Three Things

Eight weeks ago we asked the doctors when we would be able to bring Lawson home. They told us there was no way to know, but that most preemies stay at least until they have reached their gestational 'birthday'; Lawson's was April 25. In order for any baby to leave the NICU, they must do 3 things: 1) Breathe on their own 2) Regulate their own temperature and 3) Breast or bottle feed (apparently this one takes the longest). They also told us that Lawson was not like 'most' preemies. Before we could even begin to check off any of those 3 things we had to fix his lung. After 7 weeks of trying with medications, ventilator settings, and controversial steroids, Dr. Rice did just that with what was considered the 'last ditch effort'.



Yesterday his nasal cannula was removed and he has proven that he can breathe on his own with no support!! One check!



Today he was moved to a 'big boy' bed, a crib with no heater!! (And he got to wear his first outfit!) Two checks!





This afternoon we had our first meeting with Lactation/Speech Therapy to prepare for teaching Lawson to breastfeed! The road is long from here, but at least there's an end in sight! As soon as we can teach Lawson to breastfeed, we'll be bringing him home!



Another incredible milestone was reached today . . . we heard Lawson cry! We have waited 9 weeks, fearing it would never happen at all, for this moment. I never thought I would say this, but hearing this baby cry was one of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard!