Moments after Peanut was born, the UIHC AirCare helicopter was dispatched to transport her to the the UIHC NICU. (This was because of prematurity – her NEC issue was yet to come.) The transport team brought along a handmade black and gold hat the perfect size for Peanut’s tiny head – Peanut’s first gift. This […]

Read more on "The Preemie Project"

Peanut, Nana, and I were pleasantly surprised to see this man hanging around outside the Children’s Specialty Clinic after Peanut’s appointment yesterday. I heard that earlier this week, Santa and the Mrs. visited the children’s inpatient units and brought gifts…what a great treat for those kiddos! 🙂 Now, on to the details of Peanut’s appointments. […]

Read more on "A very “jolly” visit to UIHC"

Although she’s not speaking in full sentences quite yet, if you could translate this, I think she would tell you she’s happy, healthy, and excited for her 1st Christmas. 🙂 Our family, including Peanut, has been pretty healthy so far this fall/early winter (fingers crossed), and we hope to keep it that way! Peanut has […]

Read more on "A message from Peanut…."

It’s been a wonderfully uneventful few weeks since our last Peanut update. Peanut is now up to 8lbs. 15oz!!! She’s been going to see the gastroenterologists and surgeons in Iowa City every other week for check-ups. Our two goals for the next couple months are 1) to keep Peanut healthy and 2) to wean her […]

Read more on "It’s all about the “poo”…."

Peanut is doing very well at home since discharge, and has only one more day of antibiotics. She’s now up to 8lbs 2oz and 21 inches long. 🙂 Not much new to report – no news is good news! Peanut’s Grandpa & Nana dropped off a little gift for her…. And Lulu has found a […]

Read more on "Peanut Meets…Lil Peanut"

Peanut is getting discharged in a few hours! 🙂 Her blood cultures for the past few days have been negative for bacterica growth, so she will be going home on IV antibiotics until Sunday. This morning we will be learning how to operate an additional IV pump that will administer her antibiotics three times a […]

Read more on "Homeward bound…again"

Blood cultures showed bacteria growth in Peanut’s central line – so it is an infection afterall. However, Peanut has had no fever since 2am, is now awake and alert, and is back to taking all of her feedings. This is a big change from her condition 24 hrs ago. The antibiotics are working well, but […]

Read more on "UPDATE 2: Back In Iowa City For The Weekend"

The main test results are back. Peanut’s liver and white blood cell counts came back normal, although her inflammation markers are high. It could be an early sign of infection, if so, she’s already started on antibiotics so it should be cleared up in a couple days. The blood cultures won’t be back for 48 […]

Read more on "UPDATE: Back In Iowa City For The Weekend"

Maybe Peanut decided she couldn’t miss being in Iowa City for the Iowa v. Penn State night game, or she thought that mom was craving a gyro from Sparty’s. Either way, with a low grade fever and a change in her ostomy output, Peanut earned herself a weekend re-admittance to the UIHC 2JCP pediatric floor. […]

Read more on "Back In Iowa City For The Weekend"

It’s hard to believe Peanut has been home for almost two weeks now! The entire time has been a blur. Despite the lack of sleep, we’re falling into a new normal routine here, and Peanut is growing like a weed. As of last Thursday, she weighs 7 lbs 3 oz. Peanut holds us to a […]

Read more on "Eat, Sleep, Poop…Repeat"