Hello everyone!

Jack saw his eye doctor yesterday for yet another exam. He said his ROP is looking better and his Optic Nerve Atrophy has not changed. He would like to see us back in three weeks to be sure his ROP is still resolving. While we were at the appointment yesterday we saw so many NICU babies! You can always tell a NICU baby by the tiny grunts, monitor and/or oxygen wires coming from their little carriers. It was like a reunion. Although we only knew one of the babies personally it was the first time we were around so many NICU graduates.

Jack had two firsts this week! He went on his first social visit to his Great-Umpa’s house to wish him a happy birthday last weekend. We sat outside in a screened in patio and Jack did great! He was looking around and seemed to love the fresh air. Then earlier this week Grandma Josie and Mommy took Jack to K-Mart to buy some summer clothing for Jack for next year. It was nice because the store was virtually empty so we were able to take our time and walk Jack around a little bit. These were Jack’s first outings other than to the doctor. We still must avoid crowds but while the weather is still nice hopefully we will have a few more of these social outings.

From this coming October through April we will have to be meticulous about avoiding certain things because in Pennsylvania it is RSV season. To read more about RSV click HERE. Jack will get a series of 7 monthly shots to help protect him from RSV. It is very serious and could possibly put Jack back in the hospital and/or leave him with life long breathing complications which is something we desperately want to avoid. We won’t be having too many visitors or going out much which may make for a long winter but it is in Jack’s best interest!

Jack’s physical therapist from Early Intervention has visited us twice now. She’s a nice lady and is very informative. She’s given us a few things to work on. She made this little seat for Jack to sit on out of a few blankets and masking tape. He sits on it and is able to bring his hands together to grasp toys much easier than if he was lying flat on his back. She’s been teaching us infant massage as well – Jack really likes this! She also showed us a way to hold Jack so that he can practice his head control. All of these things will help Jack reach his developmental milestones.

We haven’t been back to the pediatrician since the last journal update…so we don’t have a current weight for Jack, but with his gaining history he should be well over 10 lbs by now! We see his pediatrician at the end of August.