He is doing so very well. The last day he was on his O2 was on July 4, 2012. He is doing excellent! His high risk appointment went very well last week. He is now 13 lbs 3 oz and 23 3/4 in. He is just getting so big! Austin now has two teeth and is teething like a mad man now, so I am hoping this next tooth (or teeth) come through soon, because this sweet baby boy of mine is just miserable. He is rolling over, grabbing at his feet, sitting up (with minimal support) and babbling away- using his consonants ~ "da da", "da dee", "ki ki", "la la". He is loving life!
The past few days he has been vomiting once or twice a day.... He is now strictly on formula as I was unable to supply him breast milk any longer. The thought behind the vomiting is that it is so rich and thick (as he is given extra calories, because he burns about triple the amount of calories of that of a baby with healthy lungs), so his nutritionist and HR team believe he is not agreeing with that change. We have come down a little on his calories and so far it seems to be working... we shall see!
I still find it hard to believe that he endured so much during his NICU stay, and he has minimal signs of that journey. Yes his lungs are crappy - but getting better everyday.... but he just looks so well! And he is developing on point and advanced! That is so exciting for me! He has a few little "bubble scars" from all of his IV's that as he grows and gets older will eventually be so minimal ... most people do not notice them- but as his mother I know every inch of him!!!! ;o)
Austin and his brother, Drew, are buddies! It is so neat to watch the two of them together. Drew is almost 8, so its quite an age gap, but you wouldn't know! He always is giving Austin attention and coming around to rub his head and give him a kiss. Austins face lights up when he hears his brother and he searches the room until he finds him... and when he does he kicks his feet and throws his arms around in excitement! Its WONDERFUL!!!
Austin made it through a couple of colds already. He handled them well. He did not need his oxygen increased, and never had any desats. The most current cold was terrifying for me. He seemed to have such shallow breaths and grunting while exhaling. We did a breathing treatment at the doctors that didn't make much difference and after chest xrays came back clear, we just had to wait it out. He got through it without needing any "intervention", but none of us slept that week.
His lungs are growing and becoming stronger and stronger each day. I can tell a difference almost daily. His normal base line of breathing while playing and being very active is still pretty "heavy" breathing, but that is just his norm. Bless his little heart. God is watching over us and we can feel His presence always!!!
Austin has met many friends and family this summer. We are still very cautious and do not let the younger kids all over him. We still do not allow kids running in and out of the house. He still needs to avoid the humidity and poor air quality - so most of our summer has been spent in doors in the AC!!! Come November, RSV and FLU season returns and we will resume the "lock down" way of life again.....
Here is a little peek of life with Austin lately!!!! I hope you enjoy. I would like to get back to update on here more often.... I hope I can make it happen! God Bless.
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| My sweet baby boy! 7 months old |
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| Mommy and Austin 8 months old |
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| Aunt Heidi meets Austin 8 months old |
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| Drew "teaching" Austin how to play DS |
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| Austins first food - chicken!!! |
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| Fun times! (notice he is standing on a box - so short- haha) |
