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