that smile

Slowly, but surely we are seeing our sweet boy return to his sweet self!!

He has been more vocal tonight, and hearing that little scratchy voice is music to our ears.

Something else that is making more regular appearances is that smile.  That sweet, one-of-a-kind Jude smile.

These pictures were taken during a "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" song with his daddy.  The song always brings a good smile from him.

We have pictures of Jude throughout this stay.  I have intentionally not posted them because I didn't want anyone to have to see my poor baby on the BiPAP machine.  These pictures are much better and reassuring.

On some more good news, they repeated his blood gas lab about an hour ago, and they were much improved.  Jude's CO2 level has come down to 45.4 (it was 59.9 this morning) and his pH level was perfect!!!  We have been blessed with more healing than we expected and are so very thankful.

We also had some sweet visitors today.  One in particular, representing a family that couldn't be here, was Mr. Jimmy Babin.  He had the kindest words and came bearing gifts that his sweet wife, Ms. Marlene, had put together for us.  It had a sweet gift for Jude in there, some snacks for us, and another extremely thoughtful gift- a roll of quarters!  We have been scraping together change for the drink machines for the past couple of days so this was such a blessing.  

Earlier today, we received a gift basket, from our very, very sweet friends- Hope, Justin, and Little Mallory.  It had balloons and the softest little puppy named Scout for Jude (which he LOVES), and some of our favorite candy and snacks.  We are just beyond blessed by everyone's love for our family!

While I was in the middle of writing this post, I got a text from one of my best friends from high school.  She is flying in from Washington, DC tomorrow and stopping by to visit us here.  This totally made my night!  I just can't wait to see her!  

Okay, well that seems to be all for now and probably tonight.  Jude is getting his "vest therapy" right now, and then we will settle in for the night and try to get some rest for an even better tomorrow!  Love y'all so much and will say a prayer of thanks for everyone's prayers tonight!

Pictures were taken with my iPhone so they are very fuzzy.