Countdown?!?!?

Good News -

Today Jacob's Doctor said we will shoot for him to come home the end of next week.  This is what we have been waiting so long to hear.  It is the most definitive they can be, and will be pushed back if Jacob has any issues feeding or has any more spells.  If he comes home next Friday, that will be his 3 month birthday.  We are so excited but trying to contain ourselves since we have seen the disappointment when other families get their dates get pushed back.

Another Big Milestone -
Jacob started breastfeeding today and can do so twice a day now, and will gradually build up to more.  He has fully transitioned to bottles away from tube feedings (his last one was Monday afternoon).  He needs to keep up the good work with no tube feedings in order to go home.

The bad news is not so bad since it will not keep him from going home.  Jacob is back on oxygen.  It is just the tiniest amount of low flow oxygen, and he needs a little more for feedings.  They will try to take him off again by the end of this week.  But the bottom line is oxygen will not keep him in the hospital, he will get to come home even if he still needs it.  True, oxygen at home is an extra hassle, but think I'll feel better knowing we have the oxygen to give him if he needs it.  Even when he was off oxygen over the weekend, we had to use it for feedings, so I would be very nervous feeding him without it.

Jacob also will need hernia surgery, but it will wait until he is over 10 lbs and is about 6 months old.  This will be at the Children's hospital and he will stay overnight one day.  It is very common for early preemies to need hernia repair - we have been watching his to see if it would resolve on its own or need surgery.  It is small, but will still need surgery.

So we're praying for Jacob to keep up the good work so that he can come home by next Friday, the 17th!  9 days and counting......