Official Chunky Monkey Status!

Where did this come from? Three days ago, Colin had lost a little over 2 ounces and dropped back to 2.5 pounds. That was a very tough day for us as I explained in that day's blog entry. We prayed, as many of you did, for the weight to come and come quickly since gaining weight is critical to his development, not to mention it will (hopefully) go toward resolving his jaundice and anemia. Well, our prayers - your prayers - were answered! I'm still in a bit of shock as I write this, but Colin hit 3 pounds yesterday! That's a 1/2 pound gain in 3 days! Is that not amazing? Previously to gain 1/2 pound, we'd be talking several weeks, but in 3 days? My initial reaction to the news were the words of Gary Coleman: "What you talkin' bout, Willis"? So crazy and yet wonderful at the same time.
That news was so big for us, it completely overshadowed some not-so-good news yesterday that Colin may be staring down his first surgery in a couple weeks. Mr. C possibly has an inguinal hernia - at least that's what the doctors think. This is a common finding in preemies like Colin who have to learn to digest at a much earlier age than if they were full term. As a result, their little muscles surrounding the groin area are sometimes overwhelmed and part of the intestine pokes its way through. What the surgeon does is simply make a tiny incision in the skin to reach the hernia, push the intestine back into place and stitch the muscle to its natural position. For now, they are just monitoring him and wanting him to get bigger in the event he does have to have surgery. Although any surgery is not fun to think about, this procedure, if needed, is routine and low risk. Besides, surgery-schmurgery: our Chunky Monkey is 3 pounds! :-)