Josh continues to grow

After a very long week with little sleep for Mommy and Daddy, Josh finally had a good night's sleep last night.  Although we have seen our pediatrician and talked to her on the phone multiple times in the last week, we are still not sure what has made the difference.  We can only hope that our little guy will continue to sleep as well or better than he did last night.  We apologize for not blogging sooner, but between being sleep deprived and super busy with appointments this weekend, we haven't had much time or energy. 

Josh has been doing well, despite the lack of sleep and lots of appointments.  Josh was seen for lab work yesterday.  He weighed in at 6lbs 5oz.  This is only a 2 ounce increase from his appointment almost a week ago.  Mommy, Daddy and our doctor were not pleased with this at all.  So we have gone up the amount of formula that Josh is receiving and we are hoping this will help to weight to increase at a better rate.  We are a little disappointed that it looks like Josh won't be able to be 100% breastfed.  But at this point we just want our little guy to gain weight steadily and grow up to be a big strong boy.  We are willing to have him be partially breastfed and partially formula fed if that is the best way to do this.

Besides the feeding issues, Josh had a CBC done to determine if he is still neutropenic (his white blood cells not working properly).  It showed that his white blood cells are working very well now and he is no longer neutropenic.  It also showed that he is slightly anemic (his red blood cell count is low) but our pediatrician thinks that will resolve on its own with iron supplementation and time.  We are continuing to give him vitamins and formula with iron in it.  Josh is also due for his synagist shot which helps protect him against RSV (a dangerous version of the cold).  The shot wasn't available this week because it was never ordered, even though we told our pediatrician three times over two weeks, but he should get it next week.

Josh also had the ultrasound of his spinal cord today.  They were looking to see if his hemangioma was growing down into his spinal cord causing a tethered cord.  The ultrasound showed that there was no spinal cord involvement!!!!   We are very thankful that they ultrasound was negative.  The radiologist even checked out Josh's kidneys while he was at it - they were also perfect!   This is a huge weight lifted off of us.

Josh goes back tomorrow to have his eyes check again, so we will have an update about that soon.

Also as far as his developing personality, Josh continues to enjoy spending time with people.  He has especially enjoyed just looking around and "talking".  It is neat to look at the world through his eyes.  He regards the whole world with such wide eyed wonder.  He continues to do well with his tummy time and he is  holding his head up mostly on his own.  Mommy and Daddy are continuing to work on getting him caught up on his developmental milestones.  Josh is also enjoying getting to know his Mimi better while she is staying with us.

**Special prayer request - The brother of some friends of ours and his wife unexpectedly lost their baby this week.  Please be praying for them as they deal with this huge loss.**

Prayer Request: 

• Josh would do well with the increase in his feedings and gain weight at a good rate.
• Josh's eye exam would go well and that his retinopathy of prematurity would be resolved.
• Josh would not get sick, particularly with RSV.
• Josh's body would correct his anemia with the iron he is getting.

Praises:

• Josh's ultrasound showed no spinal cord involvement!!!!!
• Josh weighs 6lbs 5oz
• Josh is no longer neutropenic!!
• Josh is thriving at home and enjoying checking out his new environment

(Josh enjoying some time in his swing - he is trying out the 5 S's from the Happiest Baby on the Block)

(What are you doing?)

(Now that is the face of contentment)

(Need I say more?)

(Monkey Butt Cousins! )

(Noah and Josh took turns crying over having their pictures taken)

(Mommy and Josh enjoying some family time with Aunt Anita and Noah)