GO Owen GO!!!!

Are you ready for the best news yet about our little guy?

They took him off of all oxygen today! He's breathing 100% on his own!!!!!!

Yes, that's right. Many 27 weekers are on oxygen supply for at least a month after being born - Owen was on it for 8 days. We've got quite the over achiever on our hands! They took him off right when we got there today (about noon) and he did amazing all day. He looks so, so comfortable now with the oxygen removed. He was getting really angry at it for the past few days and would actually reach up and try to rip it out of his nose (he succeeded a few times!) so I think he's as happy as we are to have it off.

Speaking of happy - he smiled a few times today! After his 5pm 'cares' his dinner was given to him via his feeding tube. Once it started hitting his tummy, he started smiling!!! Yes, I realize it wasn't purposeful, but I'll take it! It was so sweet to see him so content.

Other great news today is that his feedings of breast milk was upped this morning from 4ccs to 7ccs per feeding. Remember, he is fed every three hours during his 'cares.' He is digesting ALL of it really well, so they will continue to up his supply. They weighed him tonight at 8pm, and his weight is now up to 1040 grams (he was 1020 at birth so he's officially above his birth weight - yea!)

Overall our little guy had a great day again. We keep reminding ourselves though that normally in NICU, for every one step forward it's two steps back. So, while it's great to celebrate his victories, we also need to brace ourselves for set backs. He's definitely not out of the 'woods' yet, though every day is a step closer. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!

Owen is 8 days old today!