Seattle Trip

Today was a looooong day. We left the house around 9:00 am and got home at 7:30 pm. Our first stop was to Danny's parents house so they could see Cohen. They haven't seen him since before he left the hospital so it was fun for them to get to see him even though it was a quick visit.

Our next stop was to Children's to see the pulmonologist. Turns out some of our NICU friends, Emily and Owen, who we haven't officially met before had an appointment half an hour after ours with the same doctor. So they came a little early and we got to meet for the first time. It was so fun to see them and to see what a big boy Owen is! The boys had a little playdate at the doctors office. What better place for a playdate for two little boys who don't go very many places other than doctors' offices. They got to get their weights and heights checked together and the moms got to do some chatting. Owen is an amazing little boy who had a similar NICU experience as Cohen, although every story is different. It was so good to finally meet you guys in person! And also, Emily made the cutest little ornaments for the NICU families. I will have to take a picture of one.

The results from Cohen's visit are this: he almost got to switch to going 12 hours on oxygen and 12 hours off. Almost. But, after he had been off of his oxygen for awhile he started to work a little harder breathing. He doesn't really have retractions anymore when he is on oxygen, but after he had been on room air for awhile he started to retract and act like he was working harder. So, he stays on oxygen. He does get to come off for a few hours a day, but his doctor doesn't see any point in pushing him and making him work harder than he needs to and we agree. As much as we would like him to be off of it, we will do whatever he needs for however long he needs it. We also talked with a nutritionist who thought he was doing really well, which makes us happy to hear. I asked Cohen's doctor how long he would be considered a baby with chronic lung disease. He said that eventually as Cohen grows the amount of good, healthy lung tissue that he has will make up for the damaged tissue. Usually this takes until they are about 2 years old. Overall, it was a good visit and we go back in two months.

Our third stop was to the NICU. This is always our favorite stop and I can usually hardly wait to get out and go see our extended family. Lots of people say they have a hard time going back to the NICU and while I certainly wouldn't want to be spending more than a few minutes there anytime soon, I like going back. It's the place where we felt so loved and cared for during some of the most difficult times of our lives and where they saved Cohen's life. We are so thankful for all of them. Cohen was a little tired by this point but he did get to say hi to lots of his friends. It was really good to see his nurses and others again, they really do become part of your family after you have been through so much together. I love seeing Cohen respond to them when he hears them talk. It's like I can see the little wheels in his head turning going "Hmm, I know those voices". We had a good time visiting and showing Cohen off, despite his crabbiness. Cohen was looking good in his penguin sweater, jeans and little red shoes. He doesn't get out much so when he does he likes to get all dressed up. Or maybe just I like it, I'm not sure.

 

{I think he is done with pictures}