Kangaroo Kare surprise.

Close up of sweet Amelia's face.


Our first family portrait.


Nestling in with mama.

No, it's not a new Australian dessert Xina tried out on me... it was a surprise present for the Banker girls!... I will get to that in a minute after I update you on Amelia's status.

It was nearly information overload today... but here's the gist. Amelia was stable throughout the day, though her gas tests were not as good today as yesterday. She has a lot of fluid and they are hindering her progress.

To combat all of it they 1) upped her settings on the ventillator 2) gave her another blood transfusion 3) gave her Lasix to dry the fluid in her lungs 4) continued the Dopamine 5) started her on anti-biotics in case she has an infection 6) drew blood to test for infection 7) took another X-ray to check on the PDA

The guess right now is the a) PDA is pouring fluid into her lungs and she can't keep up with it or b) she has an infection c) both a and b... the likelihood is C.

The next steps are 1) to continue with anti-biotics 2) close the PDA as soon as safely possible by surgery. The surgery cannot be done if she has an infection, so the results of that test will determine the next step.

She weighs about 1lb 14ozs and has grown about 3/4" to 12 1/2". (900 grams and 32.5cm)

Also, we got the results of the ultrasound of her head bleed... and they were good... there's no new spread. So the body will take care of the blood as it would any bruise; it just might take a while. Any permanent damage will be unknown and not identified until the MRI is done when she's ready to leave. But it's good news.

We had lots of visitors again, tonight - and multiple dinners. The first was Xina's BFF and her daughter, who brought cheer to our tired souls and Greek food. Both were most welcome. And then we had two lovely friends of mine from the office, who, despite my constant badgering, apparently like my wife. They surprised us and brought us more food. After some chat, all but Xina went to visit Amelia, who was being her cute self. Xina babysat BFF's daughter. After a while, I stepped out to trade places with Xina, and stopped to talk to another couple who have been living at the hospital for weeks now, watching over their own preemie (who was born at 22+ weeks and is having very similar issues as Amelia). Anyway, while I was talking, the nurses decided tonight was a good time to let Xina kangaroo/hold Amelia for the first time! They promptly asked BFF is she would like to do it!

After BFF agreed to do it, but then admitted she wasn't actually Amelia's mom, the three ladies found me talking and told me the news. We then went in search of Xina with the news, who was in the playroom on the seesaw. The news shocked her, of course, as just earlier in the day, the doctor had said if we continue on the current pace, we might be able to kangaroo in another day or two.

So, after a few joyful good-byes, we hustled back to the pod, where Xina was given directives on how to get ready. It was only moderately complicated for the nurses to get Amelia out of the isolette and comfortably on Xina's breast. I have pictures, and as soon as Xina teaches me how or she does it herself, we can share their first hug with you. It's now past 11:50pm, and they've been together since 9pm... time occupied by reading a story, singing to her, and letting her sleep. I'm not sure I understand how Xina feels, but she's very peaceful and happy. Both are.

Our poor dogs have been alone since 3pm, but at this point, they can pee on the rug... it's worth the effort to clean it up.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers and best wishes. We've received cards, phones calls, emails, facebook notes... it's overwhelming. Our neighbors' young daughter made a card for Amelia and us yesterday and delivered it to us by hand... it's sweet and heartwarming... I'll try to post that, too, if I can figure out how. I can't tell you how much it means to us.