9:03pm Update (And a fun story)

First, a cool story:

I ventured out into "the real world" today for the second time since Gwyneth's birth. Had to run some errands, including swinging by the photo shop to get some pics printed off for Tricia's wall. I went to Southpoint Mall (which is basically the coolest mall ever).

As I was standing at the photo shop counter, and out of the corner I noticed the woman standing next to me was staring at me... This is not unusual, as most people can't help but stare at physical perfection. But, I could tell that it wasn't my good looks that was attracting the attention of this woman.

So, I turned and looked at her and smiled, and before she even opened her mouth, I knew what she was going to say..."Are you Nathan?"

"Yes"

"And you have a wife and daughter..."

"Yes"

So, after a five minute conversation in which I discovered that Laura and her church, etc. in Henderson, NC have been praying for me, I quickly made a phone call and hired a bodyguard. :) Just kidding.

Seriously, I'm not surprised that somebody out there recognized me, but it's still crazy. And, I'm glad she spoke up because, otherwise, she would have been second guessing herself for the rest of the day, and I would have been watching my back while I ate lunch at Chic Fil A...

Thank you again, for all of the strangers in the real world who are praying and thinking about us whom we will never meet!

Tricia is doing great! She sat on my Mac for several hours today, checking email, updating Facebook and basically catching up with a few lost weeks. It will take her a long time to catch up on everything, so if you've contacted her, just have patience.

She's down to 50% on the newfangled vent they've had her on (not like normal vent settings), and tomorrow they'll try a "trach collar trial" which basically invovles taking her off the vent and placing an oxygen mask over her trach for as long as she feels comfortable. This is HUGE! If all goes well, she may be off the trach and back to a CPAP in a few days. She also spent a few hours off the bed and sitting in a chair, which is also great!

Gwyneth Rose is doing just as well. They moved off the jet vent and back to the regular vent this afternoon. I'll head down to check on her in a bit.

No poop yet. Levels are all good. No infection.

I brought a blanket that Gwyneth had been laying on for a few days up to Tricia today. It has that preemie smell (those who know), but Tricia can't smell because of the trach/vent (no airflow through her mouth/nose). Tricia is still on contact isolation, so I can't take anything from her down to Gwyneth, but hopefully soon.

I'll be sleeping here tonight (per Tricia's request), so I went home today for a few hours for a nap.

Thanks for the correction (I'll blame it on my lifestyle at the moment)...there is only a 25% chance that a child will have CF with two CF carriers for parents.

We would love it if people in Jerusalem were praying for us! Thank you!

I have thought about placing ads to the blog, but have chosen not to cause I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of anyone, and I like the fact that I have total control over the content (no matter the ad). Thanks for the suggestion, and I certainly don't look down on anyone who does take advantage of making some money from their blog traffic.

And, YOU MUST LOOK AT THIS! My dad posted a picture of me as a newborn next to Gwyneth and it will blow your mind!

And, here's a surprise...only lasted for a few minutes, but enjoy! (the sound kicks in during the second half, so make sure you have it turned up!)

Nate