Day 83

Austin is really progressing extremely well at T.I.C.! Gina has been visiting every morning with the girls after dropping Andrew off at Kindergarten. She visited again this evening and gave Austin his bath and nursed our hungry boy. He weighed 4 POUNDS tonight!!

As you can see in the picture above, Austin doesn't have his cannula (oxygen)...He only requires oxygen during his feedings. He also likes to hold his binky in his mouth all by himself.

Day 81

Austin weighed 1725 grams or 3 pounds, 12 ounces this evening. Gina went down for a visit after we put the kids to bed and gave him his bath and 9:30 PM feeding. We had a team meeting with the doctor, team of nurses and developmental specialist to discuss Austin's road to coming home. If all goes according to plan, Austin could be home within the next couple weeks.

Austin does have a hernia that will require surgery once he is around 10 pounds. In addition, we are praying that his ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) corrects itself without surgery. He is currently at stage 2 with stage 5 being the worst. He is being seen by and ophthalmologist every couple days to closely monitor the ROP. If you care to read more...see link below.

http://www.schepens.com/retinopathy_of_prematurity.htm

Daddy enjoys every opportunity to give Austin his first 10 cc's of breast milk which has his vitamins and medicines mixed in.

What a handsome little guy. He loves his Mommy and looks forward to her visits! After dropping Andrew off for his first day of Kindergarden, Gina and the girls visited Austin this morning. Abbie and Audrey loved hanging out at T.I.C. They were treated like little princesses by the team of nurses.

Day 79

Audrey adores her little brother and had an opportunity to hold Austin for her first time this afternoon.

Abbie also loved holding her little brother for the first time. What a treat to be able to hang out as a family at T.I.C.

Andrew is enjoying his role as a big brother to Austin. It is really neat to see how caring and excited each of the kids are towards Austin.


I gave our little guy a bath this evening and also gave him his first 10 cc's of breast milk which had his medicine and vitamins mixed in. Must point out that Andrew captured this moment on camera since mommy was downstairs playing with the girls. Gina then nursed Austin to finish his evening feeding. We had another nice family visit to wrap up our weekend.

Day 78

We had our first family day at T.I.C. today and what a great day it was. We spent 5 hours with Austin today. Andrew, Abbie, and Audrey were so excited to see Austin out of his isolette. They were able to touch and kiss him. Austin's big boy crib is in the background of our first picture of all 4 kiddos.

Andrew was absolutley thrilled that he was "allowed" to hold Austin today. He has been talking about holding Austin for a long time. As you can tell by the big smile on his face, it made his day!

The nursery at T.I.C. is on the 2nd floor. The family room, kitchen, play room, etc. is in the basement of the building. We brought Austin along with his monitor and oxygen to hang out with the family. We all had lunch together and just enjoyed being together. Austin is 3 pounds, 10 ounces and is eating like a champ...no more feeding tube!

Day 76

Day 3 at T.I.C. and all is well. Austin had a bath this morning followed by a mini photo shoot with mommy in one of his new outfits from MiMi Cross. He is maintaining his body temperature and as a result could be moving out of his isolette to a big boy crib very soon. Austin is now receiving all of his feedings by mouth. When Gina isn't available to nurse, he is given a bottle by his nurse.

Austin decided to take a little nap on mommy's lap after nursing earlier today. All snuggled up in his blanket from MiMi Cheryl. Tonight, Austin weighed 3 pounds, 8 ounces.

Day 75

Austin loves this position. He zonked right out sleeping upright in Mommy's lap. He is settling in at T.I.C. and really seems to be enjoying the environment that T.I.C. offers. We are looking forward to visiting as a family during the upcoming weekend!

Day 74 - The Big Move

This picture above was Austin's last picture at the AGH NICU. We are so thankful for our friends at AGH for taking such good care of Austin! He had a huge day today moving across town to T.I.C. which is in Shadyside. Gina accompanied Austin in the ambulance while I followed. Austin was awake for most of the ride...looking around like he wondered what was happening.

Daddy held Austin tonight at T.I.C. The pictures are a little darker because of the the environment at T.I.C. At night, there aren't many lights on as the goal is to teach the babies the difference between day and night.

Look at me all decked out in my preemie outfit. This outfit was so fitting for today...it says "little guy on the go" on the front. This update is coming to you live from T.I.C. Austin is all tuckered out from his busy day and is just finishing his 9:30 PM feeding.

Day 72

Austin is now 3 pounds, 7 ounces and is gearing up for his transfer to T.I.C. sometime on Tuesday. We covet your prayers for Austin as he moves across town (by ambulance) to the T.I.C. hospital.

Austin had a sleepy Sunday, but managed to work up enough energy to nurse this afternoon during Gina's visit. He is doing well and has been consistently breathing room air.

