Abby Update

Abigail is now more than 40 hours old. There's not a whole lot new to report. She's still doing as well as can be expected at this point. She's lost a little weight, but that is very common in the first few days after birth. She was taken off her ventilator today, which is a huge good sign this early. She still has a ton of tubes and wires attached, and there's still a long way to go.

We've been told the first 48-72 hours are critical, as is the first week. By this time next week, we should have better insight into the situation. She's set for a heart ultrasound in the morning, and a brain ultrasound next Thursday. (These are both normal in this situation.)

We got to go and see Abby a lot today. There are about 16 hours a day that the NICU is open. We're allowed two visitors at any time, and we can rotate in and out whoever we want. Abby was moved to a special eight-bed area, which is, as Katrina called it "the ICU of the ICU." It's where the eight babies most in need of care stay.

Abby certainly recognizes her mom's voice and is calmed by it. By this evening, she was having a similar reaction to me. We love spending time with her and learning things from the staff, which, by the way, has been outstanding. Now we just need to learn everyone's name ...

She's spending most of her time under a bright light to help prevent jaundice, which is quite common in premies. When we come to visit, we can touch her and talk to her. Maybe we'll work our way up to singing, but I'm just now becoming good at talking to her without breaking down a bit.

Katrina is set to be released from the hospital Friday morning. She's doing wonderfully and enjoying the taste of Diet Pepsi again.

We had a lot of visitors and phone calls again today. After Katrina's released in the morning, you'll need to call our home or cell numbers to arrange if you want to visit Abby, as you can only do so when we're there too. (Obviously, we'll be there a lot; just call and we'll arrange a time for you to meet us there.)

Family members continue to arrive as they can. Katrina's grandma arrived this evening, and another handful of Iowans should arrive Friday evening.

We are continually hearing about groups, individuals and congregations who are lifting Abby and the rest of us up in prayer. We truly appreciate your support in this and every other way.