We want to thank everyone for your prayers and support over the past couple of days. Rachel is doing great!!! The doctors are all amazed at how much progress she has made the past day. She was born 6 1/2 weeks early. Nobody knows why she decided to come early but my water broke at 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon and she was born at 6:10 a.m Monday morning. Even though she was really early, she still weighed in at a nice 5 pounds 6 ounces and 18" long. At this time she is off all major tubes but her feeding tube. She has been breathing on her own since Monday afternoon. We anticipate that the port (for the IV) will be removed tomorrow morning, as well as the blood-oxygen sensor. That will leave her with just the barest minimum of monitor support (which is really great!). If dirty diapers are any indication, she's definitely doing well. Martha will be discharged tomorrow (Wednesday) at some unknown time.

We appreciate all of the offers of help at this very stressful time. For now, we think we're okay, but are both certain that as soon as she actually comes home from the hospital help with meals and such will be greatly appreciated. We're both really tired right now,but we'll keep everyone up to date as much as we can.

Thank you very much!

Paul and Martha