Update

One of the neonatologists, Dr "Z", has been in to see Kelly & Max this morning. He said that the ultrasound showed that the shunt is working as it should. The ventricles are returning to normal size which shows that the spinal fluid is being drained appropriately. He also said that the ultrasound showed that there is still a little clot there (I assume on the right side but I'm not sure) but that it is smaller. Please continue to pray that the blood clot will dissipate and will no longer be present in Max's brain. Dr "Z" said that Max looks great and he anticipates that his main issue will be a little weakness on his left side. Please pray that, with therapy, exercise, and most of all prayer, Max will overcome that obstacle. We have seen God answer so many prayers up to this point, I am confident that He can and will answer that one as well.

We are still waiting to hear from Dr Burson, the neurosurgeon. If he didn't come see Max by 12:00-12:30 the nurses were going to call him. Dr "Z" filled out his part of Max's discharge summary. We are just waiting to hear Dr Burson's interpretation of Max's ultrasound report and get his discharge approval.

As you can imagine Kelly & John are so very excited to have Max home. If you have ever had a baby, you remember what it is like to bring them home for the first time. It is very wonderful and exciting but a bit overwhelming too. They are so ready to get into a normal routine for their family. As you also know, if you have had a newborn or have known someone who has, sleep, at times, is in short supply and is precious when you can get it. For these reasons it would be best to not call Kelly & John for a while. Please continue to communicate with them via the blog or e-mail. The doctors have also discouraged visitors as infection is still a major risk for Max. Kelly & John have been through quite an ordeal with their precious son and have no desire to return to the hospital any time soon. Thank you for understanding that they are going to be extra protective of him and are going to appreciate admirers from a distance until he can develop more defenses.

You have all been such an encouragement to our entire family over the past 3 weeks. We will forever be thankful to you and we look forward to sharing Max's life with you. Our updates will probably not be as frequent once they get home as we won't have as much to update on. Please do not forget to continually bring Max and his future before our Heavenly Father. We look forward to sharing milestones and pictures with you as well as updates after doctor and therapist visits. We are thankful to you but most of all we are thankful to God who has heard every prayer that you have said to Him and has answered most of them. We look forward to the answers that are yet to come.

I will give more information when I hear it.

Again, thank you, we love you, and we love Max,
We keep praying,
Karie