Wednesday 11/19/08

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 2:57 AM, CST
Tuesday was a good day. John continues to gain weight. He is now 2364g (5 lbs 3.4 oz)! He is now nipple feeding every other meal. And his intake was increased to 47cc. We are also now doing "nutritive" breastfeeding. Hopefully, this won't cause him to lose or slow down in gaining weight.

John is also doing a great job at maintaining his temperature above 98 F. He has mastered the open crib.

And the heart rate and O2 drops continue to be less frequent, less intense. More importantly John continues to pull out of them without assistance.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:53 PM, CST

Today was another good day for John. We'll post details tomorrow....so exhausted. =P

Monday 11/17/08

Monday, November 17, 2008 10:51 PM, CST

John had a much better day today. He gained an ounce to 5 lbs 2 oz (2332g). He also drank his entire bottle the 3 times he bottle fed today! Not only that but he is waking up right before meal times and rooting. At one point he even attempted to eat his blanket (see pictures).

John continues to do a great job maintaining his temperature above 97.7 F.


The doctors have not added any new orders other than adding a multivitamin with one of his meals.

The heart rate and O2 drops have noticeably decreased in frequency, duration and intensity. And, more importantly, John is able to bring himself out of them the majority of the time.

Sunday 11/16/08

Sunday, November 16, 2008 10:23 PM, CST

A better day...

John had a much better day today. He gained one ounce up to 4 lbs 1 oz. Daddy bottle fed him in the morning. And he finished the entire bottle in the evening feeding after breast feeding for 10 minutes! He continues to have heart rate and O2 drops but thankfully they have noticeably decreased in frequency.

Sunday, November 16, 2008 10:29 PM, CST

Oops! Correction, he is up to 5 lbs 1 oz.

Saturday 11/15/08

Saturday, November 15, 2008 12:56 PM, CST

Saturday update - John continues to have multiple heart rate and O2 drops. They are happening more often, lasting longer, and dropping lower. Dad and Mom had a long discussion with the doctor, who ruled out neurological or cardiac issues and continues to focus on reflux and prematurity as the primary causes. We simply have to stay patient. On the plus side, John now weighs 5 pounds even!

Friday 11/14/08

Friday, November 14, 2008 11:50 PM, CST

A not terrible day...

John continues to have multiple heart rate and O2 drops. They are happening more often, lasting longer, and dropping lower. He needs stimulation more often than not and has even required "byblow" (blowing 100% oxygen near his mouth/nose) to get him out of some spells. The explanation continues to be reflux. His caffeine dose was increased to 12mL in the hopes that he might just have outgrown his original dose. The doctor stated this might explain why John is taking longer to come out of the episodes.

On the bright side:
He continues to gain weight; John's now up to 2206g (4 lbs 13.8 oz). His bottle feedings are progressing. He had 35cc in the evening feeding (over half his feeding). And he continues to be alert, tracking and interacting although he's not doing it as much as when he was in the isolette. His temperature continues to be above 97.7 F.

Please continue to keep our little Munchkin in your prayers... and his parents that they may be wise and strong advocates for him.

Thursday 11/13/08

Thursday, November 13, 2008 9:23 PM, CST

A hard day....

John was transfered to the open crib at midnight. He was able to maintain a decent temperature most of the day (97.2 - 98.3).

He also had his first eye exam today. It was to rule out any possible vision problems due to the premature birth. Everything looked normal. This, of course, is not a guarantee that John will not inherit Mommy or Daddy's myopia as he ages.

He gained a little weight up to 2166g (4 lbs 12 oz). Ideally he would be going up 1-2 oz every day. So his food intake was increased to 50cc. His morning nipple feeding was not too successful. However, he ate 30cc from the bottle during the 6 pm feeding!


Unfortunately, he continues to have multiple bad drops in heart rate and O2 levels probably caused by reflux. He had to be stimulated multiple times today. It's never a good feeling to see your child turn blue.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

P.S. Pictures are coming... as soon as we find the USB cord.

Wednesday 11/12/08

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 10:37 PM, CST

Not a bad day...

John ate 17cc and 16cc in the morning and night bottle feedings respectively. He had a harder time maintaining his temperature up today. He also had a few decelerations, including 4 after the 9pm feeding, where he needed stimulation. However, he is still alert and interacting with Mommy and tracking movements. He went up to 2149g (4 lbs 11.8 oz).

