At just 19 weeks old, Beau has already shown a resilience and courage that inspire everyone around him. Today, he weighs 8 pounds and 8.7 ounces—a small number to many, but a monumental milestone for this tiny fighter who has battled more in his short life than most experience in years. Every gram gained, every ounce consumed, is a triumph not only of his strength but of the unwavering dedication of his family and medical team.
Beau’s journey is marked by careful management and constant vigilance. He remains on NIPPV, with his oxygen needs slightly fluctuating between 26% and 29% FiO₂, and his TCOM at around 55.9. These numbers, while technical, represent the delicate balance of life and care in the NICU. They remind us that survival at this stage is never guaranteed, yet each stable reading is a victory worth celebrating.
Nutrition has always been a critical component of Beau’s care. Today, his feeds increased to 62ml (2.10 oz), marking the first time he has taken more than 2 ounces per feed. This milestone is more than a number—it is a step forward in growth, a signal that his body is gaining strength and thriving despite the challenges. As his diuretics were slightly weaned, the need for sodium, potassium, and chloride supplementation decreased, another sign that his system is adjusting and growing stronger. Each adjustment, each careful calculation, reflects the precision, knowledge, and dedication of the NICU staff who tirelessly monitor his every need.
Therapy sessions are another testament to Beau’s courage. Physical and occupational therapists saw him today, and he scored an impressive 8 on his BSRI, showing remarkable tolerance to handling and therapeutic interventions. For a baby this tiny, each session is a test of strength, patience, and resilience. Beau’s ability to engage with these therapies demonstrates not only his physical capability but also his determination to thrive.
Eyes, often overlooked in routine updates, tell their own story. Beau had another eye exam today, and thankfully, the severe ROP and Plus disease in both eyes remain undetected. For his family, this is a profound relief, a reminder that their baby’s journey is one of slow but steady progress and that even in the midst of uncertainty, there are moments of hope and celebration.
December 2, 2025, brought further progress. Beau remained stable, continuing on NIPPV with FiO₂ at 28-29%. He scored an 8 on his BSRI again, reinforcing the consistency of his resilience. Plans for labs and a full evaluation by the BPD team are underway, with the possibility of weaning his respiratory support or even a trial transition to CPAP later this week. Each step is carefully considered, a balance between caution and the desire to see Beau grow stronger and more independent.
Amid the medical routines, there are moments of profound human connection. Tonight, Beau’s dad helped with his bath for the very first time. The experience was simple, yet monumental—watching Beau wide awake, eyes opening to the world, soaking in every sensation. In these small interactions, the essence of life and growth is visible: curiosity, awareness, and the beginnings of personality shining through the fragility of a premature infant.
Beau’s journey is a reminder that miracles often unfold not in dramatic leaps, but in incremental steps. Every ounce gained, every feed tolerated, every therapy session completed, every smile, and every blink is a triumph. It is a story of patience, vigilance, and unwavering love. It is a story of parents who refuse to give up, of a medical team that balances science and care with compassion, and of a tiny baby whose courage inspires everyone around him.
In Beau’s story, we see that growth is not measured only in pounds or milliliters, but in determination, resilience, and the courage to fight each day. Every milestone, no matter how small it seems, is a victory. Every tiny achievement is a step toward a brighter, healthier future. Beau is more than a patient—he is a symbol of hope, a testament to human perseverance, and a reminder that even the smallest lives can leave the largest impact.