C and C - the amazing wonder-babies

I posted a few days ago about my step-grandsons who were born at 25 weeks gestation. Fifteen years ago, maybe less, they didn't even make tubes small enough for tiny 1 or 1 1/2 pound preemies. It is so amazing what they (doctors) can do now.

I got to see Collin and Connor on Wednesday in the NICU. They are perfectly formed, have all the necessary "parts," and seem to be thriving. Obviously, they are in for a very long stay at L'Hotel Hos-pitelle.

Today they had heart surgery. Yes, heart surgery. A fetus close to a full-term birth produces a substance causing the Ductus Arteriosus (a blood vessel in the heart) to close so the baby will be able to breathe air that has been oxygenated via the heart. In preemies, the blood vessel doesn't close, so the doctors surgically close it for them. IT WAS A SUCCESS for both of them!

We are not completely out of the woods yet, so to speak, but at this point, things look optimistic. My step-daughter-in-law was not doing so well after the birth, but she has improved greatly. Her blood pressure wasn't going down, she was on anti-seizure medication, and she had pulmonary edema. She has improved so much she may come home tomorrow. Isn't God great?

UPDATE - My D-I-L is much better. She's home now.