A chunky monkey

When we last updated, we had our first good night sleep in almost a week.  Mommy and Daddy were hoping and praying that this wasn't a fluke.  We are very pleased to report that so far it doesn't seem to be.  Josh has been sleeping five to five and half hours followed by a four hour stretch.  He is making up for his missed meals by eating a little more frequently during the day.  After almost 4 months of waking up every three hours we are excited that our little guy if finally getting some good long stretches of sleep. 

Josh had his eye appointment last Friday.  The eye doctor said that his right eye no longer has any signs of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).  His left eye is still showing a grade 1 ROP, but the margins are fuzzy which indicates that it is starting to regress.  Josh will need to continue to follow up frequently until his ROP is completely gone and his eyes are full mature.  Our next appointment is a two weeks from last Friday.

Josh went in today to have his synagist shot.  Mommy and Daddy were very excited that his shot was finally in, since he was due to have it last week.  The synagist shot is to help prevent/minimize RSV infection.  RSV is a form of the cold virus that can cause serious side effects in any baby, but particularly preemies.  We are hoping that this combined with our social isolation of Josh will prevent him from contracting RSV infection (or any other infection).

Josh is continuing to do well with his new feeding schedule.  He continues to be both breastfed and bottle fed, which seems to be working well.  Josh's weight is up to 6lbs 12oz!!  That is a gain of 7oz in just 6 days - this is the making of a chunky baby!  He is now fitting comfortably into his newborn sized clothes, which is a little hard to get use to (in a good way).  Mommy must confess she is having a good time dressing Josh up in lots of cute clothes.  After all, everyone loves a baby with a monkey on his butt.

Josh continues to be quite the cuddly baby.  He is starting to get out a little more (he is doing the new mom's lunch with Mommy) and makes quite an impression.  All the mom's like to ooh and ahh over our cute little man.  Mommy has actually been able to reconnect with another mom she met in the NICU as well as spend time with aunt Anita and cousin Noah.  Josh is also starting to be quite the happy baby, frequently smiling during his awake times during the day.  Everyone is enjoying seeing such a happy baby in the house!

Prayer Request:

• Josh's eyes would continue to improve and mature.  The ROP in his left eye would be completely resolved when we go back for our next appointment
• Josh would remain free of infections, especially RSV
• Josh would continue to sleep well and develop a good sleeping schedule
• Josh would continue to gain weight steadily and breastfeed well
• Mommy and Daddy would be able to rest well.

Praises:

• Josh is now 6lbs 12oz!  That is over triple his birth weight!
• Josh is sleeping much better, as are Mommy and Daddy
• Josh was able to get his synagist shot today and has avoided illness so far

(Daddy spending some quality time with Josh after work)

(Daddy and Josh were having a moment)

(Josh pulled this toy to his mouth all by himself.  He is starting to grab onto things more)

(Wide eyed Josh - this is how he looks frequently these days while taking in his surroundings)

(Need we say more?)

(Every baby needs a bear on their tushie)