He got the part!!!!

The shepherd boy is sick-- so Par has been called in to replace him--he has been wearing his costume all day--and practicing his lines...

"Look, up in the sky--the Par of Bethlehem" (I don't have the heart to correct him--it is because we sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Par" that he is confused)

Par's oxygen was not weaned today (disappointed) but he had a great day and I hope that they will wean it tomorrow. There wasn't anything that kept them from weaning--it was a different nurse practitioner today and she just wasn't comfortable weaning it without watching him herself for a day--she is just being cautious--we are glad she is looking after his best interest--we are being patient--another day won't hurt him (or us!).

He has been eating well--the nurse this morning commented on how much happier he seems on the "on demand" eating plan--as far as I can tell, he has a good appetite and is keeping ahead of his minimums--I hope this sticks.

Par had a bath today--his nurse said it was time...thankfully Par still loves them! I think he likes them because he gets another view of the NICU--he is so curious about everything--keeping him visually stimulated is quite a chore--he constantly wants to be turned, propped, etc. for different views.



We worked on his standing skills today--he loves his boppy and I put him on it for some tummy time--immediately he started pushing up with his legs with a lot of force--he was pushing himself into the standing position! The best part of this is the grunt that comes with each push up--precious!



Word is out on the street about Par's departure--his NICU 3 nurses have been dropping by to see him and make me promise to come visit when we have his doctor's appointments (we'll be coming back in 6mos. and then once a year for appointments with Dr. Kays) So--although it changes each day according to our nurse or nurse practitioner--the consensus is that we will be discharged sometime before New Year's--but again, that could easily change tomorrow--we are still just praying for God's perfect timing.

Rusty's mom is heading back to Birmingham tomorrow and my mom and sister are heading down here tomorrow for Christmas--we pray for save travels for both of them.

We thank everyone for the prayers--please continue to pray for Par's friends.

Much Love,
Liz, Rusty & Shepherd Boy Par