Happy 1 Week Birthday!!

Mr. Samuel Ryan in his "big boy clothes"

Okay, so the picture wasn't taken on his 1 week birthday, but close enough. He is still doing great. He is still in NICU, but still no need for breathing assistance or IVs. He has taken some bottles, but mainly is on tube feedings due to his premature state and his inability to suck, swallow and breathe simultaneously. That doesn't come until about the 35th week and technically he is just 33 weeks. They have told my sister that once he is home, he will need to stay in one area of the house that is heated in the mid-70s and to stay wrapped all snug. He doesn't have the ability to maintain his body temperature yet, that too will just come with time.

Unfortunately for me, I haven't been able to "see" the little guy yet :-( It is a crummy time of year to have a newborn period, due to the "cold/flu" season, but especially a little guy like Samuel, it is critical to keep all potential germs and viruses far, far away. We have had coughing and runny noses in our house for a while now, so I wouldn't dare go near him...nor do I think my sister would allow it :-) When my nephew, Jack (Sam's big brother), was in treatment for Leukemia, we learned all about neutropenic conditions, so if you feel sick at all ---- you have to stay away. It is really hard to not go around, but I wouldn't jeopardize his health, or my sister's/brother in law's health right now...Sam needs them, not his aunt Marcy...that will come later. So we wait at home, hoping and praying for his continued improvements and dream of the first time we get to hold him, well I do anyway....he's sooo cute!!

Thankful for Samuel's continued progress and sending love to Sam!!

Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna Mei