February 16: Look at that Face

Today was a really good day. I still have a smile on my face. First, take a look at the picture... No tubes!!! Isn't he adorable?!? I can't help myself from staring at it. The tubes were out for only a short amount of time, but it was so great to be able to see him all free...and he seemed to love it. The reason we had his tubes out was b/c Ethan has been pulling out his feeding tube for the past 4 days, so Tracy decided that it was time to start running it through his nose instead of his mouth. I know this sounds gross (or it did to me anyways), but I guess when we start trying to bottle feed him, the tube will need to be through his nose until he gets the hang of eating. I also found out that they are planning to wean him from his cannula over the next couple of days. As a little test today, Tracy left his cannula out for 1/2 hour and he did great, making it pretty clear that he has a high chance of success once it's removed. So, we're slowly getting closer to being able to see that darling face tube-free forever! All these little steps are really helping it sink in that we may actually bring him home one day soon. I know, we still have a long haul, but still...every day is one day closer :)

In other awesome Ethan news, he also gained another 50 grams; his biggest one day weight gain to date. They also upped his feedings again; to 20ml. More steps in the right direction. As soon as he has enough weight on him and he can control his own body temperature, he'll be able to ditch the isolette for a open bassinet. I cannot wait. It will be easier to get access to him...and it will give Auntie Shell the opportunity to hold him...she's been patiently waiting for that day. It all seems to be within site now.

I was able to hold him for 3 hours this afternoon. It seems like it would be a long time, but it flies by so fast. He was so sweet and peaceful today, that I just couldn't let him go. As I was sitting there, Tracy and I were talking about Ethan and his progress. I built up the courage to ask her opinion on when she thought Ethan would be able to come home. We've never been able to get any response other than 'his due date', which I understand, there are a lot of variables in play. But Tracy was candid with me today. Of course, she started out by saying, this is is just an educated guess and anything could happen between then and now, blah, blah, blah, but she thinks with his progress and how he seems to tolerate everything they throw at him, she thinks early April, maybe even late March. It was just so nice to hear it! I told her about my wish of having him home by my birthday (March 25)... she said it may be a little agressive, but not completely unrealistic :) So, yes, it was a good day.

Quick Add On: I also uploaded a quick little video that Jon took yesterday. Ethan looks like he's smiling on it :) Had to share!