May 16, 2002

Today Benjamin is two weeks old! We really appreciate all the e-mails and well wishes our family receives each day. It really boosts our spirits and we feel you all pulling for us.

We had a good day today. The ventilator was reduced to 15 breaths and may go down to 10 tonight. He is still breathing well above the ventilator. His hematocrit number was very low today due to his many blood tests, so he had a tranfusion. Luckily, Ben was able to receive his Grandpa's blood which had been donated last weekend when he visited. The transfusion will give him the boost he needs to tolerate his future challenges. He seems to be doing well.

We feel like stereotypical new parents telling you this news, BUT Ben had two poopy diapers today!!! His first since admittance to the NICU. This is a good sign that his bowels are doing better than we thought, so maybe he'll be fed soon after all! Mommy hopes so, our freezer can't hold any more milk!