New Born Screening - Jan. 27, 2014

Owen is up to 7 lb. and 3 oz.!

His lab work showed that his iron levels are still elevated but coming down nicely.

Owen had some of his 4 month shots today.  He also had to get some more blood work done to test for liver function for the state newborn screen.  This is most likely taken care of, since the original levels were drawn at the hospital while he was experiencing near liver failure.

Owen also saw the immunologist today.  He was cleared of severe combined immunodeficiency disorder!!!  We will still go see him in 3 months or so, just to be on the safe side.  His prematurity could be a factor in other immune problems for awhile.

A big thank you to the State of Texas for the great newborn screening process that does not account for prematurity.  These screens that were re-done over and over because of "problems" with Owen, caused him to deal with the potential complications with who knows how many extra blood transfusions, not to mention all the needles.  Few of the results could have been helpful until they took blood from him after his original birthdate.  Maybe something will be done about this in the future.  If the people making these laws knew what it feels like to have all of these claims of health issues thrown upon parents who already have a sick premature kid, maybe they would consider looking at all of the variables when it comes to giving babies the newborn screening tests.



Praying for:

• eyes to correctly heal from surgery
• no infections
• gain weight
• developing properly

Working on his Therapy

Doing a great job with therapy

More therapy

Warn out

Loves his bath time

Our little Giraffe!!

Someone looks just like his daddy

Now he is gaining weight! - Jan. 21, 2014

Owen has been gaining weight!  He is up to 6lbs. 15oz.!

The ECI developmental group came and did their initial assessment last wednesday.  He was arching his back too much from not being curled up in the womb for long enough.  He just needs to strengthen some different muscles up.  They are going to show us how to do that with a special swaddling technique.  He responded to the sound of a bell on one ear but not on the other.  He could follow a light to the side with one eye but not the other.  The ear and eye tests could mean something or nothing at all.  They will follow up with both of these.  They are coming to the house this Wednesday.

Owen had his second eye appointment today and his laser surgery is still working!  Hopefully we will only have to see the eye surgeon one more time.

He also had an appointment with the pediatric surgeon today.  The doctor said it looked like he may have a reoccurring hernia on one side.  We have to take Owen back to see him in March.  If it truly is a hernia we will schedule a surgery date.

On Thursday, Owen has to go and get some blood work done.  Routine lab work and checks on his iron levels.  He had high iron levels when we left the hospital.  We stopped giving him supplemental iron.  Hopefully that did the trick.

We also have the first follow up appointment with the neonatologist on Thursday.



Praying for:

• eyes to correctly heal from surgery
• no infections
• gain weight
• developing properly
• Hernia to be OK

I'm done with this oxygen tube! What are you gonna do about it?

I am always a good boy and never cry.

What is this?

I'm a lion and its my mane!

Not much gain - Jan. 12, 2014

Owen had a weight check at the doctors office on thursday.  He had only gained one tenth of an ounce for the week.  We are trying a new strategy now;  less time breast feeding and more in the bottle.  This is still going to be done on the 2 hour schedule.  He has another weight check tomorrow.  Hopefully this is working.  If not, we will have to add some calories to his milk.

He seems more alert this week.  He goes through spells when he will just lay down and stare at everything whereas before he would not open his eyes much at all.

Next week, we have a group called ECI that is coming to our house.  They will be monitoring Owen's development (physical and mental).  This will be our first appointment with them.

Thank you for the prayers.

Praying for:

• eyes to correctly heal from surgery
• no infections
• gain weight
• developing properly

Yes! 4 months old!

PJ will be happy

What is so funny?

These aren't my boots!

Nice pose.

Too cool for school.

Good Eye Exam - Jan. 5 2014

Owen had a good week at the doctors offices.  We made it with all his oxygen bottles and monitors to both appointments.  One of them was a couple of hours long, too!

The follow up on the laser eye surgery went great!  The doctor said they are looking like they should at this point.  We won't have to go back for about 3 weeks!  That is great news!

The pediatricians appointment also came with good results.  The 2 hour breast and bottle feedings have paid off and Owen gained about 7-8 ounces!  We just need him to get to 8lbs. so we can cut back to every 3 hours.  He is around 6 lbs. 4oz.!

Praying for:

• Eyes to continue to heel correctly
• Gain weight
• No Infections!

Best friends don't act this way!

Boot/socks

Finally asleep