Suck - Swallow - Breathe (and so much more...)

Today was the Dayton March of Dimes WalkAmerica at Wright State University. We had 36 friends walking with us on a really great day. Our estimated fundraising total for Team Gus is about $6000 although it may come in higher as those who didn't drop their registration materials into our folder are added up. Thanks to everyone for their fundraising - and thank you especially for your generosity, care and love. Because of you babies like Gus will be able to receive the best care possible and reap the benefits of research aimed specifically at helping premature babies survive and thrive! Click here for some pictures of the walk and our day.

We had a little window after the walk to invite a group of friends to the NICU to see Gus. The Reiser family (Tammy Jo, Dan, Amy, Nathan and Emma Lee) came in to see Gus with us.

Our big surprise was that when we arrived Nurse Penny was giving Gus a bottle! What a huge step this is for Gus. He did really well with the feed - learning the rhythm of "suck - swallow - breathe" that is a big developmental goal for 34 weeks gestation. Gus will be 34 weeks tomorrow so we are very pleased. Penny is so loving and caring and made sure Gus had a great experience. He will now get the bottle once a day for a few days and then move to once per eight hour shift until they finally move him to bottle only over the next 2-3 weeks.

Here is Gus with Nathan Reiser. Nathan was born at 32 weeks gestation and was 3 lb 8 oz. Gus is just a little bigger than he was at that point. Nathan had to learn the "suck - swallow - breathe" thing too with the help of his Dad, Dan. That was almost 16 years ago. Nathan is now 6 foot tall and a very wonderful young man. He is an inspiration to all of us and a hopeful pattern for Gus to follow.

Finally, here is a shot of most of Team Gus. Again, 36 people showed up for Gus and raised at least $6000 for March of Dimes research and education. We are so pleased and blessed to have these friends who care so much and are willing to put their time, effort and money into helping future premature babies. A special thanks to all of you online donors as well - your contributions are MOST APPRECIATED as is the concern you show for Gus and the other NICU babies.

Gus gained another ounce and a half - he is up to 3 lb 15 oz today and is 15.5 inches long. All the nurses who haven't seen him in a few weeks are so surprised at his growth spurt. Gus is such a blessing to us and his progress is a blessing to all those who have cared for him.

With Faith, Hope and Love,
Gregg, Jill and Gus