So much in just 6-months

I didn't get a chance to post on Elijah's 6-month birthday, but here are comparison pictures of our little guy.

. 5/18/06 1 lb 10 oz, 12.25"
11/18/06 6 lbs 14.3 oz, 19.75"


Just a reflection on what Elijah has overcome in his 6-months of life....
RDS (respiratory distress syndrome)
PDA litigation (patent ductus arteriosus)
NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) required removal of 2/3 of his small bowel (all of his ileum and half of his duodenum)
Illeostomy placement for 68 days and reanastomosis
ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) advanced to stage 2, zone 2 w/ plus disease that required extensive laser surgery in both eyes
Apnea of prematurity, A&B spells (apnea and bradycardia)
Numerous infections, anemia, jaundice
Numerous blood transfusions, IV's, 2 PIC lines, and a broviac line
94 days of oxygen treatment on a vent, bubble cpap, regular cpap, vapotherm and nasal canula
96 days in level 3 NICU
6 surgeries (PDA, NEC, broviac placement, reanastomosis/feeding tube placement, ROP laser, broviac removal)


Elijah has been through so much in his short life, yet he never fails to amaze me with his strength and glowing personality. Eli is truly one of God's little miracles.