Will remains on a steady track of progress. His growth and development amaze both Nichole and I. It's hard to believe that 60 days ago Will entered this world as a 2lb, 7oz, dark red, shriveled little baby. At that time he required a ventilator to breathe, was unable to regulate a consistent body temperature and his skin was so under-developed that he required a humidity controlled environment (due to evaporation water loss).Today however, Will weighs 5lbs, 50z., feeds mostly from a bottle and comfortably withstands room air temperatures, while successfully regulating his body temp. His feeds have elevated from 2 milliliters (just under 1/2 a teaspoon) every four hours to 42 milliliters every three, although he is still medicated with prilosec (for reflux) and diuretics.
Will's breathing has vastly improved too. Even though the nasal cannula remains, the volume has decreased from one liter to .5 liter, and the oxygen percentage is generally set at room air (21%). At certain times the oxygen amount is increased, such as hands-on time and feeding, but the need for oxygen supplementation has decreased drastically.
Overall, looking back 6o days, it is hard to believe that Will has come so far. Nichole and I clearly see a light now and we trust it's the light at end of the tunnel.
In closing, we ask that you continue to pray for all the NICU babies, their families and the respective medical staffs - all amazing miracles in their own special way. We hope that you will also remember Mary Margaret Knight, daughter of our law school friends Hart and Stephanie. Mary Margret is due later this spring and will unfortunately be born with an omphalocele. This condition will likely require significant NICU time.
I love reading about all of Will's progress, but when you condense it all into one post, it's amazing to see how far he's come. Stay focused on that light! You all (and all of those sweet babies also in the NICU) remain in my prayers.
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