There will be a memorial service for Austin at Blessed Sacrament Catholic church in Morton Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM. Anyone that would like to join us for a meal afterwards, please come to the St. Johns United Church of Christ fellowship hall in Minier. The burial will be a private service for family only.

I am writing this with the most heart broken heart in the world. We lost Austin this morning, he passed away around 8am. He developed NEC yesterday late afternoon. They did surgery last night, by this morning the bowel was completely dead. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

Friday, July 23rd was an okay day for the boys. Austin, is still having issues with the feeding. He has atleast taken all his feedings today, but is still having major gas pain. He is very uncomfortable after he eats, not sure if it is the thicker formula or reflux or what it may be. They have started him on come gas drops to see if that will help. If need me may have to try different formula to see if that is the problem. We just want to him to feel better, and be comforable with his feedings by the time he comes home. If it means staying some extra days, that is fine. The doctor advised us today they would keep him over the weekend to observe the feedings and make sure he is gaining weight. He has been losing weight the last couple days, so was of some concern to them. I just have to give it up to Austin he will come home when he is ready. Like I told Greg we have been doing it for 90 days what is a few more. Calvin is doing well, he had I spent the whole evening together. He was such a good boy!

Thursday, July 21st was another rollercoaster day for the boys. Austin, had another frustrating day! I got word this morning that he passed his hearing test and was good to go tomorrow. Greg got home this evening and we headed to the hospital. Austin did well for his 5:30pm feeding for me. Then the 8:30pm Greg fed him and it was a disaster. He wouldn't take any of the bottle, he screamed the first 15 mintues. So two different nurses tried their luck with him and he contiuned to do the same. I was about in tears. I just don't understand, I have felt the last day or two when he eats that he has a belly ache. I know they say it is reflux, I just wonder if it is more or what the deal is with his belly. Not sure if it is the thickened feeds that is doing it or what. I guess we will wait and see in the morning what that doctor suggests. I definitely don't want to get him home and have him not eating. I swear that kid is going to be a challenge. Like I have said all along, I won't believe he will be home until I am out the door with him in my arms. All along his journey in the NICU once I have felt like he is a step or two forward, he is then three steps back!!! Calvin is doing well.

Wednesday, July 21st was a good day for the boys. Austin passed his car bed test on the first try. YEAH! When I got to hospital this evening, doctor told me we should be out the door tomorrow. I was like WOW. Then I fed Austin at 8:30pm this evening and he had a brady on me afterwards. We will have to see if they still let us out in the next day or two since somtimes they make them go 24 hours without a brady before discharge. I advised them this evening when they told me that we were ready that Greg was out of town so maybe we would wait until Friday to get hime home! Since he won't be back till tomorrow evening. Regardless, sounds like we should have him home by the weekend. Calvin is doing great at home!

Tuesday, July 20th was good day for boys. Austin continues to do well with the feedings. He has to pass the car seat trial, but rumor has it he is on his way out the door once that is complete. Grammy and Papa and I ran to Peoria this morning with Calvin. I had to take his monitor to be down loaded. We also stopped by the hospital, Grammy and Papa took turns going into see Austin, while the other stayed in the car with Calvin. Nana came and spent the night with Calvin and I this evening, I went to the hospital and saw Austin for awhile. We are ready for Greg to get home!

Monday, July 19th was a good day for the boys. Austin is doing well on the nippling. I went to the hospital this evening he took his whole feedings for me at 5:30pm and 8:30pm. They took him off the high flow canula today. He is now just on home oxygen on 1/16 of a liter. Grammy and Papa McMahon came and stayed with Calvin this evening while I went to the hospital. Calvin continues to do well. I increased his feeds to 52 ml, and he still acts hungry. Aunt Judy came to visit this afternoon, she thought Calvin had grown so much! We are getting by without Greg, but sure missing him!