A Hope for Elijah: A little update since Elijah has been in the states.

WOW, what a busy 7 weeks it has been!!! Let me try and back up and fill in those last weeks. Elijah arrived on January 23rd. When I first saw him being carried out of the immigration office in an isolate, I could barely believe my eyes. He was so tiny and frail. He looked like he may die right then. Getting on a plane and to our hospital was my goal. He needed to be admitted right away due to severe malnutrition. He does not have the ability to suck, so an NG tube was placed and continuous feeds began (feeding pump, 24/7). Blood draws were done round the clock and he was hooked up to all kinds of equipment to monitor....they were very concerned with trying to re nourish him slowly without putting too much strain on his organs. He was able to come home 5 days later. However, the reason that Elijah came to the states was to treat the hydrocephalus and the encephalocele. This could not be addressed until he was more nutritionally stable. SOOOO our one and only goal.....other than to give him as many kisses as possible in one day...was to put some weight on his almost two year old tiny body.

So fast forward to today. After LOTS of appointments, twice a week blood draws, 24 hour feeds, flipping him to avoid pressure sores from the weight of his head, lots of crying due to pain and agitation, lots of kisses, lots of cuddling.....HE HAS GAINED 3 POUNDS and 6 OUNCES!!!!! He looks amazing!!!! He is such a joy, we are so honored to have the chance to care for him. We treasure everyday he is with us. We pray for his birth mom in Haiti, who did an amazing job keeping him alive with no recourses at all!!! He is truly a miracle baby....God has great plans for this sweet boy!!!! More good news to come......