5w6d

Kieran is 35w4d today - wow, tomorrow marks 6 weeks since he was born. As of April 25th, Kieran is a 5-pounder! He was also 18 3/4" long. Today he clocked in at 5lb, 3.2 ounces. He's pretty much outgrown the preemie clothes lengthwise, though there are still a few that fit him. I had to bring in newborn clothes for him to wear now that he's back in his crib. Oh yeah! Speaking of clothes & the crib - no more isolette! He's back into his open crib/bassinet & back in his clothing now that he's off oxygen.

In the crib Monday night.

The past few days have brought just a couple medical updates. On Saturday the nurse practitioners attempted to place a PICC line for Kieran's IV line - he'll be getting gancyclovir, the antiviral to treat his CMV, through the IV. Attempts were unsuccessful, and Sunday's attempt was as well. Third time was the charm, though, sort of - they got a peripheral IV in last night, so it doesn't go in as far down the vein as a PICC line, but it's good enough and should last longer than a regular IV line. This is important because Kieran needs the med through IV and his other IV's in his arms and legs kept blowing. So hopefully it stays put! It's in his scalp, which is still weird to see, but I actually prefer an IV there - it's out of the way, he can have full range of motion of his arms and legs without an IV bugging him and he can wear clothes normally. He is now tentatively scheduled to be on the IV medicine 1-2 weeks; the infectious disease doctors haven't fully decided yet, so I think we'll be taking it day by day. Also CMV-related: Kieran had another eye exam to check vision and he had a brain ultrasound, as he is at risk for vision loss and developmental delays. Kieran's eyes are right on track for development for his gestational age, and the brain ultrasound showed no issues. Next ophthalmology check up is in 3 weeks.

Right before the feeding tube came out, 4/27

We can tell that Kieran is definitely feeling better! His white blood cell count is up, and his platelet count is slowly improving. He's nursing beautifully and taking full bottle feedings when I'm not there. He did have the feeding tube in his nose for 2 days but it's back out again and I doubt he'll be needing it again. His full feeding (when he gets bottles) is 45ml, but tonight he took 50ml! He did need oxygen again for a short time last night/early morning because he was stressed after his eye exam and PICC line placement, but hopefully he won't need it again :)

PICC line on the scalp (the arm IV came out tonight)

Kieran had a visit from Josh's dad and stepmom Tom & Karen tonight, and Josh had a great evening with him. He gave him a bath for the first time :) We talked with each other tonight about how we're getting so anxious to get him home. I know he's where he needs to be right now, but we're getting pretty tired of the constant trips to the NICU after 6 weeks - we're just ready to have him all to ourselves at home! His cloth diapers are all clean and ready for him, slings and wraps are ready to keep him warm & cozy next to mom and dad, clothes fill up his dresser & we are setting up the co-sleeper next to our bed this weekend. All we need now is Kieran! All in good time, right? :)