Almost 8 Weeks...

...and still not to her due date. Friday, October 30 is the original projection of when Miss Ellen and Miss Lilly would arrive. Much has happened since my last post, so I'll give as detailed an update as I can with a few pictures. We've had three doctors visits in the last two weeks: the eye doctor was almost two weeks ago, the pulmonologist was last Tuesday and the cardiologist last Wednesday. First, the eye doctor. I've spoken to a few of you about that visit. All three were precautionary appointments, set up when we were dismissed from the hospital on Sept. 21. The eye doctor was to check the development of her retinas and to see if the CPAP machine had any negative impact on them. The process was two sets of eye drops - one to dilate her pupils and the other to numb her eyes for what was to come. After 10 or 15 minutes, the drops had taken effect and back into the exam room we went. The doc used some kind of instrument to prop Ellen's eye open and then (pardon the graffic nature of this post) another kind of instrument to move her eye around so she could get a good look. Maybe 30 seconds for each eye while I held her tight and she screamed her little head off. Good set of lungs, but I think we can all agree it wasn't exactly a pleasant encounter. But the doc was pleased with the progress so far and ordered us back in three weeks (next week) for a follow-up to make sure they continue to progress.

The pulmonologist visit last week was to check the development of her lungs and to read the results of the apnea monitor to which Ellen has been attached non-stop (minus baths) essentially since she was born. They were also pleased with the progress, but wouldn't graduate her from the machine. Instead, they said we could wean her off of it, removing it when we were feeding her or watching her closely. But otherwise, when sleeping or in another room, she should still be on it. I think it's more that they are weaning us off the machine rather than Ellen, since she doesn't know if it's on or not. But it was another positive report.

Finally, the cardiologist last week was to check on a heart valve that had not closed yet when she was sent home from the hospital. After the initial check up and regular check in things (weight - 7 lbs, 11 ounces, length - 20 inches) the cardio doc came in and said it was really to early to check since she hadn't made it to her due date yet. But he also assured us that it wasn't a big deal and that we should make another appointment in 3-6 weeks "for peace of mind." In other words, this is not a big deal. Did I say that already? Even if the doctor's appointment was really quite pointless, I did still get a sticker and a lollipop out of the deal.

So here we are, 7 weeks and 5 days into life on the outside. Ellen eats well and sleeps well. We've officially moved her into her own room upstairs and we took her for a hike yesterday in the beautiful New Jersey autumn weather. Here are some pictures for your enjoyment - with some older ones so you can see how much she's grown and changed.

Just after bathtime...

Birthday picture with dad...

Mid-feeding...

Day 1...