Today he would be 34 weeks gestation. So tomorrow, he will try the open crib again per doctor's orders. We are hopeful that he will be able to tolerate the colder room temperature better.

John spent quality time with Grandma this morning before she returned home.

Tuesday 11/11/08

Tuesday, November 11, 2008 9:20 PM, CST

A good and quiet day....

John continues with 3 nipple feedings a day. John is not the only one learning new skills. We are learning how to teach him to bottle feed since it's a lot harder than feeding a term baby. And John is doing a great job with his feedings. Sucking, swallowing and breathing is hard work for a preemie. Tonight, he had almost half his feeding in the bottle. All this eating is adding up, John is now up to 2145g (4 lbs 11.6 oz)!

His isolette temperature was also reduced this morning to 26 C (@ 78 F) almost room temperature. He did a good job maintaining his body temperature above 97.7 during the day. The next step will be trying the open crib again.

John also met his uncle Ivan today. It had to be through the NICU window since the rules limit who can go into the unit.

Monday 11/10/08

Monday, November 10, 2008 10:26 PM, CST

We are loving the good and quiet days!

John had his morning meal in a bottle again after which he promptly took out his feeding tube. And at noon we tried breastfeedi

ng. He did wonderfully! The plan is for three meals a day to be done by bottle/breastfeeding.

He is still having drops in heart rate and O2 levels, but the neonatologist mentioned he should hopefully be outgrowing them soon. He is also back on air temperature in the isolette and is able to wear clothes again.

His favorite nurse Tammie came back today after a few days off. Grandma and Mommy have determined John is a major flirt even at this age. He would lift his head and turn towards where Tammie was sitting whenever he heard her voice.

Sunday 11/09/08

Sunday, November 9, 2008 8:53 PM, CST

Today was another good and quiet day for John. He's no longer on the IV. His caffeine dose was increased by 1cc to help him through the heart rate and O2 level drops. He is still having them but less frequently and is able to pull out of them on his own... most of the time.

Our chunky monkey is now 2125g (4 lbs 10.4 oz), and his food intake was increased to 40cc. Today he also had his first bottle. He ate his entire morning meal using the bottle! We are also trying non-nutritive breast feeding once a day to help him get used to it.

Saturday 11/08/09

Saturday, November 8, 2008 10:17 PM, CST

Today was a better day for John. He is still on skin temp in the isolette and still needed stimulation once today for heart rate/breathing, but he is back on full feedings and looks better. We are hoping he has turned the corner on this latest dip. John has taken to cuddling his pacifier and gets upset when it is taken away. He was without a hat tonight and looked especially cute.

Friday 11/07/08

Friday, November 7, 2008 11:16 PM, CST

John is a little better tonight. His tests are still negative, and they are trying partial feedings to test his reaction. His Aunt Pauline held him tonight and he tolerated it for 15 minutes or so. He seemed more alert tonight. We still have a long way to go but tonight feels better.

Friday, November 7, 2008 11:18 PM, CST

P.S. John is now 4 pounds 8 ounces.

Thursday 11/06/08

Thursday, November 6, 2008 10:52 AM, CST
John had a rough night last night, requiring stimulation to re-start his breathing a few times. Hopefully this is reflux-related, the nurses are monitoring him closely.

Thursday, November 6, 2008 1:23 PM, CST

John has continued with heart rate drops along with low 02 levels. He is able to pull out of the majority on his own. The nurses are keeping a close eye on him. He is back on skin temperature in the isolette just to help him out a little more.

He did great during the noon kangaroo care session with Mommy with only one heart rate drop in over an hour. He continues to gain weight. He is now at a "hefty" 2015g (4lbs 7.1 oz). He looks a lot bigger than any of the other babies in the NICU, we just have to remember that he is still just 33 weeks gestation.

We might start trying bottle feeding as early as this weekend. He may not do so well at first until he gains strength.

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support. They make all the difference. If you have a moment, please also elevate a little prayer for John's little roommate (Aiden). He was having a really rough morning today.

Thursday, November 6, 2008 8:06 PM, CST

John is not feeling well this evening. So far the blood tests and x-rays they have run are negative but they suspect necrotizing of the intestines. They have halted feedings, started antibtiotics, put him on an IV and are doing x-rays and labs every 12 hours. Hopefully this will pass in couple of days if they caught it early enough, but for now no food.

11/04/08

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 8:40 PM, CST

John is looking and feeling better today. His residuals are down (trace to 2cc). His temperature is holding above 97.7. He is also continuing to gain weight (1967g).

