Update from this morning

I called the hospital this morning and his Nurse said that he is doing excellent. Spence is doing well with his feedings, he is at 3cc's of formula every 3 hours. The Doctor's have decided not to feed him Mommy milk at this time because the last time he had it he was having frequent residuals and not tolerating the fortifier being added to the milk. So far with this type of formula (Pregestine Lipil) he is doing well. This formula is already pre-digested so it is easier on his little tummy. Spence is still eating from a feeding tube but will be eating from a bottle sometime in the future. Spence weighs about 5 pounds 1 ounce and is now wearing clothes. He is such a big boy now, he is sleeping in a big boy crib and maintaining his own body temp. I asked the Nurse last night if she had any idea of when he might be coming home, she told me that usually the babies go home around their due dates, which for Spence would be August 23rd. Although I wish that this date was a definate, I have come to realize that I have to remember the preemie rule, 5 steps forward and 2 steps back. Anything can happen from now until than so I figure we should just play it by ear and take it one day at a time. Once Spence comes home the Doctor's have told us that the best way to keep him healthy would be to have at least 1-2 months where he can become adjusted to living outside of the NICU. Unfortunately being at home Spence is more likely to get sick due to the germs being carried by others. The start of RSV season is in October so we will have to be really careful with Spence because preemie babies are more suseptible to getting RSV due to the immaturity of their lungs. We love each and every one of you and are greatful for the continued prayers on our behalf.

Pictures of Mommy and Spence from last night, July 20th