Update, Day 19

Again more of the same...

Asher had yet another head ultrasound with the result unchanged. This now gives me a little bit of hope the bleeds aren't worsening, so the next step is that they drain/reabsorb as expected. The course of action is to continue to measure his head circumference twice weekly to ensure his head is not growing at an inordinate rate - if it is it means the blood is pooling and not draining. Normal head growth is a good thing, and so far so good.

Both boys have had echos to check on their PDAs. Nolan's is gone again, however he still has a murmur caused by some sort of turbulent bloodflow, cause unknown. At this point, no reason to be alarmed. Asher's still remains, small to moderate, but he is now too old for further medicinal treatment. For him we just wait and hope it closes on its own or surgery will need to be considered when he is stronger. The doctor does not feel that he is currently at all symptomatic, so again we just hope it fixes itself.

Nolan is still on the ventilator but has had the PICC line removed and is on full feeds of breast milk! One less line in him and getting all his nutrition solely from me via feeding tube. What a good boy! Now they wait on him to gain some weight and get stronger and try to push him with his ventilator settings in the hopes of getting him on CPAP.

Asher is off CPAP and back on the ventilator. It was hard not to see that as a big step backwards, but they assured us that Asher had been doing very well on CPAP and he just needed a rest. Once he starts doing better with his feeds (he has been having a bit of trouble since his treatment for his PDA - the drug causes gut issues) they will wait for him to get bigger and stronger and then try him on CPAP again.

Jordan and I went to a NICU parent support group last night and it was nice to talk to other parents in a similar situation and know that the range of emotions we feel from grief to happiness are all normal and expected. The support we have received all around has remained outstanding, but it was extra special to hear it from others who have been there. Thanks again to all of you who keep checking in on us, dropping off goodies and sending emails. As strong and positive as we are trying to be, hearing your positivity really helps. And lastly, a big special thank you to Jordan's crew at Wilkinson. Your generosity and support of Jordan, and in turn all five of us, is amazing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

More updates over the weekend if anything changes but at this point status quo is a good thing. And sorry for no new pictures - I'll do better next time.