After 28 days in the NICU and 34 days in the Special Care Nursery for a total of 62 days at Children's Hospital we are so excited to share Conrad was discharged on Monday 11/19/18! It has been exhausting but Jake and I are loving every minute of it, our baby boy is finally home. Jake was able to meet us at the hospital after work to review discharge instructions, the nurses helped us put Conrad in his car seat, and off we went. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to pull over on the way home to check on him!

In the last week or so Conrad passed his car seat trial, his hearing test, and a test to check for congenital heart defects. He had his third eye exam which finally showed maturity of his retinal vessels (he is no longer at risk for active retinopathy of prematurity) and won't need another eye exam until 1 year. He received his 2 month vaccinations and had one more ultrasound on his head to look at the PVL found on the right side of his brain. It is still present, and as we were told, it will not go away. What they look for are the changes to this area over time. The PVL still appears like swelling and fluid but will at some point change to scarred "dead space". Only time will tell how this affects Conrad in the long run, he could develop without any deficits but could also face challenges with motor function on his left side. Children's has already set us up for outpatient follow-up to assess Conrad throughout his first year to help us recognize any delays as soon as possible and provide early interventions as needed. 

Conrad's NG tube was removed on Saturday 11/17/18. He eats anywhere from 40-60 ml (about 2 oz) at each feeding. His feedings have been "cue based" as well meaning instead of nurses just feeding him every three hours they let him decide when he is hungry, they just haven't let him exceed three hours without eating. These were our instructions for discharge as well and I don't think he has gone more than 2 1/2 hours without letting us know he needs to eat. Jake and I have both gotten the whole bottle feeding thing down too, unfortunately I can't nurse him too much for now because we need have a good idea of how much he is eating. Conrad did see his regular pediatrician the day after discharge  and gained 2 oz from the day of discharge (5lbs 11oz to 5 lbs 13 oz) which is a great sign he is doing well!

Brooke and Taylor are the best big sisters, I don't know what we would do without them! They love to hold Conrad and have been more than willing to help out. Tonight they helped with Conrad's first bath at home and it was great to have the extra sets of hands. Kane is also such a good big brother! I must admit I was worried he would be rough but it is just the opposite! He loves when Jake or I hold him over Conrad's bassinet so he can sneak a peek at the baby, he even gently put his hand on the back of Conrad's head this morning. I hope he is always this sweet to his baby brother.

Our family is complete, and although it is busy we wouldn't have it any other way. We can't thank everyone enough for your thoughts and prayers, uplifting words, and countless creative ways you have helped ease the burden of this ordeal on our family.