Today was our first Neurological development appointment.  We weren't sure exactly what to expect.  First they weighed & measured him (13lb 13oz, 23.5") and then the physical theropist tested him in all sorts of areas.  If you didn't know what was happening, you would just think she was playing with him, but really she was seeing how he responded to different stimuli - toys, bells, voices, balls, bright colored cubes, my voice versus a stranger's, etc.  After that he had a physical exam with the Pediatrician that specializes in development.  We don't have the official results, but they gave us the quick version (which I didn't catch all of) and basically we didn't find out much that surprised us.  He is behind in some of the areas that are highly influenced by his vision and his same extension issues (arms & legs held straight out away from the body).  He is, however, slightly ahead of his developmental age in speech.  That's my boy!  All of my hard work of talking to him since he was in the womb has paid off :).  It was really neat at the end of the appointment when the Pediatrician shared what a joy it was to see him.  She said that a team meets together ahead of time to discuss the case and reads his history.  She said that they never know what they are going to walk in and find at these appointments.  Being that he was a 25-weeker and has had 5 surgeries, chronic lung disease, and generally a rough start, they were so delighted to see the baby in front of them.  Healthy, growing, happy, and not looking like he has been through what he has!  It was yet another reminder of the miracles of God...only God could do this!

After our appointment we stopped off at the NICU to say hello to some of our friends.  We were only able to see one of Benjamin's main nurses, but it was fun to see her again.  She mentioned that their was a grandmother of a little guy that could really use some hope, and asked if she could send her out to see Benjamin.  The woman came out and was amazed that he was a micro preemie.  She asked if we would follow her to the maternity ward and show Benjamin to her daughter.  It turned out that a little guy named Logan Daniel was born yesterday at 26 weeks, weighing 1lb 11oz.  It was their first baby and boy did I recognize the look on their faces - excitement, fear, confusion, and bewilderment.  We didn't have much time, but we were able to show them our miracle boy, give them a few pointers, and leave them with a little encouragement.  This young family has a long road ahead of them.  Pray for them.  They need it.  It was so good to be able to share hope and the goodness of God.  I pray for more opportunities to do so in the future.  Oh, how good it is to be used as a vehicle for encouragement!