Our Christmas Miracle

When Wyatt saw the pulmonologist last week, they wanted him to be "cleared by cardiology" before even discussing an oxygen wean.  They want to make sure his heart is functioning at its full capacity and isn't working harder than it should (which is sometimes indicated by poor oxygen saturation).  Decreasing his oxygen support would stress his heart if it wasn't working properly.  This wasn't an appointment we were looking forward to  - just a little nervous that there may be bad news.  The day before Christmas Eve.  

So, we loaded ourselves into the car as usual (in addition to a baby, car seat, stroller, and diaper bag, we also have an oxygen tank, an extra one - just in case! and the oxygen saturation monitor.)  Keep in mind that Wyatt is tethered to both the tank and the monitor around the clock.  Upon arriving at Children's today, though, the nurse said we looked like pros.  Apparently we've got this toting-around-a-baby-on-oxygen-thing down.  Take that, chronic lung disease!  

At any rate, our appointment at Children's was, as they have each been so far, great.  Great in that we are met by fantastically skilled and communicative nurses and doctors.  We always feel like our questions our answered, our concerns are addressed, and we are informed.  Things started great with a weight check.  Boom!  Up 7.5 ounces since the pediatrician's appointment last week!  He's now weighing in at 7 pounds, 11 ounces and is in the 40th percentile for weight (based on his adjusted age - due date).  He's not yet on the charts for height but we know he's short and that preemies often take up to 2 years to catch up in this area so we're not concerned.

After being connected to 14 leads in an infant EKG and after lengthy 78-image echo cardiogram, the doctor met us with great news.  His heart murmur is innocent and there is not a single heart defect or concern in that little heart of his. 

As the doctor initially "interviewed" us he marveled at the fact that our little 27 weeker eats well, is gaining weight, required no surgeries while in the NICU, has no retinopathy of prematurity, and just looks great.  "He looks great," the pediatric cardiologist said over and over again.  We continue to marvel, too.  Every single day.

And with that, another appointment done, another box checked.  

He truly is our Christmas miracle!

All tuckered out on the car ride home.