Pierce now weighs 11lbs 3oz! It's hard to believe that 5 months ago, he only weighed a pound and a half. Needless to say, we are SO thankful for Pierce's remarkable growth and we pray that he continues to thrive and grow stronger. Every day I think he looks more and more like his daddy. Check out the resemblance for yourself:
Pierce is doing so well at home. Last week, we had our first visit to P's pulmonologist. Unfortunately, and to no surprise to us, he confirmed what we knew- Pierce won't be coming off o2 for awhile. At least not for another 2 months (our next appt). But, the pulmonologist was so impressed with how BIG and strong our son is. He also said that Pierce is quite the exception because in all of his years of practicing medicine, he's yet to see a VAD (temporary shunt). He explained that it's unheard of for a kid to have a VAD placed and then not need a permanent shunt. And since the pulmonologist doesn't see the baby until their released from the NICU, the babies have already gotten their permanent shunt before they come to him. This just confirmed one of the many miracles that we are witnessing in P's life.
Pierce also had his repeat hearing test. And...HE PASSED! Not only did he pass, but he passed with flying colors. I know it may not seem like a big deal, but deafness was high up on the list of "probable" conditions that Pierce would have. Drs. told us that he could be deaf, blind, disable... (the list goes on and on). BUT, scratch deaf and blind off the list, because he has good eyes (thanks to laser surgery and Dr. Gillig) and good ears.
Tomorrow, Pierce goes for his routine eye exam and then to the pediatrician for a weight check. And then, on Wednesday we're back for a cranial ultrasound and a trip to the neurosurgeon to check on P's ventricles. Please, please continue to pray that the ventricles are decreasing in size and that P will not require a permanent shunt.
In other news, my mom (Nana) hurt her back and has been unable to travel to Charlotte to visit P (she lives 1hr 1/2 away). SO, I got brave on Friday and made the trek with Pierce...alone. I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself. Nik had to work, so I loaded P up (monitors and all) and headed south. Pierce did so well traveling down to Greenville. He only fussed a tiny bit and I never had to pull over. Here are a couple of pics from the day:
It was so great to take Pierce on a little excursion. I don't know what it was, maybe the fact that the hospital was miles away, but it made the trauma of the past 5 months disappear and become a faint memory. It's nice when present moments of joy replace the terrifying memories of the past- what a remarkable time to reflect on what God has done in our lives.
Thank you for continuing to follow our journey and pray with us.
Love,
Nik, Lindsay and Pierce Franks
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where's the "like" button! YaY Pierce!
ReplyDeleteHappy 5 months, P!! You are doing so well!
ReplyDeleteYa'll sound like you are doing great! so happy for you and little P! and you were so brave to hit the road by yourself. i remember that first drive with Ryan by myself - it was from matthews after dropping the oldest off at a friends....long 12 minute ride bout sent me over the edge! ;-) Happy 5 month birthday!
ReplyDeleteToo wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy reading about you and Pierce getting out of the house and going to do something "normal". What a great visit! Here's hoping you two manage to do more of the same in the future. :-)
he looks just like Nik!!! It's his mini me! hehe I am so glad he is growing stronger everyday!!! Very glad you were able to get out of the house and visit your mom!!! Proud of you making the trip by yourself... I can only imagine how that was... I remember the first time i drove with Isabella i was terrified... Much love and prayers for you guys!!!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThis is Charis with The Elegant Owl! I have all of my payments in from the sale and wanted to donate, but I see you that your fund raising sight is inactive. I had to scroll through all of the older posts to find a link to it and was so glad that I did, because I was reminded through posts and pics how God has and still is moving mightily in the life of your precious family : )! Anyway, do you have a paypal account that I can transfer it to or do you want for me to send a check? Let me know.
Charis O'Neal
Oh, can you reply to my email (sirahc5@aol.com) so I will make sure to see it? Thanks : )
ReplyDeleteWOnderful wonderful! So happy for you, for Pierce, for everyone touched by his story. Always in my prayers! And what a little chunker, too cute!
ReplyDeletePierce looks like he is doing so great! Look at the eye contact he is making in those pictures! Super impressive! I also noticed that he was already lifting his head in a picture that your mom posted on FB. Way to go Pierce! I know you are so proud...and I'm proud for you! Thanking God for each peaceful day that you have at home. Hopefully those doctor appointments will become less frequent with time. I know it's exhausting now..but before long, you'll forget what this crazy schedule was like! Have a great week, thanks for updating!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear Pierce passed his hearing test. We had the same scare in the NICU, but fortunately, my son could hear. Pierce looks like he is doing so well. I'm so happy for you all. I know those first few months at home are really challenging. I think it's quite admirable that you made a trip with him on your own. Way to go!
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