There's no place like...

...Miami...at least for now! (You thought I was going to say "Home", right?) Good things are happening in Miami, though!!

There has been some talk about the "H" word- HOME!! After a blood transfusion last week, Rocco is taking all his bottles now and continuing to grow. The doctors and nurses are starting to prepare Steven and Kiki for bringing the little guy home. Word on the street is it could be as soon as next week!

In order to get home, Rocco needs to continue eating all his bottles, and continue to grow. He also needs to be infection-free (previously, he had an infection in his eyes that they want to make sure is cleared up). Kiki and Steven are learning how to take care of Rocco, although his medical needs will not be too different from a full term baby. They will also be preparing for his long trip back to Ohio...they will probably be driving home with him rather than flying.

Please pray for continued health and well being for Rocco, as well as guidance for Steven and Kiki while learning to care for him. Hope for good weather, easy travel arrangements, and a safe trip when it's time.

It has been a stressful but relatively easy journey for our little fighter. Seing other babies born in the NICU at similar ages brings to light the fact that so much more could have gone wrong but didn't. He was so lucky to have a mommy who took good care of herself while she was carrying him. They have been lucky to have skilled Doctors and Nurses who have cared for their entire family, and helped Rocco get closer to home each day. All of this has added up to the best possible outcomes for mommy and baby. Our family will be forever grateful for everyone's love and support through this roller coaster ride. There are no words or gestures to express our gratitude for all you've done. Please keep visiting, and stay tuned for "final plans"!!

One Last Plea...

The March of Dimes Walk is May 10th, and I'm still collecting money for a good cause. I hate to bother you all about this, especially since you're visiting the blog to check on Rocco and see him grow. I think this will be my last post about March of Dimes, because the deadline to turn in donations is coming up shortly, and I want to give everyone the opportunity to give if you haven't already done so.

So...
If your child was a preemie...
If You were a preemie...
If you know a preemie (and you all do)...
If you're grateful that you didn't have a preemie...
If you might someday have a preemie...
If you'd like to honor the medical professionals that care for preemies...
Or if you just think Rocco is a tough guy...

Consider giving to March of Dimes by clicking here, or using the box on the right.
Thank you all for your help.

As a challenge...I will post a highly embarassing and goofy picture of Steven when he was growing up IF three people donate in the next 48 hours...I'm not sure how I'll get aforementioned picture, but I do have some connections...If you want to help embarass Steven on the Internet, I encourage you to give, and give generously!!!

Thanks!
Jennifer "its-so-fun-being-Steven's-'sister'" Norch

And the winner is...

... The KELLEYs, who guessed April 13th, hitting the date right on the nose! (Yes, I know, I'm a little late in posting...there were taxes, a sick kid, and nice weather- all making it extremely hard to park my butt in front of a computer and update you all!) It's quite fitting that the Kelleys should win, especially since they are from Gourmet Club!!

Anyways, your prize is some adorable pictures of Rocco, taking a bottle and thinking about the yummy Gourmet Club Food...

...and a small donation to March of Dimes in your name! Super Cool!

Thank you all for taking part in Rocco's first contest! It has been fun watching him grow, and sharing with you all his progress. Hopefully he'll be home in the next month, and he'll weigh even more!! Keep visiting!!

A HUGE Thank You (from Me, not Steven!)

Thanks to all our friends and family, I have reached over $500 worth of pledges to March of Dimes! I am humbled by everyone's generosity and kindness. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Know that because of the generosity of you and other people like you, research is happening to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant death. I'm blaming everyone else for costing Steven $500, but it's money well spent! If you haven't given yet, and still wish to contribute, feel free to do so using the button on the right.

At last check, Rocco was 3 lbs, 14.6oz. He's gonna reach 4lbs within the next few days...who will win?? It's coming down to the wire...

Also, of interest for those in the Canton area...
A local group here is holding a poker tournament to benefit March of Dimes. I appreciate EVERYTHING everyone has done to support this cause that is near and dear to me and to our family. The poker tournament is a great way to give to an important cause while having fun and possibly winning a lot of $$$. Here's the 4-1-1:

What: March of Dimes Texas Hold 'Em tournament-first 200 tickets sold will have seats reserved for the tournament.
When: Friday, April 25th- doors open at 6:30, tournament starts at 7pm.
Where: Windsor Hall in Canton off Rt. 62
Cost: $40 buy-in with a one time re-buy allowed during the first hour of the tournament.
Payout: First place takes home $1500, with cash being paid through 10th place.

If you're interested, I can get you a ticket. Email me at jennifer@norch.com. Jason will be playing...and I'm thinking about it, too. I will probably sponsor one or two other people on the caveat that we split the winnings and part of it goes to March of Dimes. It's good fun for a good cause, so please consider it!

Again...thank you, thank you, thank you for all your generosity. -jennifer

If you think I'm cute...

...you're right!!



Dear family and friends,
Today was my first day trying to drink from a bottle. I took about a teaspoon of milk. I'm still a little young, but mommy and daddy hope I'll be a fast learner.

I'm growing and gaining weight, and now weigh 3lbs, 11.5oz. Who is going to win the contest? It's coming down to the wire!

I got some neighbors in the NICU, and apparently there's a little baby girl who could be my "girlfriend." I also have a little buddy who was just born at 28 weeks like me. Each night, we have a little "block party" once all the mommies and daddies leave for the night. We turn our lullabies on full blast, and kick back with some warm milk. Sometimes I find a cute nurse to hold and cuddle me. I'm hoping it's a trend that continues well into adult life...

I'm eager to get home and surprise you all with my charm and people skills. My reputation apparently precedes me. I love reading all your comments, and will keep them in my baby book for when I get older! Keep visiting!

Love, Rocco

Spa Day

Soaking in the Hot Tub

A Breath of Fresh Air

Rocco is doing well. He is gaining weight and growing. No, he's not up to 4 lbs. yet. When I talked to Steven on Tuesday, he was 3lbs, 5oz. Now's your chance if you haven't voted yet, because a lot of people guessed early dates.

The big change this week for Rocco is that he no longer needs oxygen to breathe. He was getting the tape changed on his nasal prongs, and the nurses and doctors decided to try the oxygen off. Rocco decided it was so much better not having tape on his face, and prongs in his nostrils, and air blowing in his nose all the time. I think I would have to agree with him! The reason he was on the oxygen to begin with was because he was having pauses in his breathing. He's not doing that with the oxygen off this time, so keep your fingers crossed that he will continue to behave.

So in baby steps Rocco is doing just what he needs to do to get home. He's 31 weeks now, and they are talking about letting him try nursing or taking a bottle in a week or two. He's chugging right along, and is on the right track to be home by the end of April or early part of May.

Getting new pictures has been a challenge because it takes a long time to transfer them the way Steven has to do it with his internet card or his phone or something. Nonetheless, if you want to see all the pictures I have so far, here's the place. I also have some video that I will try to edit and get up here, once I get home from my trip. Keep visiting!