Settling In

James is settling into our family life just fine. So far he is a relatively easy baby, and hopefully he will stay this way. He gained a whopping 6 oz. his first 4 days with us. Hannah seems to like him and has started taking on the "Big Sister" role. Next week we have many appointments; one day will be a 7 hour day toting him around to all of his specialists. He will see opthamology every week until he is at least 50 weeks old (gestational); these are two hour appointments. He eats and poops well. All is good in James' world.

Aaron is still not gaining weight. Today he was 2 lb. 13 oz. He is not currently fighting anything, but the doctors think all of the work he has done fighting has attributed to his inability to gain weight. We dodged yet another bullet last week. He had an MRI and CT scan to rule out a bone infection. The Neonatologist, Infectious Disease Doctors, and Orthosurgeons all concluded he does not have a bone infection. It turns out that there is no doubt that he has Rickets. Otherwise known as hairline fractures caused by poor nutrition. He is now on full feedings and 27 calorie/ounce formula fortified breast milk (normal breast milk avg. 20 cal/ounce). We are still hoping he turns a corner. His appearance is shocking to me. I had not seen him in 5 days. He looks malnourished. At times he is very alert, looking about his issolette and smiling. He has the most beautiful smile; like his daddy. Please pray his bones do not become infected, that he puts on weight, and makes only forward progress. I hit a wall today and broke down. Obviously I am fearful he may not make it and it times it is frankly heartbreaking.

James is ready for his 11 pm feeding. Thank you for your prayers. We wouldn't be where we are without them.