Discharge Prediction!!!
CURRENT WEIGHT: 4 LBS, 15.2 OUNCES
As of this morning, Truman is set to come home on Tuesday or Wednesday!!!!! All he has to do now is eat all by himself for 48 hours and gain weight over the same course of time. He probably still has a little bit of extra fluid from surgery to lose (he was 4lbs, 9.8 ounces the day before surgery) and then we just need him to gain weight, no particular amount, just two days in a row of gain. We will be rooming in with him on Monday or Tuesday night. Tuesday would have been his due date. He will be 17 weeks old chronologically with an adjusted age of newborn or 1 day.
He is still doing well off of his canula and continuing to eat well all by bottle or breast and is taking between 1.2 and 1.3 ounces per each bottle feed. Although NICU has his on a 3-hour feeding schedule, he would prefer a 2.5-hour schedule, so between nursing and pumping to keep up supply (my body thinks I have a four-month old with a much bigger appetite), that's going to be very grueling, but we are looking forward to it. He still gags a little with the bottle unless we have a very-slow flow nipple, so we'll be experimenting to find some commercially available options that he likes.
This morning was the first time I have seen him without anything on his face -- no feeding tube, no canula, no sticky tabs for breathing equipment -- just his sweet face. It is beautiful!
He passed his car seat test and hearing screen this morning. All babies who have had any type of breathing support have to spend an hour strapped into their car seats without desatting before they can go home in them. He also had an MRI so that we can have a better baseline and understanding of what is going on with his brain bleed and potential future development issues related to that as we go forward. All that's left is an RSV shot and our CPR and discharge classes. He's moving back to South Hall (feeder grower) from Level III this afternoon.
Truman with tousled hair and a smile. Makes you wonder if he knows that the doctors will be giving him an expected discharge date the next morning...
Truman is already hamming it up for the camera. Will we have a joker on our hands as he grows up?
Truman may look peaceful now, but you should see him 30 minutes after this photograph was taken, when he decided that he was hungry again (only about 90 minutes after he finished his previous meal).
Soon, this family will be living at home instead of the hospital!--Kara & Ben
posted by Kara @ 1:48 PM
54 Comments:
Kara, Ben and Truman -
I've been an avid follower of your site since Truman was a few days old. I am so happy for you that Truman will be going home soon but at the same time I will miss reading about your feisty little boy and his brave, loving parents.
Well, we probably won't close this blog down entirely once he's home. There are lots of friends and family that want to follow his progress now, especially since they've been tracking it all along. Certainly, the updates will be less frequent, but I'll bet that we end up posting once or twice a month through his first birthday.
--Ben
Look at those beautiful eyes!
Kelsey
That is great. I am so happy for you guys. I went to nursing school to be a NICU nurse but currently staying at home with my 6 month old. I love reading the blog. Truman is beautiful. That is awesome for a 23 weeker to go home right at the original due date. CONGRATS!!!
Great news and wonderful pictures. Truman looks like a healthy happy boy! I love that he has such a hearty appetite. As a mom, I know how fulfilling it is to see your child eating well and growing.
Thank you for sharing your story. Best wishes to all of you!
I'm just so excited I can't put it into words!! Thanks for the new pictures. He is so beautiful.
My goodness he is a handsome little man! I have been reading your blog about Truman since you started it. I am so happy to her the little man is going home. I will be praying that all goes well. Goodluck!
That is so amazing!!! YEAH! Truman looks just fabulous! I love the picture of him smiling!!! He looks so happy and healthy!!
Oh, and as far as nipples go, I recommend the Dr. Browns bottle with a preemie nipple. I have only seen the preemie nipples online, but just do a google search and you should be able to find them. The Dr. Brown's bottles have been great for us! I hope this is helpful. I am really happy for your family!
Rachel & Emma (28 weeker)
Kara and Ben,
I got goosebumps when I reas that Truman may be going home next week!! I am soooo happy for you! Truman has come so far and the two of you have been through so much with him. I'm glad you can celebrate Christmas with him this year in his own home!
Thanks
for the pics, they are adorable!
