Day 2: Update

As some of you know, I rushed Michele to the hospital yesterday after it was determined that her water broke and she was at risk of going into premature labor. As of today, bad ass little Oliver is two days shy of 26 weeks gestational age. Survival is very possible, but with high risk of complication... we are taking it hour by hour.

Michele is undergoing steroid treatment (to strenthen Oliver's lungs) and is being treated with magnesium to hold off her contractions until the steroids can have the desired effect. After that, nature will be allowed to take its course and Michele will stay in the hospital until delivery. This could be anywhere from a few days to (we hope) several weeks or even months.

Michele is holding up well and responding to treatment. Oliver looks good and healthy and is actually bigger (1000g or 2lbs/3oz) than his gestational age would suggest. His heart is strong and his neurological activity is encouraging. Every day in the womb, every gram of additional weight and every positive thought will make a difference. Send your good karmic vibes to tough-as-nails Oliver and his beautiful, heroic mother Michele.

Sunday night and Monday will be a critical period as the steroid and magnesium treatment is wrapped up. We will be watching closely for any sign of infection or a return of the contractions. I am optimistic that we are merely settling in for a long and successful stay in the hospital.

Thanks for being a great bunch of co-workers and such great friends. Let's hope I'm handing out cigars in a couple months.