4:00 pm Friday day 26

How do we begin?  Praising God is definitely in our hearts, but is there an action or words enough to actually fully express ourselves?  We received wonderful news from the brain surgeon this morning.  He said our option is clear, that Zoe does not need any procedure or surgery done.  The fluid has reduced in the back of Zoe’s head, which caused the pressure on the top of his head to reduce, which caused his head plates to come back together and his soft spot is soft.  So…things are how they should be!  This is the same doctor who sat face to face with us 2 weeks ago and had to bring us the sad news that there was nothing he could do to help our child.  He said that 2 weeks ago considering Zoe’s poor condition including low plateletts and fraility.  Today Zoe’s platelette count is higher than last time they checked (on his own, without having to receive a transfusion).  The reason for the doctor to tell us he would not do surgery this time, after reviewing the CT scan from yesterday is because there is no significant pressure or fluid to be relieved in Zoe’s head (like there was 2 weeks ago).  We are so incredibly excited about this, and we thank God that our son’s body is recovering so greatly from where he was just weeks ago.  Praise God for His healing power.  Also, we are thankful for the doctor’s wisdom and care in having Zoe’s best interest at heart.  He is not being discharged yet, as there are still a few minor things that need to happen before he can go home with us.  Please pray specifically that his body adjusts well to coming off of oxygen.  He has been off of the respirator for nearly 2 weeks now (Monday will be 2 weeks) but he has an oxygen tube in his nose that administers something like a humidifier fluid.  They are gradually reducing it, and as he gets comfortable they reduce it more.  He is doing well with the process, but it is a slow one.  Also, it is not necessary that he suck a bottle because they can leave the feeding tube in, but they are trying him on a bottle tonight (Jim and I will be there to give it to him) and if he does good, he will not need a feeding tube.  Day by day we are seeing improvements, and we give God all the honor for WHO He is and what He is doing here in Zoe and in our family.  Thank you for your faithful prayers and encouragement.  Many people leaving comments are ones we have not seen or talked to in a while and it is wonderful to hear from you.  Those from Marysville and KC, yes I (Carmen) remember you.  Those who we were in youth group in B’ham with, good to hear from you as well.  Florida family, we love you and appreciate your comments.  Birmingham family, I know Papa and Nanee or Grandma and Grandpa must keep you updated when we don’t, we love you. 
And of course Hazlehurstians, we feel the love from you through visits, prayers, and gifts as well.  For those of you that we have not met and hope to one day, thank you for your prayers and thoughtfulness as well.  We will keep you all posted as we have opportunity to.  Hope everyone has a great weekend, and coastal buddies try to keep dry.