Gestational age: Full term / Actual age: 14 weeks + 4 days 

NICU day 102       

Friday night we had a slumber party in Lynkin’s room.  We stayed up later than we should have and was able to get a small amount of sleep. Around 4AM this morning, his night nurse Mickey put him in his car seat to do the test. He basically slept the whole test but he had no issues. Ben and I were able to get some more sleep in during that timeframe. About 8:30AM his NP Chelsea came in and let us know she felt good about his numbers within the 24 hour period and was comfortable with him being discharged if we also felt the same.  Ben and I finished watching some videos, packed up crafts and all sorts of care items and picked up our 3 coolers worth of frozen milk. 

So, at approximately 12:30 PM on October 9,  after putting on our going home outfit,  some pictures with Chelsea and family pictures, Lynkin was discharged! 

102 days in NICU 

born 1 pound 12 ounces    
discharge weight 6 pounds 14 ounces 

list of things from being a patient at Riley 

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). 
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) mild/low case  
2 infections 
3 spinal taps  
3 surgeries 
1 central line 
1 PIC line  
4 hospital rooms 
Many eye exams. 
A hearing exam 
Visits from music therapist (and being sung to which he really enjoyed). 
Visits from physical therapist and speech therapist 
Respiratory support journey - Intubated 4 times, NIPPV, Sipap, CPAP, nasal cannula. 
Feeding journey - oral tube (OG), nasal tube (NG), bollous feeds, bottle feeds (last two weeks), breastfeeds. 
X-Rays, CT Scans, & Ultrasounds. 
Ileostomy   
Many blood transfusions  
IV lines in all four extremities plus his head   
Many wonderful, caring nurses. 
Handful of NPs - Chelsea was with him first day he arrived and day of discharge. 
Several doctors

Lynkin handled the car ride home with no issue. He slept the whole way. When we got home, we introduced the furry children to him. They were wondering what was going on but could also have cared less. Lol. 

So, now on to the next chapter in Lynkin’s book. 
Thank you for all your support through these last 3 months!