September 28, 2004

It's been a great week in Fighter Land! Late last week J met with a new therapist. She is a physical Therapist and will be helping J learn to crawl and eventually walk. In fact, she told Brett during her visit that J will be crawling by his original first Birthday date- Christmas. (I wasn't able to meet her, but Brett said she is very determined! I like that!) To help him get started, Brett and I purchased a walker from Toys R' Us. So far, he really enjoys it. He can't move it yet, but standing is good practice for him. 

Nothing new to report in the area of Doc visits, although he has a number of appointments in the coming weeks (most importantly with Dr. V. to see how well the recent surgery has helped his eye). We haven't noticed any drastic changes in the function of the left eye, but that doesn't mean its not getting better. We will know more soon!

September 20, 2004

Jacob continues to do well following his surgery. At a post-op visit last Friday, Dr. V saw no sign of infection and the retina has begun retracting. It is not reattaching yet, but retraction is a step in the right direction! And thanks to Brett's parents, we will be able to get contact lenses for Jacob next month. (Thanks again Grandma & Grandpa Smith).

September 16, 2004

Jacob's eye surgery went very well today. He tolerated the anesthesia and intubation very well and after just two hours in recovery, was able to come home. Brett and I were so happy he didn't have to stay overnight. Dr. V will see J Friday morning for a post-op visit to make sure there are no signs of infection and to see if the retina has begun reacting to the procedure. (When the same procedure was performed on his right eye, the retina began retracting within 24 hours) He will definitely need a second surgery because Dr. V doesn't like to extend this type of surgery on an infant. Today's operation lasted just over two hours and he doesn't like to go beyond that. 

Before leaving the hospital, we stopped by the NICU to say hello. Everyone was so happy to see J! We shared with them the news about his right retina being 100% reattached and they were all so excited for him! It even surprised one of the Neonatologist's! Of course, while we were there I had to share the fact that I am going to school pursuing nursing. I was kind of silly about the whole thing, but what can I say, I'm pretty excited to be back in school!

Thank you for your positive thoughts and prayers for us, especially Jacob. We are grateful!

September 14, 2004

A week without updates? My apologies! The past week has been so busy! This week will also be busy with J's VI (Visually Impaired) Playgroup at Rainbows United this afternoon, then his eye surgery on Thursday. Add to that the daily grind of work, school and housework and it makes for a busy week! Don't get me wrong, no matter how hard it gets, it's all worth it!

September 7, 2004

Jacob's eye surgery has been scheduled for Thursday September 16th. We will check in him at 7:30am. Due to his prematurity, he will probably have to stay overnight for observation. We hope the surgery helps the left eye as much as it did the right, but we will not get our hopes up since the left eye has remained unchanged for months. We ask that you please continue to pray for Jacob and his health and vision. Thank you!

September 6, 2004

It has been an amazing weekend! Jacob's party went very well and was so much fun! For those of you, who could not make it, please look at the pictures on the Photo Gallery, as well as the Yahoo! Album.

Although the frosting was a bit too sweet for him, J really enjoyed getting his hands into his birthday cake. Brett and I hardly saw him as he was passed from one person to the other most of the afternoon. He took a short nap late in the evening. We received many great gifts (lots of clothes!) and many donations to March of Dimes. We are so happy with how well the day went.

September 2, 2004

Big News!!! Jacob went to see Dr. V., (his retinal specialist) today. His right retina is completely attached!! We are so happy! What a great first birthday present!! Dr. V said J should definitely have some vision in that eye but since the lens was removed during surgery in April, his ability to focus is not great. We will be pursuing the option of contact lenses to help with that. J's Pediatric Ophthalmologist takes care of that, so we will talk with him at J's appointment next week. 

Also, J will be having surgery on his left eye as a last attempt to help the retina reattach. He has done wonderfully with past surgeries and we agreed this could do nothing but good for the left eye, so why not try. The surgery has not been scheduled yet, but will most likely happen in the next week or two. The sooner the better, Dr. V says. Isn't God great?