[Nfb-idaho] Merry Christmas and Thank You!

[Mike Gibson]

To all my friends in the NFBI I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas
and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

I also want to take this time to thank all of you for your prayers, kind
words, gifts, and positive vibes during this time with Michelle, She is
doing well for her situation. She now weighs 5 lbs. 1.2 oz., which is a
significant improvement from her birth weight of 3 lbs. 10.5 oz. Most of the
things we knew could go wrong Michelle has overcome with flying colors.
There is always a chance for something unknown to happen so the docs,
nurses, and us are keeping watch for anything unusual.

Her last obstacle before coming home is to learn how to eat orally.
Currently she is being fed via a tube inserted through her nose. Michelle
has to develop the coordination to suck, swallow, and breathe all at the
same time. Something we all take for granted, but for a premie this is a
huge neurological challenge. Fullterm babies have developed this skill by
sucking on there thumb or fingers while in the womb. Michelle has not had
the same time or opportunity to do so because she was born at 30 weeks.
Babies usually do not start to develop this coordination until sometime in
the 34 to 35 week of gestation. . Michelle is currently working with a PT to
develop her muscles and coordination. We are hopeful she will catch on
quickly so we can bring her home soon. 

Thank you again for your kindness and love. I look forward to seeing you all
in the future.

Best,

Mike