Time Flies

Dear Emmett,

It's hard for me to believe you're only 3 weeks old now, it seems like you've been a part of our lives for much longer than that. Your mom is with you right now and I am at work. She keeps me updated on her day-time visits, so I feel like I am right there with you.

You had another visit from the cardiologist today. They checked you out a week or so ago and discovered that you have a heart murmur. The technical term for it is Patent Ductus Arteriosus or PDA. When a baby is in the womb, there is a little connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery. When a baby is born, that connection is supposed to close, but because you were premature, yours hasn't yet. It's a common birth defect in premature babies, but one that will hopefully resolve itself. If it doesn't, you may have to have surgery to fix it.

Otherwise, you've been progressing well. Your temperature is getting better, we're hopeful you will be in just a crib soon. You actually nursed from mommy for your feeding this afternoon and that is great news. You also took three feedings yesterday from a bottle. If you can continue to do that, then your feeding tube can be removed. You've also been moved to a new room in the NICU. It's a less private room, so your mom and I have to get used to that, but it doesn't bother you.

Your mom and I had a baby shower for you this past Sunday. Lots of people that care about you and us a lot came and give you lots of gifts. We're very thankful to have so many caring people in our lives and their gifts will help us take good care of you.

I love you,
Daddy