Ari is going great! 4 month Developmental Follow up Appointment 9.4.13

He had his 4 month development follow up today and they said he is right on track. Social Skills A+++++! Motor skills right where they should be! He wants to do so much more than he can and that is a good sign. His brain is just a little ahead of what is body can do. I sware his brain says RUN AROUND THE BLOCK but his body says, uh no.

He had his cardiologist appt last week and everything is normal. No issues with his heart. His ROP on his eyes has resolved and he is such a smart, smiley beautiful baby boy.

Right on Time 5.27.13

Ari was 41 weeks on May 1st so that is his new birthdate-- at least for the time being. So he is almost a month old and is tracking with his eyes. It is nice having a preemie as the 2nd child...it gives me a sense of relief because I know what a normal full term baby does and I can see where Ari is at and he feels very much like a normal full term baby. Of course he is not and there are precautions being taken but I mean more developmentally. He is doing well and it feels good. He is a great breast feeder..has accomplished eating all day via breast and only 2 bottles to give him a tad extra calories and vitamins. He is gaining weight appropriately and is in newborn size clothing..some preemie pants still but mostly fitting into newborn clothes quite nicely. I have been a bit sad about Austin lately..wishing there was something more I could of done or just wish he had his little brother..I edited this photo to see what they would look like. I think it is a very special photo.

Ari out of preemie clothes 5.20.13

I put on a newborn size outfit and it fit so nicely. So happy. His eyes have improved significantly. It got a little scary there for a while.

Stage 3 ROP resolved 4.16.13

Eye doctor called today and said the stage 3 ROP has resolved on its own. No intervention needed and next eye appt in two weeks. Vessels look normal. So happy about this. Our little guy is getting quite the personality. He is rooting for milk just like a normal full term baby does and a very hungry boy. He is looking all around and a happy baby. Happy baby = happy life

Huge Improvement 4.14.13

Ari was a new baby today. The surgery has helped him improve dramatically. He breast fed at the 2pm and 5pm feeding and took 64ml and then 60ml respectively. His normal feeding is 46 ml so he was quite the hungry boy. He did not desat one time, didn't turn blue, did not choke, it was such a low stress, beautiful moment. He is 6lbs, 8oz today. He moved to an open crib which is a huge milestone. Here he is looking up at his Grandpa Jim. His eyes are so much less puffy and he is looking all around. What a miracle!

Hernias Repaired 4.12.13

Ari got his umbilical hernia and bilateral inguinal hernia repaired today. I had numerous panic attacks all day, it was absolutely horrible going through this first surgery as I felt like I was going to throw up all day with worry. He looked really good before the surgery, very strong and healthy so that is the only reason why we went through with it. The surgery was a big success. He extubated himself a few hours after the surgery and went down to room air 21% and 2 liters that day. Thank goodness this is over and we can focus on getting Ari home!

Ari is 6lbs 2oz 4.10.13

Growing, getting bigger.. Taking most of his feeds by bottle and breast. Has some nasal congestion and they suctioned him and there was some blood in his nose which is scary. The doctors said they would be willing to move up his hernia repairs to this Friday. He currently has a large hernia in his scrotum and a small one in his belly button. He has to go back on a vent for surgery which terrifies me. He is 38 weeks today and I am hopeful that we may possibly be able to get his o2 requirement down once he is more comfortable after the surgery. He is currently around 28% and on 1 liter. He has to be on .5 to go home on o2. I want to be with my baby so badly. It is the worst feeling being without him. I can't explain how amazing he is..he talks to me with his eyes and I can tell that he will be very smart. I wish others could be around to see what I see..it is an incredible feeling. He is such a natural breast feeder. I feel so lucky in that way. I pumped this morning and got 7 ounces so I am thankful that my supply is going up. I discovered that RCH has a gym so I worked out for the first time and it felt great. My stomach gets a little soar at times but I feel that after 12 weeks since the c-section now is a good time to start my exercise routine. Hoping that it will help with my postpartum.. Definitely feeling more depressed than sad which is what I was feeling at the beginning when all this happened.