Jen I am thinking of you and your family.

Thinking of you today!

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Jen, read Andrew's update, he sounds like he's doing spectacularly. I can't believe he's almost already back to his birthweight, that's literally awesome. My friend who had a way-preemie like them (only a few days 'older' at birth) says that everything you've said about him is fantastic. I'm so proud of him.

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Jen-sending extra thoughts and prayers for all of you today.

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jen - you and your family were in my thoughts today ((hugs))

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Any one hear form Jen? Rebecca? I guess i should be checking her website.

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Cassie - No, I haven't. I emailed her today. She's been updating Andrew's website, though.

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http://rchiprean.abmp.com/index.html

I was thinking yesterday about putting something in here for anyone who isn't going to/can't get to the other website.

In a nutshell: Andrew is doing fabulously! He's already PASSED his birthweight (now 4lbs 1oz, up from 3lbs 5oz at the lowest, down from birthweight of 3lbs 10oz, normal to drop a good bit), which is astounding (I'm getting that from a Gail who had a preemie only a few days 'older' at birth, who lost almost 1.5lbs before she started to steadily regain). Last time Jen said, his oxygen is turned way way down, and other than a few 'oops I forgot to breathe' episodes here and there (which the docs are not concerned about and expect while he develops a little more), he seems to be doing great. He was only under the bili lights for about a week or so (I think?). He's just started sucking a pacifier, and I think she said he took 5ccs from a bottle (again, AMAZING!), so the sucking reflex is kicking in. YAY! She said he looked confused though with the bottle. They hope to be doing all bottle feedings soon. Everything she's said sounds like he's doing SO well.

Anyone else who's been keeping up with the website, what did I miss?

He looks so good. I hope she has a chance to take some new pictures for us soon.

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steph-thanks for the update. As a mommy of a preemie who was the exact weeks and days, he is doing great. That is wonderful that he is up to that weight already. WOW, I'm so glad he is growing so quickly and well.

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Hi all,

Sorry for not keeping you better updated ! Everything Steph said is exactly right except for the oxygen...he has been off that since about 4 or 5 days old. The doctors were very impressed how quickly he started breathing on his own. He is starting to nipple the bottle which they will practice at least once a day with him.

He had his first "bath" tonight. Prior to tonight we just did sponge baths. Tonight we swaddled him and bathed him in a little tub. He was completely unimpressed. Again with this look like - whatever - tell me when it is over. He is so stinkin' cute! Speaking of stinkin'. He did have a few episodes with the "oops - I forgot to breathe" but they think it is gas. He struggles and strains and once the gas passes he is better. He is also a pooping machine! Sometimes I wish I could keep him hooked up to a monitor until he is 5...then I would know exactly when something was wrong ! That is the only thing that makes me nervous right now!

I am starting to feel more comfortable with him. He just looked so fragile before. The Physical therapist was in to see him last night and said he looks great. He is a little "disorganized". She gave me a pamphlet to read and he exhibits a few of the "disorganized" behaviors - which are all Preemie related.

He is up to 4lbs 3oz tonight. He is averaging about 2 ozs a night. Whoo hoo.

OK - I am totally behind on emails and it is already 12:00 a.m. I spend most of my day in the NICU. THey close between 6:30 - 8:00 a.m. and p.m. for shift change. My mom lives close to the hospital so I go over there for dinner and to visit with Winston and then back to the hospital. I think we are going to bring Winston home next week. We just don't want him alone for too long - especially since he has had someone home with him all day at my mom's (my aunt is retired). Anyway, he needs to come home before Andrew...so maybe next week!

K - i'm delerious...good night.

Oh yeah, no new pictures. Our home computer is all disconnected because we just had 3 of our bedrooms floors sanded and finished. Right now we have 3 rooms of furniture in our bedroom - talk about disorganized ! Anyway, I have been checking email on my work laptop! Hopefully we'll be back and running soon and I can post new pictures.

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Jen

Jend, great to hear from you and hear that Andrew is doing so well. We love to hear but we know you are focusing on Andrew, that is what you are suppose to be doing. Praying for you all, and knowing he will be home soon. Good luck with getting your house back in order too. Give Winston a big hug for us too. He need a treat, Frosty Paws in the grocery store in the ice cream section would be perfect.

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Aww Jen thanks for posting. I love to hear from you! Still praying for you all!

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Jen - thanks for updating!!! Sounds like everything is going great! My cousin had a preemie and they kept him hooked up to a monitor WAY longer than he had to be They had gotten used to it and it made them feel comfortable I guess. dh's cousin had her baby about a week ago, she was only 24 weeks along, he was born at 1.6 lbs. I talked to her yesterday and all seems to be going well. The things they can do these days are amazing! Take care!!

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Jen, I am so glad Andrew is doing well. He will be home before you know it!!!

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He's doing so, so well! I forgot the part about you saying he was breathing room air. Thanks for the update Jen. I know life is upside down right now, so we always appreciate any news, no matter how big or small. My friend (Gail) who had a teeny preemie is FLOORED at his progress and how fast he is gaining and progressing. We're so proud of him. I can't wait for the day he goes home.

And though he looked fragile of course, he looked GREAT for his gest. age, Jen. Really, really good! So, I'll be excited to see new pix, whenever your house is back together and you have a chance.

I just had a mini-breakdown from missing Abigail. Oh Jen, I can only imagine.

I'm so proud of our miracle boy!

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Oh....Jen that is absolutely WONDERFUL! I am so glad that Andrew is doing so well. He is such a little trooper. LOL @ pooping machine . It only gets better as they get older too.

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Goodness, did y'all see Mr. Andrew is closing in on 5lbs! Holy moly!

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