Tanner Update

Unfortunately Tanner is not home with us yet, but he is making improvements every day. He turned 35 weeks yesterday and is now over 5 lbs! A couple of weeks ago they were able to move him from the isolet to a crib because he has been able to keep his body heat up by himself. The poor kid's hematocrit (red blood cell count) is really low so he has very little energy. They've been giving him iron to help his little body start producing more. He's had to go back on a little oxygen these past couple of weeks, but since yesterday, he's been back and forth between oxygen and room air. Hopefully when he's able to get his hematocrit level back up, he'll have the energy to breathe! They want to give him the chance to start producing the red blood cells on his own, but if he's not able to and starts showing signs of anemia, he'll have to have a blood transfusion. That's the last resort, though, and the way he's been going, we're confident he won't need one.



Tanner has started sucking and has been taking his feedings pretty well these last few days. His nurse today told me that she has been giving him a bottle every other feeding and he as been able to finish about 75 percent of it each time. One of his requirements to be able to come home is to be able to nipple all of his feedings for 48 hours, so he's on the right track!



When Tanner was one week old, we found out the he has some bleeding in his brain. The doctors have followed it very closely with head ultrasounds and say that it is now resolving. They're going to continue to watch it to make sure there is no clotting. They're not sure when or how it happened or what effects it will have on him when he is older (or if there will even be any.) Please remember him in your prayers!

We're so grateful for everyone's love and support. We feel blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. We love you!