Tuesday, September 1

Happy 8 week birthday Cooper!
It was quite the eventful day.  Coop had another head ultrasound last night, and we found out the results today...the swelling and bleeding in his brain reduced in size/scope!  This is wonderful news, as before they were remaining stable for the most part.  Now, however, his brain is actually beginning to heal itself.  It really is a miracle. He will not receive further head ultrasounds, and now it will be a matter of watching his development as he gets older.
Lately Cooper has been maintaining his own body temperature fairly well and with only minimal help from his isolette (the plastic cage they've been keeping him in).  In fact, he has been doing so well that today they decided he didn't need to stay in the isolette anymore and could be moved to a regular crib!  It's exciting because he is now much more accessible to us so that we can love all over him and also because he now can wear some clothes for the first time in his life!  They are obviously still keeping a close eye on him to make sure that he stays warm, and they have him all swaddled up in some blankets and a hat.
Also, today Cooper did go back on oxygen. Last night and this morning he was dropping his oxygen levels more frequently, so they decided to put him back on a very small amount of oxygen. He did very well with a little extra help! Between working hard to maintain his temperature, grow, and breathe, he has a full plate right now. Hopefully the oxygen will give him a little break and allow him to continue to become stronger.
Coop didn't gain any weight today, and just stayed the same as he was yesterday.  Since his jumps in weight the last two days have been so big this isn't anything to be really concerned about.  However, if he continues to not gain weight than it could be a sign that he is burning too many calories by regulating his own temperature without any assistance from the isolette.  We don't know yet, so we'll keep you posted!

-Taylor

First time wearing clothes! (people donate outfits to the hospital for NICU babies)

His last day in the isolette

Our tiny guy in a newborn outfit

First night in the crib!