Down the Stretch He Comes...

Nine weeks after his mother was admitted to the hospital, five weeks before he was due and almost four weeks since he was born, Oliver Gibson Speight has hit his stride. On a weekend when thousands ran the NYC Marathon, Oliver set the pace for NICU babies by sprinting towards discharge.

Around midnight on Friday, Oliver pulled his nasal cannula out of his nose and ripped it almost completely off his face. His nurses, convinced by his conviction, decided to let the boy decide that he'd had enough. They turned off his oxygen and Oliver has thrived.

His feedings (all by bottle) are steady and improving. His night nurse just told me that he finished most of his overnight bottles in 10 minutes and has shown no signs of trouble. He is gaining weight (5 pounds now) and regulating his temperature just fine. The King of the NICU is looking more like a regular baby with each passing day.

Many of you have been praying for Oliver and his fighting spirit to prevail. With those prayers answered, you might consider turning your prayers to his nervous parents because the real challenge is about to begin. Baby Oliver is coming home soon!

Barring the unforeseen, Oliver will move to Brooklyn some time later this week. Mom and Dad, totally not ready but as ready as they will ever be, are finally allowing themselves to believe it.

It's happening, Oliver, you did it. Don't stop now...