God always has a plan and purpose

Austin has been home for almost a week. We've had some ups and downs, but we're hopeful as things seem to be looking up. Austin has had some feeding issues and requiring a little more oxygen while eating, but everything seems to be from his reflux. He wasn't taking his bottles very well, taking too long to take them, and not finishing most of them. Preemies have to finish their bottles in a certain time or else they're burning more calories than they are taking in. So, yesterday we called and spoke to the pediatrician on call and she told us to add Maalox to his medicine regimen. We started that twice a day and started laying him on his right side during the night and after feedings. Both things seem to be helping a lot as he has finished all of his bottles since last night. Chris and I have been praying that God will give us the knowledge and strength to care for Austin. Thankfully, we've had a baby who also had reflux and that has helped tremedously. We're certain that it was all part of God's plan with Bradley having reflux and being so high needs. God knew exactly 3 years ago this past week what He had in store for us. We thought life was hard with Bradley, but we had no idea. God was preparing us, giving us the knowledge and experience to care for our little Austin. It's so amazing. Austin has had a few brady's (drop in heart rate) since being home- all but one have been during feedings which also gives us the idea that his problems are reflux. He hasn't required any stimulation with them, so he is correcting them on his own. You can almost look at him and see that he is growing bigger day by day. He can only fit in a few preemie outfits now. We gave him his first tub bath today since being home. I had only sponged him off a few times before. Austin seemed to enjoy his bath; he smells extra sweet now. So, as long as the reflux continues to improve Austin should be fine. In the hospital, we had a radio that always played WMHK. So, now I've been playing the Chrisitian station on our Dish. The music really seems to calm him. Maybe he is going to be a Christian singer. I really feel like he is going to be a preacher-so maybe this musice will lead him to know and love God- that would be awesome- he has a story to tell. He has already led so many people to Christ, and I know he could bring so many more to Him. I know God has a purpose for our little miracle, and I can't wait to see it all unfold.