite sore from the breast pumping so she could use your prayers as this is something she'll probably be doing for a while. Josiah won't be able to breast feed until the doctors figure out what's going on with his recessed jaw (his jaw is small and set back a little). At this time, it would be really hard for him to latch, and because of the position he would have to be in it could also narrow his airways.

Josiah will probably be moved into a crib sometime today. The temperature in the incubator is as low as it can go (28 C) and he's having no problem maintaining his body heat - a very good sign. Marie and I can pretty much hold him anytime we want to now because he's doing so well. I think Marie's looking for ways to have him glued to her chest ;) I haven't held Josiah yet, first because I was a little apprehensive about working around all his tubes and now secondly because I have a bit of a headache and tight stomach (this is how I deal with stress I guess!). I just don't want to take any chances if I am fighting something, but it is really good just to hold his hand, head and bum :D

Today the doctors will begin the genetic testing on Josiah's blood, as well as taking the other scans and tests that he needs (ie. his brain, eyes). Usually the chromosone results can take up to 5 days to get back, but Cindy Shaw (our doctor, baby-catcher, friend, and 'insider-who-pulls-strings'!) thinks she'll be able to get them in sooner. This is of course the 'biggie' because although Josiah is healthy, we need to know if there are going to be any challenges on the DNA level that he'll be facing. We don't know anything at all (ie. if it'll just be a physical challenges, mental challenges, potentially fatal or what), but we do trust our God who is good and loves Josiah so much more than his mom & dad do combined!

Josiah hasn't really opened his eyes yet, though we've seen just a couple squints. He's crying every once in a while which is so cute, but for the most part he is in a good resting state. He doesn't seem to be as tense as he was the first day, and starting this morning he has been able to lay on his backfor long periods of time because he lungs are strong to push up his chest.

Thanks SO MUCH to all the churches and groups of people who have been praying around the world. This is so neat you guys, and Marie & I wish that every baby born could have the same prayer support as our boy Josiah has been receiving. We know people in Calgary and Saskatchewan have been praying for him, and there's even a group of people in Australia praying for our champ because my cousin Jessica over there! Thanks for the email and thoughts Jess! (Your mom forward it to us)

Marie & I are blessed to tears for all the love and attention our church family has been pouring on us. I was supposed to preach on Sunday - I was soooo looking forward to it too! - but instead the church played one of our videos and spent the rest of the time in prayer. Wow. You guys are amazing. Thanks so much for taking care of us, all the vistors and all the gifts and cards. I wish we could have been there with you, praying along side of you, crying with you and handing out a lot of hugs! I heard we generated a few laughs with our sleeping humor and responses ;)

Thanks again to everyone who has dropped by to see us! Let's see if I can remember you all: Leanne D. and Mary Lu L., Uncle Gord & Aunt Chrystal (hope I spelled your name right!), Mom & Dad Haak, our bro & sis Chris & Emily N., Mom & Dad Neufeld of course (just in case I haven't mentioned them yet, which is funny because they've been here the most!), and then ALL YOU CRAZY YOUNG ADULTS & SR YOUTH - Luke & Kari W., Adam & Angela W. (and Ryder!), Kevin & Dana H., Cindy & Alex & Kelly S., Allysan R., Torey & Alexa F. (I get your name right when I type it!!!), Travis V., Chad & Ryan R., Ryan F., Sam M., and Jenny L. Wow. I don't think I forgot anyone! You guys were known as the 'train' but everyone thought you behaved quite well ;)

Sorry Ryan, Nelson, and Tyler that this changes (just kinda huh?!) our Switchfoot plans for today. And I hope your mini fiasco gets remedied quick, Ryan.

OK. We have some more visitors (Trina again and Rose E.) so I'm going to go play host. I'll let you know when I post some more pics & vids!

Thanks everyone!

Resting in God's grace & peace.
- Andrew (and Marie and Josiah)