Its been one week!

Yesterday was Ethan and Kevin's one week birthday. So much has happened in that short time, but it still seems like we have to take a step back to go forward. Thank you to everyone for the prayers and support. I'm not sure we would have made it this far without them. The boys have had many visitors in their young lives, and we appreciate everyone who has come by to meet them.

First I'll provide an update on Ethan. I'm sitting with him right now as I'm writing this. He's such a beautiful little guy, and he's a fighter. He's under he bili light right now getting a tan. They've tried twice now to get him off the ventilator and onto cpap. Both times he's tolerated it for a while and then starts to crash. All of their tests indicate he's ready to come off but for some reason he's struggled on his own. They are going to give him a few days and try one last time. If he doesn't accept it again then the theory is that his esophagus defect is diverting too much of his oxygen away from his lungs. In that event they would need to do the surgery before taking him off the ventilator. His blood levels are stable but low. Most likely he will need a few more transfusions before its all said and done. He did so well yesterday, that's its really frustrating to take a little step back today. They have supplemented his IV feeding with brest milk now that his j tube is in place. That seems to be helping. Please keep praying for him.

Kevin is doing so well. The only tube he has now is his feeding tube. He's been getting more of mom's milk every day and looks happy and healthy. He's such a blessing to us during this stressful time. We love having both of our boys in the same place. While I'm here with Ethan, Tina can spend time with Kevin. We are allowed to put Kevin in normal clothes now. Big thanks to Mike and Shelley for the premie onesies which are the only clothes that fit our little guy at this point.

Tina's so strong. She's been recovering from surgery, nursing for two babies, and dealing with all the stresses we've had so far.

I'm going to have to head back out east on the 16th for work. My company has been so great so far with our situation. I'm really hoping Ethan is more stable at that point.

Got to run. Please keep us in your prayers.

Love,


Ryan, Tina, Ethan, and Kevin.