Thursday, October 8th Update

We have some big news! (I'm scared to say it out loud in case I jinx it.) Cooper is coming home next week!!!!!!!!

Today a new nurse practitioner came on to our unit and she means business. If Cooper can maintain a stable blood pressure through the weekend (today they increased the dosage of blood pressure medication and his numbers were perfect), pass a hearing test, car seat trial, and gain weight, she's hoping to discharge us as early as Monday or Tuesday! She told me to made an appointment with our pediatrician for Thursday, so one way or the other I expect we'll be home by Thursday. :) Cooper will be coming home with the NG tube, and this weekend Taylor and I will practice using it. The NP expressed that she feels like Cooper will continue to improve with the amount of food that he's taking orally at home in a calm setting, and with only me being the person feeding him (as opposed to nurses at night when I'm not there). He will have quite a number of outpatient appointments, but we're so grateful to finally be bringing him home! Hopefully all goes well this weekend and our plan won't change. With all of that being said, I won't actually believe we're leaving until we're walking out the door.

Cooper nursed three times today and did so well! Right now he's talking about half of each feed either through breastfeeding or with a bottle, and then receiving the other half through his NG tube. He's continuing to improve and we're doing our best to make eating a positive experience so that he doesn't develop any oral aversions. Because Cooper is high risk for developmental delays, he will begin various therapies shortly after coming home.

Like I mentioned before, Cooper's blood pressure was pretty stabilized today. After talking to the nephrologist, he explained that for whatever reason some preemies experience this kidney inflammation and elevated blood pressure as they approach their due date. They have done a urine test, drawn blood, and done some other tests that have all come back normal. There is no serious problem happening with his kidneys and high blood pressure, but Cooper will be on blood pressure medication for the next 2 - 6 months.

Although the reality of the various complexities we will be working through at home with Cooper is a bit daunting, we are so grateful that he is well enough to come home. We will do our part to make sure he thrives and can't wait to finally be all together as a family under one roof. We're praying that all goes well this weekend and that Cooper will be ready to come home next week! Our hearts are full of gratitude that the long awaited day is finally here.