Ben Update - 8 weeks

Ben is 8 weeks old today. How did that happen? I know I sound like every other mom when I say "They grow up so fast!"

He's doing great. First of all, he's adorable.* Ben loves to be held and snuggle. He only gets squirmy and complaining when he's got gas or needs to poop. Otherwise, he's perfectly content to peer over my shoulder at the world.

He's also gaining weight. At the cardiologist's appointment when Ben was 6 weeks old, he weighed 10 pounds. Yay, Ben! It makes all the pumping seem worthwhile. Speaking of pumping, we are still pumping and nursing. Praise God, we have gotten into some semblance of a routine. I'm trying to pump at least 7 times a day, but the timing varies.

As far as Ben's health is concerned, he's now on medication to help his heart. The hole has not gotten any smaller, and the left side of his heart is beginning to dilate in response to the additional blood flow. The cardiologist prescribed two medications (diuretics) that will help Ben's body process fluids. The meds don't do anything for the heart directly, but they do lower the blood volume that is passing through, so his heart doesn't have to work as hard. The doctors haven't given us any indications about when surgery might be. We're supposed to keep an eye on his eating and his breathing.

Ben also got to see the Early Childhood Intervention case manager and speech therapist this week. We have a few tongue and cheek exercises to do - hopefully they will help with nursing and eventual speech. Ben's been cooing - just a little - sooooo sweet.

He sleeps 6-8 hours at night. He's usually sleepy in the mornings, but has more awake periods later in the day (especially in the afternoon when Evan and Corrie are home from school). His eyes are tracking more; he likes looking at toys and people for short bursts.

We're enjoying the little guy!

* I know I need to post pictures - here and on facebook. I have a lot of them on my camera, but haven't taken the time to download them on the computer. That's one of my goals for the weekend. For now, you'll just have to believe me when I say he's cute ... and handsome ... and delightful in every way. :)