Moving On Up...

July 15, 10:40PM

Yesterday, Chase & Charissa turned 11 weeks and 3 days. More significantly, they reached the 36 week gestation mark. My wife and I remain exhausted, elated, and often times perplexed by the mysterious sovereignty of our God. But we press on, in faith, and await the future hope promised to his people...

Charissa's operation went very well, but her recovery took longer than expected. Being under general anesthetic, her lungs were literally 'immobilized' for about an hour. The doctors believed that she would be able to recover in about 1/2 day from the surgery. However, Charissa took about 4 days to regain her respiration. During this period of time, my wife and I worried quite a bit. Her inability to breathe always conjures up the fear of infection. She underwent many tests and antibiotics were actually started for preventive measures. And even with much prayer, our anxieties pressed heavy upon our hearts. But she made it through! She is breathing quite well (2 liters on high-flow cannula). The retinal ophthalmologist came today to check on her eyes. Although there is still a bit of swelling, he's quite optimistic that the retinas will not detach, i.e. no blindness. But we must wait until she is 3 months old to be 100% sure.

Chase is doing quite well. He actually LOOKS like a real baby, with real baby fat, and real baby-like features. He has started to take the bottle and is drinking mom's milk (fortified with vitamins/minerals) really, really well.

Both of them are maximum feeds, but they have quite a bit of problem with acid reflux. This causes them to choke on their reflux and stop breathing. Although they will eventually grow out of it, this does hinder their ability to feed, breathe, sleep and hence grow.


BIG NEWS. We are moving on up to the 7th floor! Affectionately referred to as the "Penthouse." Although this is still the NICU, babies, who are less seriously ill reside here. For the past 11 weeks, the 7th floor was just a whisper of a rumor, some remote place where our kids longed to see. Today they reached their destination. And to boot, Chase & Charissa were placed in the SAME CRIB, side by side. The crib is super-sized and easily accomadats both of them. This was a bittersweet moment for my wife and I. We were ecstatic, knowing that they were going to the 7th floor and bedding together. But we were also sad, knowing that Chelsea was not joining us. God's mysterious sovereignty is often difficult to comprehend.

More Tests...
Head Sonogram (36 weeks gestation): Chase & Charissa are both within normal limits! NO MORE head sonograms!!!
Eye Exams (Retinopathy of Prematurity): Chase is listed at Stage 1. Doctors are quite confident that the ROP will resolve itself. Charissa's recover is positive, but much prayer is still needed.
Thyroid. Chase has a mild form of hypothyroidism. If the thyroid does not work properly, than Chase will have to be on some sort of medicine for the remainder of his life. Tests pending for next weeks.

Prayer Requests.
Chase. 1. Pray for his thyroid. 2. Pray for his acid reflux
Charissa. 1. Pray for her eyes. 2. Pray for her acid reflux

Thank you all once again for your prayers and concerns. We greatly appreciate all your inquiries, prayers, voice mails, & notes...

In His Grace,
Choi Family