Michael Z's Condition

First let me say that we are truly honored and humbled at the prayers, thoughts, gifts, and concerns of so many people from around the world.


Our c-section was scheduled for 10:15 yesterday morning but Michael had other plans and decided to come early. He was born at 7:09 am weighing 4lbs and 0 oz 16 3/4 in long. He is now facing a great battle with all the health issues and medical personnel that are less than willing to give him a fighting chance. Michael's heart troubles are different and more serious than what we thought. He will require heart surgery before he can go home, but he is too small for surgery right now and they will have to do surgery on his intestines before they can do the heart surgery. Right now he is not stable enough for any type of surgery. Please keep him in your prayers.

Kim was able to go up and see Michael last night for a few minutes and then again this morning. I am so proud of her. I am truly blessed to have her as my wife.

Last night they had Michael on one type of ventilator and this morning it had been changed and his lungs were a little more stable. The neonatalogist said that he may go back and forth between the two. His blood pressure was down slightly and they are treating that with medication and he is having to have a medicine that will keep the PDA open until he can have the heart surgery. If it closes he will loose blood circulation. His omphalocele is being treated by a procedure called "paint and wait." We are just taking it moment by moment. We don't know how long the Lord will allow us with Michael, but we do know that God is still in control and trust His guiding in all of this. Michael has already touched the hearts and lives of many people around the world and for this we are grateful.