NICU Day 22: the home stretch

Through Mommy's Eyes…

Today was a day that Drew and I have been waiting to experience for 22 days. This morning the doctor said that Colton is in the home stretch and that the earliest he could come home would potentially be this coming Sunday! I had a feeling deep down that we were close, but this made it just a little more real!

Dreaming of going home

Of course, they continue to monitor Colton daily so if he has any of those 'preemie' things than that would prolong his stay here for another week or so, but for now, we've got our hearts set on Sunday (that's in 5 days!!!)

Colton has been doing well daily, eating well and increasing his weight daily as well. His bradies have seemed to subside (knock on wood), so now we just wait around and pray and hope that a brady doesn't sneak in there. (If he does have a brady then that will prolong his stay for another 6-7 days).

Today Colton weighed 4 pounds, 8.7 ounces. He is doing so well with his weight gains that I actually feel like he looks more like a full-term baby than a preemie.

The doctor also said that we could bring in his car seat to prepare for the 'car seat test.' Before Colton can go home he must be able to sit in a car seat for 90 minutes with the monitors on and not have any 'episodes.' I'm not sure exactly when this test will happen, but hopefully it's soon!

In addition, his circumcision will also occur about two days prior to his departure from the NICU.

It's like they are both looking in the mirror!

It's been 22 days and Drew and I have been through a roller coaster of emotions…there truly is no other way to describe it. We are so excited to have our little man home with us. Now in these final days the excitement overwhelms us, while the worry still remains as we cringe at the sound of any 'beep' or 'bong' of the monitor.

No matter how much longer Colton is in the NICU Drew and I are extremely thankful and feel blessed that Colton has become so strong so quickly and is doing very well in the NICU. While this has been the toughest month of our lives, it also has been the most rewarding.

Now, let's get our boy home soon!!!