Growing and Developing

Growing and Developing are the names of the game. As of last Wednesday, Will was 6.5 Kilos (14.5 lbs) and 23 4/5 inches. His check up with Dr. Gest, OT, and nutritionist went very well at BPD Clinic. Dr. Gest said that Will's lungs were sounding good and you can really tell that he has grown and developed since leaving the hospital. Will will go back for a check up in a month and he will go for a developmental assessment in two months. Will is also meeting with PT and OT once a week at our house for the coming weeks to work on "catching him up" and working him out. He got to "work out" on a balance ball on Thursday with PT. Will's eating has its good days and bad days, but there are more good than bad and it is much better than where we were at a month ago. Kyle and I have be lucky enough to be able to rotate our schedules so at least one of us can be at home with Will during the days right now. We are very fortunate for this!!! Will's days are full of eating, sleeping, creating dirty diapers (luckily most of the poopy ones happen when Kyle has him), playing on his mat, going on walks, and just being a baby. He is really working on trying to roll over. Will usually goes to sleep around 9:30 or 10pm and wakes up around 7am smiling and talking, so Kyle and I really can't complain. (The only times we really have to get up during the night are to stop his feed or if his alarms goes off. ) Here are some of Will's latest pictures

Four Whole Bottles

It may be a small thing, but it was a big day for Will (Kyle and I too). Will took his full feed of 95 ml at 8am, 12, 4 and 8pm. We had to start the 4 and 8 feeds early because he was crying and sucking on his hands! The remainder of the day Will had a serious case of HMS ("Hold Me Syndrome"-dubbed by the nurses), took many naps, and had some "exercise time" on his mat- batting and sticking toys in his mouth, looking at himself in the mirror and doing "reverse crunches" (as Kyle says) pulling his legs up towards his chest then kicking them down.

Calvin and Cassidy, the big brother and sister, had a "busy day" today. They went outside, watched the birds, chased the chipmunks and squirrels, came inside to eat, then went back outside. Here is a picture of them "recovering" this evening.

A Week of "First"

This has been a week of "Will's first..." We went on his first walk outside, first doctors appointment with Dr. Koesters. First time holding his bottle by himself, first bath in the "big bath tub",first night in "his bed"...and many others. Here are some pictures from this week.

224

Well, 224 was the magic number. Will was released from Nationwide Children's Hospital on Friday, May 2, 2008 around 3:30pm. It was a day full of emotions: joy, laughter, sadness, tears and some little fears. It was great to finally be "the family going home." Will will really miss seeing all of "his people." I will miss doing "my rounds" each day.

Kyle, Will and I are so lucky that we have been surrounded by such great, smart, talented and caring people over the last 224 days. The three of us are so greatful for the kindness, support, education, care, and friendship- we are better people for knowing each and every one of them. From the bottoms of our hearts...THANK YOU!

I have included some pictures from the big day.