Mindy
January 07 BBC Boards
congrats on the projected going home date!! that is so exciting! You have such an amazing little guy! A bottle that worked with our micro preemie was the original Evenflo..just the regular ol' bottles. They had the silicone nipple..but very similar to the nicu nipples in shape and size. We actually used the nicu nipples for the first month or two home because they fit on the evenflo bottles :)and were slower and she preferred them :)
-Bree
www.buhtafly.blogs.com
I, too, am an avid follower of sweet Truman. I just now cried when I read he gets to go home and saw his adorabale picture. Best wishes!
Kara, Ben and Truman,
I have been reading about you for so long it feels like I know you all. I can't tell you how happy I am to hear about Truman's discharge date. Truman is so very lucky to have such wonderful parents, family and friends. Love and faith are great medicines. Keep us updated!Jodi & Ali
Truman has the most precious smile ever! He just brought a huge smile to my face.
Ben, Kara, and Truman -
Oh, we are so happy for you all! What an amazing family. Truman is such a special little boy - and beautiful - he looks just like Ben! Kara - kudos to you to for pumping all this time, I know it can be grueling, but is so worth it in the long run! I'm glad your supply is for that of a four month old (low supply is very difficult to deal with, so I'm glad that is one less thing you have to worry about!)
Please keep us updated on the blog, I'd love to keep hearing about his growth and development! And, come visit us when you are in town!
The Ezermans
I am so excited for you. Eli was able to come home on his due date too. What a joy to know that there is an end in sight. Truman is such a fighter and I look forward to watching him virtually grow up alongside Eli (on the IV preemie board)
I too have been following your blog for a while now. I also had a preemie (34 weeks) and we had quite a few struggles with her. I can't believe the amazing progress Truman is making. Please know that those 2 days of constant weight gain may not come automatically-this kept us in the NICU for 5 days after all other issues were resolved. Keep the faith! I also can't believe what a great nurser he is-I was not able to do this with my preemie and ended up pumping for the entire first year-you are blessed! And, if everyone else is chiming in with bottle ideas-we ended up taking a TON of bottle home from our NICU because our DD had such a tough time transitioning to "regular" bottles. Eventually, we switched over to Dr. Browns (great if there is possible reflux-tough because of all the cleaning!).
GOOD LUCK, my thoughts and prayers are with you all-please keep the blog going!
Deb, Jon, and Taylor 9/27/04
I am so excited for you all. I have been checking your site every few days since Truman was born, and rooting for him all the way. You have a little fighter on your hands. Take great care of him, because this time will fly by. Take it from me, the mother of a 16 month old girl, who feels like she was just born yesterday.
My prayers will stay with you, and I hope you still post and put up pictures now and then.
Truman sure is looking fabulous, all that swelling is gone and wow you can just see what he's going to look like as a toddler now! He's beautiful.
I've been following your story from the beginning and then I ended up having Hastings early and I learned first hand what some of this has been like for you two..of course Truman has had a tougher road ...luckily he had the two of you to carry him down it.
I'm praying for 2 consecutive days of weight gain for Truman.
Hugs,..go home and love each other.
Dec06ECmomma
Your post brought tears to my eyes! Truman's coming home SOON! What a wonderful gift you have been given - I know you will treasure him even more (if that's possible) because of all the struggles you're endured. I can't wait to read that Truman's coming HOME!!
Kara, Ben, and Baby Truman:
I too have been following your blog since it was first started, I heard about Truman's birth on the ivillage Feb. '07 board. He is such an amazing little guy and such a fighter, I'm crying tears of joy for your family because you get to bring your precious baby boy home just in time for Christmas, how exciting! I wish you all the best and please keep the blog going, I'd love to hear about how little Truman is doing. He's also such a cute baby, he'll break a lot of hearts! :)
Best Regards,
Laura P. :)
I am so happy for you. You all have had a rough road, but Truman is so handsome.
Once again, thank you for sharing your story with all of us. I have loved following "Trumans Road Home" from the start.
Congratulations on the great news and I can't wait to hear the updates when he comes home!
He is beautiful!
Congrats!
I remember the first time I saw my dd with no tubes or tape on her face. What a great day that was! Almost home... how wonderful!
(Oh, and about a previous comment... I found Dr. brown's preemie nipples at our local Babies R Us. They really are VERY slow flow!)
