Molascon Schmolascon

A New Year: 2012

Posted January 24, 2012

Christmastime

Posted December 29, 2011

Three Months

Sent December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas!

Abe had several check-ups on Wednesday, and they all went well. The surgeon is pleased with his weight gain, and said his chest x-ray (taken earlier that day) showed that his lungs were filling up his chest and his heart is where it should be. Abe will continue to have chest x-rays and follow-ups with the surgeon every 3 months until he’s at least a year old. He gave us orders not to baby him and treat him like a normal baby. We also met with the pediatric gastroenterologist for Abe’s reflux. He recommended trying Prevacid once a day to see if that helps. Reflux is the most common issue for babies with diaphragmatic hernia, so it’s nothing major. We also saw his pediatrician who is also pleased with Abe’s progress. Before our appointments, we stopped by the NICU to say hi, and the nurses and neonatologist were all happy to see us. They were impressed with how much Abe has grown in the last 6 weeks. As of this past week, Abe has lived at home longer than he lived in the NICU! At the end of January, Abe will have a follow-up with the pediatric cardiologist to check his heart, the gastroenterologist to see how the Prevacid is working, and have his 4-month check-up with his pediatrician.

Abe weighs 10 pounds, 12 ounces now. He still just takes cat-naps during the day (with an occasional 45 minute nap or if we’re really lucky a 2-hour one, which is very rare), but he sleeps well at night - just wakes up to eat then goes back to sleep. Abe is smiling and cooing and gurgling. He especially likes silly noises and funny faces. He’s starting to watch his toys more and can entertain himself for a little while, and he does well with tracking objects. We’re trying a few different styles of cloth diapers, and we really like them!

Please continue to pray that Abe keeps gaining weight at a healthy rate (3/4 to 1 oz a day) and that the Prevacid will help with his reflux. We’re excited to spend Christmas in Hendricks with Joel’s family. His sister and her family are here, so Abe got to meet 3 of his cousins. They were eager to see him in person and are already loving on him. We pray that you all have a very Merry Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

In Christ,
Joel & Holly & Abe