August 9th was Eric's 3 month birthday. An amazing feat when we didn't think he would make it the first week.

Eric is now 5 lbs and 8 oz. They have started getting him ready for going home. His oxygen is pure (instead of blended like it was previously) and down to 0.1. They are hoping he flies with it. Eric also was able to take an entire Adiri bottle and did not need to be gavaged at all. We may discontinue the SNS temporarily, since Eric has figured out how to just suck on the tube like a straw. Smart baby! Later on we will teach him how to nurse properly. Right now, we just want him to come home. As long as he is getting the breast milk, who cares how he gets it.

The caffeine has been discontinued so we'll see if the bad bradys return. Lately, the only bradys and apnea issues are when Eric is eating by mouth. As he learns the suck-swallow-breathe, these episodes occur less and less.

Next steps: They haven't asked for the car seat yet. Eric will need to do the car seat test to make sure he can handle it. We will also be required to take a CPR class before Eric comes home. A hearing test will be done and we will room in at the hospital for a couple of days with Eric in the same room. The rooming in is to acclimate ourselves with a new baby, and if there are any problems, the doctors and nurses are literally only a couple of feet away.

So wow, we are very close! Barring anything major (knock on wood and every other superstition that wards off the evil spirits), Eric will be coming home soon. I wonder what the furbabies will think of the new addition? :-D