Well we have become pretty cozy with the information from our cardiologist. Life is really good. Oliver is healthy again after yet another ear infection followed by bronchitis. It seems that after these hiccups, Oliver virtually makes some huge jump. his eating has dramactically improved. And not just in my biased eyes, Tom and Grandma B have noticed as well. He is finally back up to his full feed of 165 mls every 3 hours (7am- 10pm). In addition to that Oli is sitting at his high chair for at least 3 meals a day and enjoying things like sliced bananas (still in its peel), smoothies, anything smothered in cream cheese and of course his all time favorite: Hot Dogs! He knaws and chews on these, and swallow some too. The bananas are the latest. he asks for them as soon as he sees them. I know he is getting them in, because I pull out his stomach contents (I know this sounds horrid, but I am estatic!) I can see chunks of food! Even his poop looks different!

I am so accustomed to having a baby who doesnt eat, that I havent thought too much of when Oliver wont have his mickey button. But now, I really think about it, and I dont think he will have it when he is 3! He is really starting to trust having food near his gag reflex. Also I think he is feeling healthier these days and wants more.

Lately, he has even pushed my hands away when i try feeding him his scheduled bolus at least once a day. He clearly says nu-uh. I cant (and dont want to) force feed him. i want him to have control of his body and to be respectful of his boundaries. Of course, he also needs to gain weight and grow! When possible, I wait for him to go to sleep then I feed him. He doesnt wake up so it makes it easy. Other times I have to explain it to him and then I end up distracting him while I ease into his belly. I feed him alot outside too. This seems to distract him enough.

Oliver is continuing to love his swim class. He seems more comfortable getting splashed and having his ears in. he will blow bubbles when asked. He is intrigued with the other babies in his class as well. He watches them as they swim and dip their heads into the water

I just got off the phone with Claudia and they are ecstatic. Oliver aced his exam! Here’s what she told me, pretty much verbatim. There’s a lot I don’t understand but maybe you will.

Oliver’s left ventricular function has improved, to the point where it is now within normal range! As I understand it, the pumping on this side was weakened by his aortic stenosis. Remember when we all cheered because the left side began pumping on its own? That was one of Oliver’s first big miracles. Now it has really stepped up to the plate.

The function of his right (aortic) side is the same. This means the gradient, backflow, stuff they measure with the echocardiograms. A few appointments ago the doctors were concerned about a membrane that was growing somewhere that could potentially block the flow; they’re not concerned about it now because if it was causing problems that would have shown up as decreased function. Dr. Rosenthal told them that Oliver no longer has critical aortic stenosis, he has mild aortic stenosis. Wow it feels great to write that!!!

The doctors are happy with his overall growth. He still has EFE (endocardial fibroelastosis), and they say they’ve never seen a case where it has gone away on its own. But, they say he may adapt to it. He is not completely out of the woods yet, but Oliver is “showing strong signs” of moving toward that goal. There is no surgery in his immediate future!

Next appointment is not until May. Great job, Olie! Everyone go out and celebrate! Thank you Oliver for putting life into perspective for us once again.

Damn! Where is the video camara when you need it?? Yesterday at cousins house, Oliver did the funniest thing. You know those tiny toy skateboards? The ones that are slightly bigger than a hot wheels car? Well Nathan is playing with it and here comes Oliver, he quickly steals it away. What dies he do, you ask- well he tries to ride it of course! He carefully positions his foot above the toy holding my hand and attempts to ride it. So cute- he remembered when he rode a real skateboard on the driveway with me just the other day. I can just imagine what he was thinking when he saw the same gizmo from home.
Dr O had Oliver weighed on Monday. He is now 19 lbs 9 oz. I suppose we won’t be making it to 20 lbs by our cardiology appt. Unless I stuff a couple of toys in his diaper…
We have sucessfully (by we I mean oli and I) have switched from 7 daily feedings to 6 no more night feeds!!! He now gets 165 mls per bolus. We are going to work up to 170.
Our big heart appt is tomorrow. Though I would be shocked if things were much different than last time, I am still anxious. I know from looking and being with Oliver that he is doing amazing.