Harper's Story...NICU Week 5...

Week 5 was full of changes, milestones and adventures for our little Harper. For starters he celebrated his 1 month birthday! I had to fiddle with tradition a bit as I was told I could not bring a cake in (remember this) so instead I had Adam draw a picture of a cake for Harper. I'm told it's chocolate cake with chocolate icing around the bottom and then topped with "dirt" cake and two gummy worms at the top. Fun to see a side by side of Adam at month one and now Harper. My boys are just too cute! 

Harper's reflux issues seemed to slow a bit this week - a lot less spit up and less spells as a result - way to go Harper! He also got to start receiving extra iron in his milk and an Epogen shot three times a week. This is all to help with his anemia - trying to boost those red blood cells. He's handling all of that well but his counts are still a bit low. The doctor is increasing the iron and the dose of his shots to see if that will help - then of course if not, we'll look at getting him another transfusion. So far the drop in his red blood cells has not affected his breathing, so that's a positive. 

With everything plugging along and progressing nicely for our little buddy we made the decision to have him transferred to Fair Oaks Hospital. We were sad to leave the wonderful staff, doctors and of course those fabulous nurses at Fairfax, but it was time to get Harper closer to home. Aside from being close to home, Fair Oaks also offers private rooms which allows for a much nicer environment for spending time with Harper. The private rooms also mean they aren't as strict with their visitor rules - meaning Adam could visit! (more on that later). We also have WiFi, our own bathroom, TV, comfortable chairs, and plenty of wall space to decorate with Adam's artwork that he makes daily for Harper. Basically it's the Four Seasons of NICU's. 

Zonked after his first & hopefully only ambulance ride

Speaking of looser rules - they also allow visitors other than mom and dad to hold the babies here - I can say with certainty that this was the best news to hit Grandma, Grandpa, Ommy & Poppy's ears in awhile. First up to take advantage of some much needed Harper cuddles - Grandma and Grandpa. 

"Hi Grandma! I see you!" 

"My what big fingers you have Grandpa!" 

Needless to say, it was an eventful, successful and Harper filled week which he ended by weighing in at 4 pounds 8.5 ounces - what a stud!