Congratulations!!! I am from the Jan 07 EC but have been following Truman's progress. What a miracle he is, and so beautiful!! May God bless your little family.
I have been following your story here since your little one was born.
I just have to say that you have an amazingly strong, beautiful, healthy looking little boy on your hands.
His smile in the picture you just posted brought tears to my eyes. Such a strong baby. That's one good looking baby boy you've got there.
Your lives are about to get a lot more exciting with a trip home...in a much more personal sense of the word.
I wish you all the luck with your son.
You're story has been extremely interesting and amazing so far.....it's only going to be more so from here.
I look forward to reading the updates that you post as he grows in his home with his family.
-Jessica
I have been following Truman's story for quite sometime and have been praying for him and your family! Wow a discharge date! Here's to eating and gaining!
Oh, how fantastic! I can't even imagine how excited you two (and Truman!) must be.
I'm in nursing school and currently working full-time in the NICU, and I have gained such respect for preemies and their parents. It must be heartwrenching to go home without him at night, and for him when you have to go.
But soon, he'll be in your arms whenever you want! We're all so proud of you, Truman!!
Kara, Ben and Truman
I have been following Trumans progress since he was a few days old and praying for him and your family everyday. I'm so glad he will be able to finally make it home, I sure hope when he is home you can continue to update us for time to time, my whole family has gotten rather attached to Truman.
Paula, (April 2006 Playgroup), Charlie (6) Timmmy and Alex (4) and Janine (7 months)
This is SUCH amazing news!!! Oh how I prayed for that sweet baby and both you and Ben and I am so so so happy that Truman has come through all of this with flying colors. The pictures you've posted today and fabulous. Truman is a beautiful baby and I know you all will feel so good to be at home together FINALLY. God bless and keep you all. I've been following since the very first days and I'll continue to follow as long as you all share your precious family with all of us.
YEAH!!!! You'll all be home for Christmas- I can't think of a better present than that! Rooming-in will be so awesome for you- finally spending real alone time as a family- ok, so it is still in the hospital, but it is that much closer to being home! I am glad to see that you will be keeping up on the blog once you are home, I was also one of those getting ready to say good-bye- but I am very happy for the reason :) Enjoy the last few days/nights of quiet and sleep- your little fighter is coming home! Congratulations- the ride is almost over.
That is incredible news!!! I'm so excited for you!
Maggie (IV Preemies)
This is wonderful news! I have been reading updates when you post them and I must say that you have a VERY strong little boy on your hands!
I can imagine how excited you two must be to finally take Truman home ... with perfect timing for Christmas.
Sending continued prayers for Truman to continue to thrive and grow.
Tonya
www.ballyhoocreations.com
I've been following Truman's journey since the beginning as I'm also due in December. I'm amazed at what a little trooper he is. And he is just simply beautiful! I just told my husband the other night that it would be cool if Truman kept up this blog throughout his school years on into adulthood. And I'd be 60+ still reading about this great miracle and what all he made of his life. You two must feel so proud!
Karen
Ben, Kara, and Truman, the Trooper,
I noticed your comments were many tonight when I got on. You know how many people have followed Truman's progress, and I am sure these are just a few of the folks that have kept up with Truman. Y'all will be in prayers as the day draws near to be an "at home family." God bless all three of you and keep Truman's progress going forward. Gwen C.
Can't wait to see your little guy! His facial expression seem far beyond those of a newborn. Makes you wonder what plans HE has for YOU! It's so exciting to think of Truman and Ethan rolling around together. We continue praying for steady rapid growth with no long term problems.
Luv-Sue & Eddie Hammons
Dear Ben, Kara and Truman,
What WONDERFUL news :-) How suddenly it seems to be here, and we can guess it still wasn't soon enough!
Every good wish and blessing to you all as you prepare for home :-)
He's just such a beautiful boy, but you know that already!
Jack's mom and dad and of course, Jack, London, UK.
I have been following your story from the start, and am due to give birth this month and I just want to say I am thrilled to read that he is coming home and I am so happy that you will all be home by Christmas, what a true Christmas miracle!
That is just the best news!!! Keep feeding and gaining little boy, you have a lot of catching up to do!!
I have read this blog for all his life and I beg you to keep it going with pictures so we can follow his life!
