steady as she goes

Good morning all.  Again, we simply cannot put into words how fortunate we are to have so much faithful prayer and support.  Esther had a completely uneventful night.  She is a touch puffy this morning which was expected.  Other than that she has regained the little lung function she had prior to surgery and this morning's chest Xray looks encouraging.  She has some lung on her left side that was not known when she had all of her abdominal contents in the way.  It remains to be seen just how functional it will be.  They plan to begin very gentle steps to help her lungs open gradually today.  Also they gave medication yesterday and overnight to prevent excessive bleeding.  That medication has caused a moderate amount of clotting to begin in the ECMO circuit, but they are hopeful to stop that medication by 1200 today to preserve the circuit.
So with that, we are still definitely walking the tightrope still in terms of risk for bleeding and clotting.  Overall, the surgeons and doctors are pleased with the way things are currently going.
As for Rhonda and I, got some good sleep and even slipped out of the hospital a block or two away last night for a quick bite to eat.  It is so great to have such amazing, intelligent, skilled and compassionate nurses, doctors and surgeons allowing us to feel trust and confidence in them.  I have heard too many stories of the opposite where parents were constantly questioning and doubting the doctors/nurses judgement and course of care.  It truly seems that every person here from janitorial staff on up, genuinely loves what they do and want to be here.  Nobody is simply "punching the clock" and collecting a pay check.  I think that speaks volumes of God's grace and provision.  Although we have been told Esther is the sickest child in the NICU, she is only one of so many kids fighting for their lives.  Cancer, bad hearts, kidneys, livers, you name it these kids are fighting it.  They are so much stronger than any adults I know.  These kids are so selfless, attempting to comfort their families and friends, reaching out to one another.  We have not had much of any direct contact with them, but have met some parents that have been here for  months that are sharing stories with us.
As we continue to request prayer for ourselves and Esther, please remember all the nameless children here fighting for a chance at living.  Please take some time listening to this song.  Jason and I worshiped to this song that last time Esther got her circuit changed and we were terrified.  It spoke volumes to us.  In the midst of God's peace he gave us yesterday, I got to listen to it while breast pumping and it lifted my spirit even more.  You can listen to it by clicking the play in the middle of the screen.