Things seem to be changing at a faster pace for Miller these days. Weighing in at 4.01 lbs, he's already growing out of some of the preemie clothes we just bought for him (and had him wearing) the other day. The incredible baby hulk. He has basically doubled in size in 7 1/2 weeks!

Yesterday Miller spent the afternoon on his cannula between 21 & 24 percent. 21 percent is actually room air, but the air pressure keeps his airway open & is a gentle reminder to breathe. His primary nurse, Beth, recommended that he stay off of his CPAP for good and stick to cannula 24/7. He is currently doing this on a trial basis. So far, he's doing well.

Because of his recent progress along with his age and weight (33 weeks gestation today), the inevitable happened. Last night, he moved to a big boy crib. We really didn't want this just yet-we just prefer that he have some peace & quiet a tad bit longer. Beth did do everything she could to make him comfy and make us comfortable with the idea. Mom doesn't like the look of it though, it's sort of retro-orphanage-y. Mostly she doesn't like the fact that there's no way to completely darken or quiet his little island anymore.

Each time we go to kangaroo now, we start with a bit of 'nuzzling'. This is what the nurses call it. We call it 'sticking him on'. He DEFINITELY knows what to do and is a great little chomper, but he tends to fall asleep pretty quickly. He breathes really deeply during these times and becomes very relaxed. He looks as if he's getting a great massage! We are not relying on this for any nourishment, just getting him used to it. We try our best to nuzzle at the same time he begins a gavage (feeding tube) feeding, so he will associate it with a happy, full belly.

We'll post some new pics in the next day or so! Hope everyone has a safe & happy weekend.

Love,

Danny & Stephanie

According to the nurses, 32 weeks is around the time when we should see Miller start to progress at a more rapid pace. We think he's off to a good start. Miller's up to 3 lbs 14 ounces as of this morning and he's spending 8 hours at a time on his nasal cannula. His feedings have increased to 37 cc's every three hours and he gets after his pacifier like crazy.

Mom has been trying to introduce Miller to the boob. He's been very responsive and we think that's a good sign. He won't be able to actually nourish himself that way for a while, but we want him to get a feel for it.

We've had a little bit of an issue with the NICU regarding Miller's isolette/crib situation. There's a faction of the NICU that believes a move to an open crib is reasonable for Miller at this time. He can probably regulate his own temperature now and their normal protocol calls for the move at 1800 grams. Miller is at 1770. We believe it's still too early. If he were still in the womb where he belongs, he would have the peace and quiet he needs to grow. We also believe that part of the incentive to move him is driven by a shortage of clean isolettes in the NICU. As such, we have formally requested that Miller stay in his current isolette for now and that any pending move be discussed with us (dad wrote a letter).

All told, we are very happy with the progress Miller has made in the last several days. We'll continue to keep you updated. As always, your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

Love,

Danny & Stephanie