January 28,2018

Charlie had a good weekend! He kept his nurses busy but he was stable for the most part, got another blood transfusion, and continues to grow! Mom and dad are getting in some good snuggle time as well, which makes everyone happy! Charlie is now 12.5 inches long and 1lb 9oz (11inches and 1lb 3oz at birth).

Something we talked about when Charlie was first born was the importance of a PICC line, and it was an exciting day when they finally were able to get one in. Anything can be put in this line, (a part from blood), and that’s why it was so important for him. He got all his medications and TPN, (total parenteral nutrition), through it. This gave Charlie all of the nutrition he needed until he was ready to be just on mom’s milk. Charlie is growing and doing so well with the milk that they decided he no longer needs the TPN! With that being said, they took out his PICC line today, which is big news for Charlie! They wanted to take it out because he doesn’t need it right now and it’s one less way for an infection to possibly start. The trade off is that they lose access that could be needed if he should require certain medications, but the doctors felt the benefits outweigh the risks! The PICC was difficult for them to put in due to his size, so we hope that he will not need one again.

If you could be specific in your prayers for Charlie, please pray that he will not need another PICC line put in down the road, that he continues to do well on mom’s milk, that his lungs keep developing, and that God will use him for His glory. Thank you all so much and God bless you!