Wednesday May 6th

Plenty of encouraging news today:

1) By making it past 9:30 this morning, the steroids they gave Hillary two days ago have now fully taken effect, meaning Luke's lungs will be developing much faster should he arrive early. Should he go full term, his giant lungs will no doubt give him unique skills.

2) Hill averaged just a couple of contractions an hour for most of the day. The doctors see this as a big positive and been reducing her magnesium sulfate intake throughout the day. Sometimes this will cause contractions to increase again, but so far her body is continuing at its good, slow pace.

3) The long ultrasound yesterday revealed no obvious abnormalities in Luke. We also heard from Bob's uncle last night who is a doctor in Long Beach who happens to be close friends with UCLA's chief pediatric surgeon, should we need his help and wisdom in the coming weeks or months.

4) The Dodgers won their 13th straight home game in a row today.

Whereas a few days ago the hospital staff was acting as if this baby was coming right away, some nurses have again begun to suggest that should Hillary be weaned off the medication without a jump in contractions, she might be able to go home and rest there. And really, what's more restful than a 4-year-old diving on your stomach at 6:30 in the morning?

Thanks again for all the thoughts, emails and prayers. We've been encouraged by them all. Please continue to...

-Praise God for the amazing turnaround in the last 2 days and all the good reports.
-Pray that contractions slow down and even stop.
-Pray for the continued wisdom of doctors and staff.
-Pray for Luke's ability to swallow normally.