Almost five weeks ago, my cousin Josh and his wife Kate welcomed this little guy into their lives much earlier than expected...
Jude Joshua Murray was born on October 20, 2009 at 27 weeks gestation. He weighed in at 2 pounds, 3 ounces and was 13 and 3/4 inches long.
He was going along pretty well but has developed a serious condition called NEC. We all know it's best if I don't attempt any sort of medical explanation, but from my limited understanding this disease attacks his intestines and can cause serious damage or loss of vital parts of his digestive tract.
He underwent surgery this week to correct the NEC and it went pretty well, so he's back on the long road to recovery. Our entire extended family has been keeping up with his progress thanks to Facebook, the hospital website, Sprint picture mail... it's really pretty amazing how technology makes it feel like he's not so far away.
11-14-09: Kate got to dress her tiny little guy for the first time. He looks so warm and snuggly and she looks like such a natural.
Davis was in the NICU for one short week during which Jeff and I watched young couples just like Josh and Kate caring for tiny preemies in isolettes. We watched them coming and going, bringing milk to feed the baby, taking turns touching the baby with one fingertip, asking questions, watching their baby sleeping, wanting to hold them, to nurse them, and to take them home.
Josh and Kate seem to be holding up well, but I ask everyone reading this to say a little prayer for them today. Pray for their energy... that they stay healthy... for peace of mind with all the BIG decisions they have to make regarding Jude's care... and for my Aunt Shelly, Uncle Michael and Great Aunt Sue as they cope with being away from their son and first grandbaby/great-grandbaby.
Thanks everyone, and I will post updates as Jude continues to grow!
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