This is the first official post from me, the DW (Dear Wife), as I am affectionately called by my DH. I will be guest blogging with updates of our little Peanut’s progress. Previously, we were updating our family and close friends via email, but we thought it was time to update our blog and start posting her progress here instead.

Here’s a little recap of the rollercoaster ride that has been the past few weeks: As we mentioned in a previous post, Peanut decided to arrive a little early, at 30 weeks 5 days gestation on July 20th. Surprisingly, the first 10 days were smooth sailing for Peanut, as she was growing stronger each day and gaining weight like a champ. In the early morning of July 31st (11 days old), Peanut started showing potential signs (bloody stool, distended stomach) of an intestinal disease called NEC or Necrotizing Enterocolitis – the death of intestinal tissue. X-rays confirmed that she had a perforated bowel (caused by the tissue death) and within just a few hours of the initial symptoms, she was in surgery. Over the next 8 days, Peanut had three surgeries, and lost about 10 inches of her small intestine (the ileum), her appendix, her large intestine (including the cecum and all of her colon) leaving only a rectal stump for reconnection surgery later on. She currently has an stoma (or jejunostomy to be exact) on her lower right abdomen to get rid of her waste.

Needless to say, it’s been a rough couple weeks, but our peanut is well on the road to recovery. Wednesday she was taken off all respiratory support (you should hear her cry – she has a great set of lungs on her)! She also resumed feedings after 14 days of bowel rest. She is digesting the milk very well, and graduated to an ostomy bag/pouch yesterday. We’re also able to hold Peanut again, so we’ve been enjoying snuggles and kangaroo care with her.

Looking ahead, Peanut will need another surgery later this fall to correct the ostomy and connect the small intestine to the rectum. Until then, the plan is to continue to increase her feeds as she tolerates and for her to grow bigger and stronger. They’re not sure just yet if she will be coming home between now and the next surgery, or if she will remain here throughout the entire Hawkeye football season. In the weeks, months, and years to come we will work closely with a pediatric gastroenterologist and nutritionist to monitor her digestive and nutritional health. Some children who have lost this much bowel can suffer from short bowel syndrome, but it’s too early to tell if that will be the case with Peanut. We remain hopeful that she can lead a fairly normal life in regards to her diet/digestive needs.

Peanut at 24 days old

We’re extremely fortunate to have had tremendous support from our family helping out with Lulu, Potato Boy, and Sissy, throughout these past few weeks/months. The kids have really enjoyed their time with the grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins – which made this experience a lot easier on all of us! Now it’s time to settle back into some sort of routine as Peanut’s health is improving, and Potato Boy and Sissy are starting back to school on Monday. Sundays and Wednesday’s are the DH’s days to be at the UIHC with Peanut, while I will be at home with the other three rascals. The rest of the days, I will be bunking with Peanut at the hospital. 🙂