Week Four

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Well, Charlie’s romance with the world grows stronger with every day. Yesterday we celebrated his three-week birthday. While our emotions continue to crest and trough with his daily battles, our sense of stability gains traction in light of his overall progress. We had an uplifting consultation with his doctors and nurses the other day, which gave us a great big picture perspective. The main takeaway was that his progress is solid, steady, and ahead of schedule. His weight is good. He’s now convincingly over 5 pounds and is developing a voracious appetite. While his energy level varies from one visit to the next, his strength and sucking reflexes are showing major improvement. Also improving is his ability to maintain a healthy oxygen saturation level while he eats. It may seem simple, but for premature babies the ability to suck, swallow and breath is a delicate balance that requires close and vigilant monitoring. And while I won’t say he’s a prodigy, Charlie is learning this important skill quickly. At his present rate, we anticipate that he may get to come home in as soon as two to three weeks.

I have to say, that given the circumstances we’re all doing quite well. We hear stories of children born earlier, smaller, or with greater challenges than Charlie. He’s making outstanding progress and he seems to enchant all who cross his path. His nurses constantly tell us how cute he is and delight in his easy-going, zen-like nature. Some have referred to him as their “boyfriend” which is at the same time cute and creepy, but oh well. He doesn’t seem to cry much. Instead, he greats the world every day with tranquil observance, a trend we all hope continues.

As of now, Sarah and I are making efforts to surface from these overwhelming events and to slowly re-acclimate into our personal and professional lives. While Charlie remains in the NICU, our hope to achieve a manageable, if temporary semblance of normalcy. Sarah’s handling the unusual transition beautifully and is being generously supported by her co-workers and boss. Of course, it will be difficult to bridge the timing gap between now and when Charlie comes home but we appreciate the flexibility and sensitivity they have shown. And as we make this hectic 90-mile round-trip commute to the hospital twice daily, we appreciate the patience and support of our friends and families.


Mommy and Charlie, snuggling up


Dr. and Mrs. Myers visiting from New Hampshire


Joe's dad holding Charlie


Joe's Mom telling Charlie all about everything


Sarah having some fun with Charlie


All four grandparents, neatly contained in one NICU window


Charlie likes to hold Daddy's finger


Charlie, pondering life.