Updates:

8:00pm: We made it home and are now parked on the couch for some mind-numbing TV watching. The only other update I have is that Reid had a brain/head ultrasound this evening but do not know the results of it. I assume we will hear more tomorrow.

4:00pm: It has been a long day and for the most part, everything has been done that needed to be done today. The eye test that was supposed to happen at noon ended up being around 2. Good news though, no laser surgery needed today. Dr. Hubbard's prognosis was Stage 2, Zone 2, which is better than what was determined at Cobb Hospital (Stage 3, Zone 2). A follow up will occur in 7 to 10 days... so for now, we are out of the woods for at least another week.

And just when we get something to go our way and have a little good news, the cardiologist presents us with the news that his PDA has opened back up and may need repair. This is something that has habitually plagued us since he was born and tends to open and close, but being at the age that he is, it appears that mechanical intervention is needed. Between the two ECHO's that he has had (last week and today), there is a bit of disagreement between the two as to how much pulmonary hypertension he has. This may be the deciding factor as to if he will have PDA ligation this week. Another ECHO is planned for Wednesday and should tell us whether or not he can go longer before he needs repair or if it is something that they can do now while he is here. This surgery involves an inch long slit on his left side underneath his arm near his armpit. The surgeon will then, between his ribs, lift up his lung to get a clear shot at the heart. The ductus will be located and will be temporarily clamped down until they are able to watch his blood pressure and vitals to ensure they have it correct. Once sure, they then insert a medical clamp to secure it (which he will have for the rest of his life). Once complete, they go through and sew up the incision. All said and done, it is a 20 to 30 minute procedure --- one that is fairly common amongst premature babies.

Hernia surgery is tomorrow. We just got done talking with the surgical staff and signed the consent forms. Surgery is planned around 8:30-9am tomorrow and he should be back in the NICU by noon. This surgery is about 30-45 minutes per side and since both are there, it will be a fairly long procedure. Talking to the surgeon, he said the lining (hernial sac) that they have to separate from the boy parts and the intestine itself is the thickness of saran wrap and has the consistency of wet tissue paper. Doesn't seem to be a difficult surgery, just very tedious.

Reid will go on a ventilator, sedated and medicated in the morning and will be "out of it" for the majority of the day. After 24 hours, he should be coming back to normal but will most likely be on morphine to help with the pain of both the surgery and the tube down his throat. If Wednesday's ECHO proves that he can have surgery on his PDA, he will remain ventilated for a possible Thursday or Friday surgery. Once that is all complete, they will work on weaning him from the vent.

Well, Kristen and I need a breath of fresh air, so we are going to step outside. I don't imagine there will be any more news for today, but will keep you informed tomorrow. As I always say, keep the prayers coming this way!!!

8:00am: Reid did well last night. The medicine that they had administered yesterday seems to be working and his CO2 was 63 (a number that he hasn't seen in quite some time). Kristen and I are getting ready to head in and go visit. His last feeding was at 6, so we are prepared to see a cranky baby. Jennifer and Shannon (my sisters) are going to be there this morning as well.