Keean is GROWING!!!

Dear Friends and Family;

Keean has made a lot of progress this week. He is up to a "massive" 3 lb. 6.7 oz! He's gained about 4 ounces in the last 4 days. Since he has been exhibiting "rooting" behavior he was able to try nursing from Amy today and managed about 10 minutes of somewhat successful nursing. Usually such early preemies cannot co-ordinate the breathing and sucking and swallowing needed to actually nurse but Keean did!!!! Hooray!

The eye test last week showed only immature eyes, no defects. So, he will have another test next week to monitor his progress, but it appears that his eyes are developing normally. That is a relief. (Remember years ago that often preemies would be blind? It was discovered that the oxygen they were being given in high concentrations caused their immature eyes to go blind. We are very happy that Keean will not have that happen to him.)

AND, most importantly, the hole in his heart appears to be closing. At least it is smaller than the previous echocardiogram. And, the nurse hasn't been able to hear a murmur the last two days. That could mean that the hole is much smaller or at least closing even more. Another echo will be done tomorrow or Monday to check. Perhaps ANOTHER miracle is happening. It would be due to all the prayers and love being sent his way, I'm sure. (For those of you who knew my Mom and Dad, I'm sure they have been having a lot of input from up there in heaven. They sure could be pushy when a member of their family was in need.)

One of the nurses today complimented Amy on the robustness of her preemie. (Amy said thanks, but what else? What with all those good genes, an army of people supporting him thru love and prayer and the great doctors and nurses.) After those first few weeks of terror and helplessness I must admit that a robust preemie is fine with me as well.

Since Amy has returned to work a few hours a week she has been busy and hasn't sent any pictures lately. But, she hopes to send some soon. She'd better, the mom-in-law said.

Love to you all;

Penny

Hey ALL you Eastern OR Isaacsons (and those who may be visiting soon??)

I debated posting this on the family blog but this is the sort of thing that SHOULD be on the blog, SO SUE ME! :)

I was chosen to be a featured artist at a wine shop/art gallery here in Baker City. You don't have to be a wine drinker to drop in and see my display, and I hear they have to die for cheese cake as well. :) It's called Earth & Vine, it's on the corner of 1st and Washington. It's a cute place and if you could make it sometime this month it'd mean a lot to have you there! And while you're in Baker come to our house for a free meal. We'd love to see ya!

Love,

Carly
541-519-1957

Keean Update

Dear All;

I'm proud to say that things have been boring! Keean did manage to pull out his feeding tube. (Paige did the same thing at least twice.) The tube had been threaded thru his mouth, but the new one is in his nose down to the tummy. Travis said Keean was NOT a happy boy when the tube was being replaced. It is doing its job tho, as Keean is up to a whooping 3 lbs. 1 oz. He has joined the "3 pounder club" and has a sign on his isolette to celebrate the feat.

Today was an eye test that isn't very nice for him. Because he was born so early his eyes aren't fully formed so they check them periodically to see if they are developing. (Paige also had to have the same test at least 2 times before she left the hospital as well as after.) This will be Keean's first one. I'm not sure when the results will be available.

Meanwhile, Keean is well able to stay warm if well wrapped up while he is outside the incubator so he gets to come out whenever he is awake and someone is there to hold him. Amy spends most of the day with him, Travis is there for every lunch and soon Grandpa and Grandma Jacobson will be living in Spokane as well. Since Paige can't go into the NICU the family stays home in the evening to keep her schedule the same.

Keean's heart still has a hole in it, and that is just been watched carefully. It doesn't appear that it is going to close on its own, but unless he starts developing complications the surgery will be delayed until he is better able to handle it. And, maybe another miracle will occur and it will close on its own!

Thanks again for all your support. I'll keep you in the loop when we have any news or a current picture.

Penny

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

This is a little trifle commemorating the 62nd anniversary of our parents, Neal & Anne Isaacson. They were married on 5 June 1947 in La Grande, Oregon. We think they're the best!