Our First Week Home

Well, we have survived our first week with Gus at home. Actually, more than survived - we have loved every second of it! Sure, he needs to get up a few times in the night to be fed and then there are the dirty diapers and the crying because of an upset tummy... But he is home with us and he is thriving! As a testimony to how well Gus is doing he went in for his weigh-in at the pediatrician today and he is 6 lb 8.4 oz!!! He is just shy of a pound heavier than when he left the NICU eight short days ago. The pediatrician will keep watch on Gus' weight and adjust the formula as needed - this is actually good for him right now as he catches up and builds new tissue.

The camera has been a little busy since Gus came home. We are smitten - in a deep state of smit - with him. Here he is giving a little smile in his bouncy chair. He is pretty content other than having an upset tummy now and then. He made the transition to using formula for some feeds on his last day at the NICU and it doesn't always agree with him. Gus is getting a fair amount of breast milk as well so it helps to make him feel better.

The classic cute baby sleeping picture. This was taken with natural light coming through the window above Gus and in the "Moses basket" sent by his great uncles Hugh and John. It is a wonderful woven bassinet that we can position in any which way to make a comfortable nest for Gus.

Evan Bole - this picture is JUST FOR YOU! Here is Gus' having his first full bath after coming home and it shows his BELLY BUTTON!!! Gus looks a little like Buddha here, but he is happy and growing like he should.

Gus' appointments all went well last week. The pulmonalogist gave us a great report - he will review the monitor data and decide when Gus can go off the caffeine dose and diurel in addition to stopping the oxygen during feeds and wearing of the apnea/heart monitor. We don't expect this to take place for at least 3-4 months, but Gus will have a monthly checkup anyway.

His eye exam went well - there is a great deal of healing that has taken place in Gus' eyes since his laser surgery. We will go back next Monday for an exam with the doctor who performed the laser surgery. We should know what sort of after-care Gus will need by then but so far all indications are positive. There is a strong possibility that Gus will have glasses as a toddler - a small price to pay for having correctable eyesight.

Thanks again for your continued prayers - and for your prayers for Kenyon Kill, MH and all the other babies as they continue their NICU experience. Thanks also to all the doctors, nurses, staff and the March of Dimes who, with their love and skill, make it possible for preemies to grow, thrive and live normal lives.

Growing Together,
Gregg, Jill and Gus