Isaac having slight breathing problems

Dear all,

During our visit today, our little Isaac had some problems with his breathing. They had him on his tummy today and it seems that when he moves around, it affects the position of his ventilation tubes and his oxygen intake level would drop. There were a few times his levels really dropped and his heartrate went really low. It really scared both Jong and I. I have been praying all afternoon for his breathing, his lungs and his little heart and I called the hospital this evening to see how he is doing. They said that his breathing is okay when he is sleeping but not so good when he is awake (and probably moving). Please pray for his breathing, his lungs and his heart-- as you all know, so many things can go wrong if he is not breathing properly.

Sometimes I get so scared for him. I really should have more faith. I know everything is in God's hands and I need to accept His will but its almost impossible for me to not to want Isaac to have a good quality of life and not have any major problems. As a parent, it is very hard to say, Lord, its okay if Isaac has to suffer if its in your will. All I know what to do right now is to fall on my knees in front of our Lord and beg and beg Him to have mercy and compassion on Isaac and for Him to let Isaac develop well and have a chance at a normal life like other normal babies.

On the bright side, Isaac definitely had filled out more on his back compared to a few days ago when they had him on his tummy the first time. A few days ago, the skin on his back was all wrinkly and it was obvious that he had too much skin and not enough flesh. Today, his skin was not wrinkly anymore so he has filled out. They were e feeding him 7ml of my milk per feeding today.

Jong and I also think we found our next apartment. It was exciting looking for a new apartment and imagine setting up Isaac's room and bringing him home to it. I really can't wait for that day!! I also CANNOT wait for the first time I can kiss our precious little boy.

I will be returning to work on May 1, working from home mostly. I know a lot of people have been telling me not to return to work so soon but I really want to preserve most of my maternity leave for when Isaac comes home. Working from home won't be so bad and I think it will be good for my psyche to work. Chiori - fortunately or unfortunately, I am not on the Japanese system as I am hired out of the U.S. and here as an expat so all my U.S. based benefits (so I was able to go on disability when I got hospitalized).

Doni, we did ask about leaving a tape recorder to play our singing to Isaac while we are gone but the hospital won't let us.

This reminds me of another prayer request - we are still thinking about moving Isaac. We keep hearing that Kokuritsu has the best NICU in Tokyo and we also heard that it allows for visits by parents 24 hours a day. My OB-GYN doctor, Dr. Sakamoto doesn't think any NICU will take Isaac until he has completely stabilized and is ready to graduate to the big boy NICU section, which from what we have been told may not happen till his due date. We are praying for God's guidance and for Him to open and close doors for us. We don't want to risk Isaac's health with the transfer but we also want him to be in the best NICU possible.

Thanks for all of your prayers,

Sonia