April 23, 2018

Happy due date, Charlie! It’s crazy to think that 18 weeks have gone by. He is doing great and is a true miracle! He is so popular around the NICU; all the nurses know him and check on him frequently to see how big he’s getting. Everyone who knows Charlie loves him because he is such a sweet boy and super handsome, too!

Charlie’s still on the high flow nasal cannula and doing well. He won’t be able to start learning to bottle feed until he is on a low flow cannula, which doesn’t seem like it will be anytime soon. Charlie likes to go at his own pace, and he deserves to! He’s been through so much for such a little guy and he’s so tough! He is on a set feeding schedule though, and he knows when it’s time to eat! He smacks his little lips together and wants his pacifier as soon as the three hour mark rolls around. It’s amazing that he’s never had a bottle, yet he knows where he should be getting his food because he smacks his lips! And he’s always much happier with a full belly!

Charlie’s eyes started off at stage 3 ROP and are down to stage 1. Truly a miracle! But what about Charlie isn’t? He is so special and so loved.

Now, it’s just a waiting game. We have no idea when he will be able to come home; it’s all up to him. Once his oxygen needs aren’t so great and he learns how to eat, then we can start thinking about bringing him home. Until then, we love watching him grow, explore his surroundings, and snuggling him. Please pray that he continues to move in the right direction (at his own pace); for his lungs and ability to eat when the time comes. Thank you all so much for your prayers and sending us your love. We feel it and we truly appreciate every one of you.