So, Jason and I want to clarify a couple things because a lot of people have been asking lately when Collin can come home, because he's now over 5 lbs... Back in the day they used to send babies home when they became over 5 lbs.. but that is not and will not be the case with Collin. We were told from the very beginning that he will not be able to come home until atleast his due date. Yes, weight does matter too... but the real things that he needs to accomplish in order to come home are
1. Collin needs to be eating full feedings, every feeding, without any issues. He is doing well on the bottle and occasionally tries breast feeding, but he still is not perfect and has trouble finding the energy to finish. He often gets feedings or partial feedings through a feeding tube.
2. Collin needs to be able to breathe completely on his own without assistance. He still has a canula with oxygen, and continues to have drops in oxygen levels and heart rate when he forgets to breathe. They continually watch his monitors, and the "rule" is that he needs to have perfect breathing with no drops in rates for 7 consecutive days. Even if we are on day 7 and he has a spell, the count starts over
..We of course are looking forward to the day he can come home, but we also know he is not ready, and he's in the best place possible. He definitely looks a lot healthier lately and he is getting stronger, but he still has awhile to go. Hope this clears some questions up for you guys.. feel free to leave a comment on this message if there are any other questions we can answer. We are thinking he still has about a month to go.. so we look forward to February.
However long it takes! He's come so far from where he began but you are right he has a long journey! Good things come to those who wait! So he'll make his strides in his own time! He's already shown he's a fighter! So proud of the little man & so proud of you Mommy & Daddy! All 3 of you are always in my prayers! I love you ~ Mom/Grammy xo
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