MAY 7TH UPDATE

First, GOOD NEWS....Ryan weighed 5 lbs. 1 oz. last night! Can you believe our little guy has gone from 1 lb. 13.4 oz. in 8 weeks?!

I spoke to Ryan's doctor this morning and she is going to put him on a chronic diuretic to help with the fluid in his lungs. This is a longer term medicine that is different than the diuretic he was on yesterday. He is still on the low flow cannula (oxygen) and will probably stay on that for a while. He will probably also lose some weight, so don't be surprised if he dips below 5 lbs. However, he is still pretty healthy and growing well. She added another bottle feeding per day so he's up to 4. I've got to do several feedings with him and am getting better. Tomorrow Joey will get to try it.

I asked the doctor about when it may be possible for Ryan to come home. She wasn't sure. She said that it was all up to him. He needs to be nippling better (bottle feeding) and we need to see how the diuretics work first. She said it is possible that Ryan will have to come home on oxygen and a monitor.

I completely understand why they use the term "rollercoaster" in conjunction with a preemie or NICU baby. One minute everything is up and the next minute the bottom seems to drop out. Although Ryan's fluid problem could be a long term issue, we are all hopeful that he will recover completely and come home soon. We could be dealing with more serious issues and feel blessed that Ryan has made such progress.

GOOD NEWS...I spoke to the nurse this afternoon and she said that Ryan already looks less puffy and better from the diuretic yesterday. That was great news! She also said he seemed to do better on his bottle feeding.

Even though it may be a while before Ryan comes home, we are trying to get together everything we need for him! Ryan will initially sleep in the bedroom with Joey and I. How long depends on if he is on oxygen, monitors, etc. We do have a nursery upstairs for him (once Joey clears out his office). I do want to thank everyone who has sent Ryan gifts. They are greatly appreciated.

Please continue to keep Ryan and our family in your thoughts and prayers because they are definitely working!

Thank so much,

Lisa