I AM KNIT TOGETHER: On a roll!

We are on a roll! Lots and lots of good days. Once we had Penny back on the "big vent" and straightened out her little collapsed aveoli she got right back to business. She's now 5.46 kg ( 12 lbs!!) and gaining a little bit almost every day. Her team told us today that the plan is to try the home vent again next week after she's had a good long time to recover. We all expect her to do well and I'm excited that it would be one step closer to home. Then our prayers are weight gain weight gain weight gain!!! Her big news is that she got a cool new trach. She no longer needs a cuff to keep the air from escaping through her mouth and nose and she's doing so well at getting fat that her 2nd and 3rd chins were making the trach feel crowded. So, she now has what's called a "flextend" which basically has about 2cm of extra thin tube before the big part that the ventilator attaches to (the hub) so that the big part is out from under her chins. Also it helps with mobility because it moves around more freely and comfortably so she will be more likely to try rolling over and enjoy tummy time more. I think she likes it. She's taking a large majority of her formula from a bottle and patiently tolerating our attempts at getting her to eat from a spoon.

Lydia had a big day today as well. She had her newborn followup clinic visit this morning and was evaluated for her development. She's apparently as awesome as we think she is! She's well exceeding skills for her adjusted age (almost 6 months old) and just behind for her actual age (almost 9 months) so she's doing just right. We also got the go ahead to try a wider variety of transitional foods and then solid foods as she can handle them. What?! you mean I won't have a speech therapist giving me the ok for every new food?! I won't know what to do with myself! Lydia weighed in today at 18 lbs. This explains why my arms are tired a lot.

Last but absolutely not least, the Pumpkin Run!!!! This is the official last call for ordering Team Chu shirts. Please email Kimmie Marston (kimberlymarston921@gmail.com) with your order and you'll be the coolest kid in school! We've already exceeded the fundraising goal that was set for our team (WOOHOO!) but don't let that stop you! Any extra money donated will be used to bless our fellow IMCU families. We are so excited to be exploiting the adorableness of our children for the betterment of others...I mean...yea...that's what I mean.