Thursday, March 13, 2008

Hello to all,

Can you believe it's been eleven days since Jack joined us, what a whirlwind. Prentice Women's Hospital has become our second home, one of the receptionist's in the lobby was quoted as saying "is there are party up there everyday", what a fine tribute to all our friends and family that have come to see Jack. I think the nursing staff believes we are somehow connected to everyone in Chicago. Jack was visited by Kelly and Mary Cavanagh and Annette and Eddie Czarobski. Jack enjoyed the visit and the thoughtful gifts.

Jack has doubled his food intake in the last few days which is a positive development toward his continued growth. He still on occasion has a "brady", where he forgets to breathe, but they are things that are common in preemies. The doctors believe that thirty seven weeks is our first big goal, at that time most babies are considered full term. If things go well, many of the issues associated with preemies such as bradys, apnea and food tolerance will have subsided. On Saturday Jack will be thirty -three weeks.

Did you know that Northwestern Hospital delivered ten-thousand babies last year. There are currently seventy-two beds in the NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit). On any given day ninety percent of those beds are filled. The nurses who tend to these special babies are truly remarkable, they are constantly on the go during their twelve hour tour of duty. They have been our advisor, advocate, and an all-around sense of support.

A special note of thanks to Uncle Bill for calling Grandma Smith and Aunt Gert and keeping them updated on Jack's progress. We hope Jack inherits Uncle Bills gridiron prowess, Bill was a standout at Little Flower High in the early 70's. Good ole number "62".