Through this blog, your son belongs to all of us!
I, too, have been reading about Truman almost from the very start, and I was so happy to hear that he is doing well after his surgery and is getting to go home soon! You have such an amazing little guy - and a cute one at that! Congrats to the whole family :o)
Kris
Matthew Lawrence 5/30/06
IV June 2006 Bugs & Blossoms
That is such fantastic news, Truman will be home for Christmas. I've been following Truman's story for several weeks now, I am so pleased and excited for all of you. You have one beautiful, strong baby boy!
Stacy (United Kingdom)
Congratulations on Truman's homecomeing!! I have been following since his birth and I'm also a December '06 mom (edd 12-14-06). I am so happy for Truman and your family that your dreams have come true of his comeing home. Good Luck and Congratulations again!
Jaime
Ben and Kara --
I'd love to send you a gift certificate to make a Storybook about Truman to remember his amazing start in life. E-mail me privately at dionne@nts-online.net and I'll send you the gift certificate by e-mail.
Dionne Merriott
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
What a blessed miracle...a perfect Christmas gift...your baby at home in your arms!!!
He is so beautiful...and the love on your faces.
Thanks so much for letting all of share in your journey. Please try and keep us posted occasionally as he grows.
Love & Christmas blessing to you all!
I'm crying. Congratulations!!! What an amazing success for you all! The hurdles, the step backs, all leading to Truman finally coming home is such an accomplishment for everyone.
I can't wait to continue reading his story even once he gets home! I LOVE the photos, what a miracle and precious little boy you have!!!
What wonderful news! I'm so happy to hear that he's on his way home at last and that he's doing so well with the BFing (neither of mine got the hang of it until weeks (or months) after discharge). At long last you get to be that happy couple in the elevator taking your baby home. :) All of the nurses at our NICU said to be sure NOT to tell the baby that they're going home, or they'll be sure to find a way to foil your plans (pssst, Truman, you're going to the movies).
-- ML (IV Preemies)
He's so beautiful!!! Thank you so much for the pictures!!!!
I am so happy for you that Truman will be going home soon. Such great news and wonderful pictures! I look forward to your post of Truman's first Christmas in front of the tree at your home! What a celebration for the season!
Chris (Mike's sister)
Yeah, Truman! I knew from the previous post that it would be soon. What an amazing little man you have. I especially like the first picture of him smiling. He looks so big, but then you see him with his daddy and realize how tiny he still is. Good luck to you all. I look forward to reading updates after Truman comes home. And maybe running into you guys at Tiny Tots one of these days!
Julie (Halle's mom)
WOW,
I am SO SO SO SO excited for you guys!!! Thats the best news so far!! I also hope that you continue to update us all with his progress and his pictures...I have come to love reading about little Truman!
Shawnee (babycenter)
I've been checking your blog for the last month or so, ever since reading about your little man on ivillage. You are always in my thoughts, but it wasn't until this morning that I read Ben's account of labour and delivery. I can't tell you how moved I am by your description of what you went through. I applaud your courage and dedication to your son and hope to continue to hear about how he grows and thrives.
Congratulations on your imminent discharge and, if you have the time, please let us know how you all are doing.
Best wishes,
Cait and Sev
www.sevryn.blogspot.com
Dear Ben, Kara, and Truman,
Words cannot express how estatic we are for you all! You guys are such good friends, and we have been praying for your son from the beginning. I love my job because every now and then, I get to witness miracles such as Truman! What a blessing! What an amazing Christmas present!
We are so happy for you and are glad we are playing a small role in Truman coming home (carseat :)). Cannot wait to meet your beautiful son! Wonders never cease!
Love you guys! Kerri and Jason :)
I also have been following your story for some time and I must say that I am thrilled for you to be able to bring Truman home. He really is a beautiful boy and his smiling face is wonderful to see. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.
I am so happy for you guys. I will admit though that I will miss talking with the both of you. You have both been such dedicated parents, no one deserves this opportunity more than you! The three of you will be in my thoughts as you spend your first Christmas together. What a wonderful time to go home!!!
Congratulations on going home baby Truman. I have been following your progress since I learned about your birth on the Baby Center July 2005 birth board. I am so happy for your family and your little blessing. Enjoy being together at home.
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