Update from Koltons parents 4-12-09

Good Evening KSG,

Kolton wanted me to be sure to wish his support group a very Happy Easter! He is doing well and likes having his own room at the hospital. He is now only on a nasal cannula and a feeding tube. He does have a low grade fever that showed up today, but they will monitor it closely. He occasionally has bouts of acid reflux from time to time. He has been taking the bottle here and there and he is getting better at it.

Oma & Opa are here to celebrate Easter! What a joy to have the whole family together, even if it is in the hospital. Oma & Opa have successfully spoiled both boys.

Today started with an Easter basket full of books and goodies for Tavyn(it was a combination of all Easter gifts sent to him from other family members). We slept in and went to 9:15am church. The choir and orchestra were absolutely incredible. Pastor Cornils wiped us out with his sermon. He is always delivers the Good News in just the right way. We then all celebrated Easter lunch with our good friends and adopted family George & Sue Hipp and their family. What a feast! The Hipps graciously embraced our family. Again we were able to witness the expanse and goodness of God's family. We then went to the hospital to spend time with Kolton.

Now we are back home and exhausted. We wanted to let you know about a book that one of Kolton's NICU Dr's wrote: "Before Their Time", by Daniel Taylor & Ronald Hoekstra, MD, ISBN: 0-8308-2265-8. A great insight on five families and their premature children. I would like to leave you with a quote from this book:"No child is ever sick alone. When a newborn is at risk over a long period, so are the parents, and the family, and a widening complex of relationships. Also at risk are whole value systems and ways of understanding the world. Sometimes the risks result in growth and deepening and new strength. Other times it leads to disintegration and conflict and collapse. Often it results in both. Long term crisis will weigh you and show where you are wanting. They will reveal where you are strong and where you are weak, both as an individual and in your relationships. You will be surprised by your strength. You will be surprised by your weakness. You will also be surprised by the number of people willing to help."

Good Night and God Bless,

The Thompson Tribe