Day 71

Austin's temperature was a little low yesterday, so we bundled him all up to get him out of his isolette.

Daddy had a little talk with Austin before handing him over to mommy to nurse.

Here he is sound asleep with a full belly after nursing. Austin weighed 3 pounds, 6 ounces on Saturday.

10 Weeks

Austin thought he would blow kisses to everyone today. This afternoon, Austin moved across the hall to the what is called the "step down II." He is currently scheduled for his transfer to TIC on Tuesday which we are looking forward to. This will enable Gina to establish nursing with Austin for the majority of his feedings by staying overnight when possible. It will also allow us to visit Austin as a family over the next few weeks. Below is a link to TIC if you would like to learn more.

http://www.childrenshomepgh.org/chp.asp?SectionID=2

Austin is right on track with his weight gain. At this stage, the doctors would like to see him gain about an ounce a day. He now weighs 3 pounds, 5 ounces. So big compared to his birth weight, yet still so tiny.

Day 69

Austin's nurses are always telling us that he tries to climb out of his isolette. Well, here is the proof captured in the middle of the night by his nurse. He is sound asleep and if you look closely you will noticed that his nasal cannula isn't even in his nose.

Gina and Aunt Dana took Andrew, Abbie, and Audrey down for a visit last night. They all really enjoyed seeing Austin outside of his isolette. His brother and sisters were able to "touch" him for the first time.

Austin weighed in at 3 pounds, 4 ounces and his oxygen levels remain in the low 20's which is great...

Day 68

Mommy reported that Austin had a good day today. Daddy has been on a business trip this week (sorry, no picture today), and Aunt Dana came to town to help Gina. Gina was able to get down to see Austin twice and he nursed both times. He really enjoys his time with mommy.

Austin weighed in at 3 pounds, 3 ounces today as he continues to grow and amaze us. He is as precious as they come.

Day 67

Austin is waking up from a nice nap and getting ready to eat in this picture. Overall, Austin had a good day today and even gave mommy a couple of burps after nursing today. He really knows what he wants and when. He let's Gina know when he's ready to go back in his bed after nursing and being held.

Austin lost a couple grams in weight today, but continues to do well.

Day 66

Thanks to a close friend of ours, Gina was able to drop the kids and have a good visit with Austin this afternoon. He nursed well and enjoyed his time with mommy. Our big decision of the week is to determine whether or not to send Austin to TIC (Transition Infant Care). They have an opening and have indicated that they could take him on Friday. He is going to be assessed by TIC on Wednesday or Thursday. We are praying for wisdom and discernment in this decision. We simply want what is best for Austin!

The infamous nurse Kim with her favorite NICU patient. Thank you Kim for looking out for our little peanut and taking such good care of him!

Day 65

This is Austin all tuckered out after getting a full belly from nursing this afternoon. Gina enjoyed her time with Austin today...I think Austin now looks forward to his feedings with mommy. Austin weighed 1415 grams which is 3 grams shy of 3 pounds, 2 ounces.

Austin truly is a blessing. We are so thankful for his progress and are humbled by God's work in Austin's life.

Day 64

Gina and I had a nice visit with Austin today. Gina gave Austin a bath for the first time and then nursed him for his noon time feeding. After he was done nursing, daddy had an opportunity to "kangaroo" Austin for the first time. Can't put into words how wonderful it was to have him lay on me today.

Austin weighed 3 pounds, 1 ounce and is doing well. We look forward to seeing him everyday and miss him when we are apart. We know he is in good hands and are thankful for that!

9 Weeks!

Hard to believe Austin has been with us for 9 weeks! He has broken new ground by entering the ranks of the 3 pounders today...he weighed in at 1380 grams! MiMi Kura is still in town which allowed Gina to have some quality time with Austin today. Gina nursed Austin again tonight which has been great bonding time for the two of them. Austin is coming along nicely!

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Off to bed...I think we could sleep all weekend...oh ya, we have 3 other energizer bunnies to chase ;-)

Day 62

Austin had a pretty good day today. MiMi Kura arrived in town this afternoon which allowed Gina to get a visit in today...Gina and I went back for a visit tonight. Austin nursed for the 3rd time...it truly is amazing to see him nurse. He went to town for a good 30 - 40 minutes and then off to sleep.

It is possible that Austin could be transferring to a special hospital for preemies early next week. It is called TIC (Transitional Infant Care) and is associated with Children's hospital here in Pittsburgh. They only have room for 11 babies, so we are hoping that there will be an open bed when Austin is "ready." TIC will provide a unique experience for Austin and the rest of family. They have bedrooms for the family to stay overnight, a play room/tv/vcr for our other kids along with a full kitchen and family room area. We will be able to visit Austin as a family at TIC and are looking forward to this experience. We are praying for the right timing and trusting God with this "move" for Austin.

