Another hurdle cleared.

Today we went back to the hospital to find out how Joel is doing with his weight gain. He needs to be at least 6 kilos before the cardiologist will consider surgery (if he needs it). He is currently 3 and a bit kilos so he has a long way to go. The good news is that he put on 2 oz ( about the weight of 2 pencils) in the last week, the not so good news is that this is not enough. We are now feeding his calorie rich supplement through a tube that goes straight into his stomach to see if that will increase his weight and take away the tiredness of breast feeding. His heart will not have to work as hard for the calories! It was awful listening to him crying as the nurse 'passed' the tube, but she was so gentle and kind as well as professional and reassuring that without this tube Joel will not thrive and become a healthy little boy. We are glad that today is nearly over, that we have learnt how to feed our son in this new way and that we have felt a calmness and a sense of peace about this situation. We know that people have been praying and thinking about us all over the world and we know that whatever the outcome God is with us and with Joel. (I found it interesting at the supermarket where lots of people were second glancing Joel, but this is real life now and it will be like this for at least 5 weeks.) Next week we go back on Monday for a silk tube to be inserted which will stay there for 4 weeks.

Emily being Dr Emily and taking Joel's pulse.Baby Annabel has a poorly heart too and needs her milk in a tube too.Baby Annabel is the same size as Joel, (hoepfully for not too long!)

On a side note, Jamie went to choose his bike this weekend. He pooled his birthday money to buy the bike, helmet and child seat. They had fun this afternoon out and about in our neighbourhood.

Jamie thinks that Joel has started to smile so here is a piccie of a half attempt. He is such a great kid, so placid and fun to be with and we know that soon the tube will be gone and we will be back to seeing all of his face. Until then we will do what we can to help him be healthy and strong.