The steroid is very fast acting. There have already been significant improvements in lung function. The amount of CO2 in his blood dropped about 20 points to near normal for the first time. He has also been maintaining a better level of oxygen in his blood while at the same time not needing as much supplemental oxygen through the vent. Plus, the doctor has began to slowly reduce the pressure support he is receiving. Toby seemed to have a very good day. He also had good periods of deep sleep and longer periods of alertness. Thank you, Lord!

I neglected to mention yesterday how strong he is getting. While on his stomach, he managed to lift and turn his head completely to the other direction. This would be a feat in and of itself, but he also had to drag his vent tubes and twist them around so he could land on them. I was very excited, but also quickly reversed his position and frustrated all his efforts. Tricks like that could pull his tube loose and cause a lot of excitement in the NICU; better wait a little longer, Toby!