Day 61

Mommy dropped the kids at a friends house this morning and Daddy snuck away from the office for a mid-day visit with our little guy. As you can see, Austin was wide awake during our visit.

Austin was up and down today needing more oxygen at times during the day (40-50%). As it turned out, his nose needed to be suctioned and he is back to 25% oxygen tonight. Believe it or not, daddy actually had a calming effect on Austin this afternoon. His numbers got better while I was talking to him and comforting him by holding the top of his head and patting his bum. He looked at me as if he understood everything I was telling him. We really enjoyed visiting him together today! He is so special.

Day 60

Upon Gina's arrival tonight, Austin was a little fussy in his isolette. He immediatley calmed down when he was placed in mommy's arms. Gina held Austin and nursed him for the second time. In the picture above, we think Austin was offering up thanks to the Lord for mommy's breast milk.

Austin's Oxygen requirements were equivelant to room air (21%) today which is what we all breathe. He weighed 1310 grams tonight which is 2 pounds, 14 ounces. He continues to do very well...we love him so very much!

Day 59

Austin is doing well today and moved from the "critical" NICU room to the "grower" room in the NICU...to make room for a set triplets and a set of twins. Moving up in the world! Austin gained 15 grams today weighing in at 1290 grams...On his way to 3 pounds.

Austin's first pair of newborn shoes are from his Uncle Dick in OH...its still going to be awhile before he's sporting these cool kicks.

Day 58

Austin received word that mommy and daddy were keeping his prayer warriors updated with a website and told us he wanted to wave to everyone. Actually, I think he is waiving goodbye to mommy after her awesome visit today. Not only did she hold Austin for 3+ hours, with approval from the doctors she tried nursing for the first time and he didn't waste any time at getting down to business. The nurses, doctors and even Gina were blown away by his interest in nursing.

Austin has officially doubled his birth weight, weighing in at 1275 greams which is 2 pounds, 13 ounces. Way to go little buddy!

As you can see from Austin's outfit today, Nurse Kim is one of his favorite nurses. Kim attends North Way Christian Community along with our family and has taken extra special care of Austin during his first months of life. We are thankful that the Lord allowed us to cross paths with her and I know Austin is too!

Day 57

Austin had more snuggle time with mommy this afternoon. Gina tucked him right underneath her shirt with just his head poking out the top. She held him for about 2 hours today and he slept comfortably the entire time.

Austin continues to do well on the nasal cannula. It is so nice to see his whole head without the CPAP mask and hat. Without his hat, Gina noticed that Austin has a cowlick like his big brother Andrew. Austin is receiving 24 cc's of breast milk for his feedings and weighed 1240 grams today (lost 15 grams). He is such a blessing!

8 Weeks

Austin had a great day today to celebrate his 8 week birthday. He continues to do well on the nasal cannula which has lead the doctors to eliminate the CPAP mask. YEA! He weighed 1255 grams today which is a little over 2 pounds, 12 ounces. Above is a picture of his weigh in session from last night.

Day 55

Now you see why they refer to holding premies as "Kangaroo Care!" Austin hung out inside mommy's shirt for a good 2 hours tonight and loved every minute. Gina has been really having some quality visits with Austin and is getting to know his little personality along with his likes and dislikes.

He gained 40 grams today...weighing in at 2 pounds, 11 ounces. He is now on the nasal cannula for 9 hours and the CPAP mask for 3 hours. Austin continues to do well and has strung together a stretch of good days.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." I Chronicles 16:8

Day 54

While MiMi Cross took care of Andrew, Abbie and Audrey, Gina had another fabulous visit with Austin this morning and into the afternoon. Gina was able to watch Austin's bath for the first time...taking good notes on how to handle his tiny body. She also held our little peanut for about 2 hours. While he was wide awake, she sang to him and talked to him. He quickly showed that he was very content hanging out with mommy and went right to sleep.

Austin still weighs 1200 grams and is now receiving 23 cc's of breast milk. He continues to alternate between the nasal cannula and the CPAP mask. His current schedule is 3 hours on the CPAP mask and 6 hours on the nasal cannula.

Day 53

Austin is now alternating between the nasal cannula and the CPAP mask. This is his second go with the nasal cannula which is another step in the right direction! Gina held Austin again tonight...2 nights in a row. He was a little more tuckered out tonight, but once again he enjoyed his mommy time.


Austin lost 10 grams weighing 1200 grams tonight. He must have received the breast milk from when MiMi Kura was here and all we had to eat was FETA Cheese and a little bit of lettuce (family joke). Nice to see him without his hat on!

We continue to be amazed by the little life that we are watching develop before our eyes. Thank you for your interest in our little guy and for your consistent prayers! We appreciate you all.