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On Friday Collin was tranferred to McLeod NICU! We are so glad to be back in Florence! He is doing well, even though he had a rough ride here. He is still on the CPAP machine, and still getting his feedings thru his OG tube. But he is growing and is just under 2 lbs. now! The nurse taking care of him took his tubing off long enough to get this adorable picture of him. Can you tell he is an Allen now? We haven't been able to hold him yet. The rule here is that he has to be off of the CPAP machine first, hopefully they will be trying him on a nasal cannula soon. He is still feisty and giving the nurse's a fit. Thanks so much for all of your continued prayers. We still have a long way to go, but at least our family can be together now!

Hey everybody! Collin came off of the CPAP on Saturday for most of the day, but got tired and had to go back on it. They'll try again in a day or two, gotta get those lungs stronger! He's doing great on his feedings and they're increasing them every day so hopefully his IV nutrition can be D/C'd soon. He can start trying a bottle once he gets off of the CPAP (hopefully also very soon). Mama held him today and he was so sweet, just slept the whole time. Then got this cute pic after I put him back in his bed. We spent the weekend home with the boys and they were so excited to see Mama and Daddy. We went to see Madagascar 2 and it was "crack-a-lackin'!" Caleb keeps asking, "did Collin grow yet?" Yes, but just a little bit! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Weekend Update

Still improving day by day! Here is Collin wide awake with his pacifier, which he is starting to like! He will be taken off of the CPAP this weekend and just have oxygen thru nasal cannula! I'm sure this will make him happy, he hates the CPAP tubing! They are increasing his feeds a little each day so hopefully he'll really start putting on some weight. He now weighs 1lb. 12oz. He is becoming a very feisty little thing, so this is good because he is acting his age, not his size! Thanks for all the continued prayers!

Proud Papa

Jeffery got to have a turn tonight holding Collin and of course now thinks he's gonna be a Daddy's boy! Collin discovered his finger tonight and was sucking on it! So cute! Maybe this means he won't have any trouble with a bottle! Here's a pic of Mama changing his diaper. Can you imagine changing such a tiny little hiney? We had a great night!

Monday

It's Monday and we are still doing great. Collin continues to do well on the CPAP machine, building up his lungs. He has finally started with small feedings of milk by tube that will be gradually increased over time to make sure his tummy can tolerate it. He is starting to perk up and open his eyes more now. Today was the first time I saw him with both eyes open wide so I actually caught it in a picture. (I think he looks like another little Jeffery!) How about those tiny little feet! He is now 1lb. 11oz. so he is growing! Getting stronger every day!

Wednesday: One Week Old!

Collin is one week old today! He was taken off of the vent today and is doing very well just on the CPAP. His belly is looking better and he is still on antibiotics so hopefully in a few days he'll finish that and can start on feedings. I finally got to hold him and he did really well getting out of the bed, and fell right asleep as soon as he was put against me! He seemed to love being held and of course Mama loved it too! Hopefully if he continues like he is we'll be able to hold him every day. They say it is good for them to be held and hear Mama's heartbeat so we're thankful that we can finally hold him. You can also see how tiny he is, especially with Jeffery's ring over his arm. We had a very good night so far and hopefully he will be able to hold his own all night off of the vent. We praise God every day for each small little step!

Peek a Boo!

Collin had a great day today! We finally got to see him peek his eyes open. (He looks just like Kaden in this pic.) He is done with the bili lights and now we can really see his little face. He was very active today, squirming around and opening his eyes! He is on a very low setting on the vent so if his gases stay good tonight he will probably be taken off the vent again! Pray that he is ready to breathe on his own and it will not stress him too much. They are still watching him closely for infection in his belly, so far everything looks good. They want to wait to make sure his belly is ready to take milk before they start to give it.

Nana and Papa came to visit today! We hated to see the boys leave, but they have to get back to life as usual. We have had so many encouraging calls, cards, and emails from all over the country! We even have a missionary couple in Poland sending out prayers for him! It is amazing how God brings his people together when something like this happens and we are so thankful for the prayers. It is hard being away from home, but we feel like everybody is just a call away. Good night everybody!