It's been wonderful to see him interact with us again tracking and reacting to our voices. And after 4 days of almost no interest in his pacifier, he spent 30 minutes (with rests in between) sucking on his pacifier with absolutely no drops in O2 levels and heart rate!!!

Sneak Pee Attacks:
Mommy-2, John-6

Sneak Poop Attacks:
Mommy-0, John-1
(Mommy learned about projectile poop today.)

The NICU nurses revolted and made John his own political sign.

Monday 11/03/08

Monday, November 3, 2008 3:15 AM, CST

John had another quiet day Sunday. He rested most of the day with little disturbance. He still had a few decelerations and drops in O2 levels throughout the day; however, he would pull out of them on his own. By the 8 pm kangaroo care, John was a little more alert with eyes open, tracking and reacting to movement and the sound of voices. He had not been doing that for a couple of days. And by 10 pm, he was able to suck on his pacifier. That was the first skill he lost due to cold stress.

The nurse bathed John last night in the isolette to limit heat loss. He is also enjoying sleeping on his tummy. And the nurses have caught him "attempting" an isolette break. He is moving and "crawling" (scooting/wiggling) all over.

Mommy and Daddy could not have asked for a better anniversary present.

And we are almost ready for John at home. Uncle Jeff, Aunt Pauline, 'Bita Grandma and Daddy spent the weekend painting, organizing and preparing the nursery. It's looking great! Thanks! =)

Monday, November 3, 2008 5:21 PM, CST

Daddy spoke with the neonatologist oncall this morning (a new one). He discussed our concern about John being pushed to fast and then causing him to regress. The doctor placed an order not to try the open crib until he reaches 34 weeks gestation (10 days from now). Although he did leave it open for consideration as John improves.

John did a lot better during noon kangaroo care with great numbers and little reflux. And by 3pm, he was awake, playing with his feeding tube and reacting to our voices. He is still not where he was 4 days ago, but it's a huge improvement from the weekend!

He continues to gain weight (1917g).

Mommy and Daddy are thrilled and hopeful. Of course, we are now considered "problem" parents. But whatever it takes! =)

Saturday 11/01/08

Saturday, November 1, 2008 3:32 AM, CDT

John continues in the isolette under skin temperature. He did gain weight which is a positive sign (1878g). However, he has several episodes (heart rate drops/low O2 levels) where his skin color has changed and has needed stimulation from the nurse. His residuals are also back up.

We are awaiting the call from the RN practitioner to discuss his current status and the plan of care for the next couple of days.

Saturday, November 1, 2008 11:16 AM, CDT

We discussed John's condition with the neonatologist this morning, and she believes his episodes are solely related to "cold stress" from the crib. She agreed with Daddy that he should get a couple of days to gain strength before the open crib was tried again. His temperature is back to normal and he is being closely monitored for any sign of infection.

Saturday, November 1, 2008 11:32 PM, CDT

After a day of rest, John is doing much better. He is still lethargic and having a few drops in heart rate and O2 levels. But by the 9 pm feeding they were fewer and far between. And he was able to pull out of the majority of them on his own. His temperature is also much better at 98.4. He is also back to air temperature in the isolette. And residuals are back to low numbers (trace to 2 cc). John also continues to gain weight (1908g); at this rate, he will fill out in no time.

So Mommy and Daddy are hopeful that the next 3-4 days in the isolette will make a huge difference in his overall health.

Thank you for all your prayers.

Friday 10/31/08

Friday, October 31, 2008 4:13 PM, CDT

John is back on the open crib as of 9 this morning. He did pretty well keeping his temp above 97.7. There were a few scary moments for Mommy where his heart rate and O2 levels dropped very low because of his reflux. As soon as his head was elevated his levels evened out. And his intake has been increased to 37 cc.

John has been moved to a different room in the NICU because they are so full. He will be rooming with a 28-week baby. It will be a little more quiet in the new room. Hopefully, he will like it since he does not like it when the other babies cry.

Friday, October 31, 2008 10:37 PM, CDT

Well, this is one of those steps back.

John is back in the isolette on skin temperature (the isolette warms according to his skin temperature needs). At the 6pm feeding, his temperature had dropped to 96.1! By the 9 pm feeding, his temperature had only risen to 96.8, still not good.

Another concern was that he looked unwell. In fact, both times he has been in the open crib he has been less active. Today, he didn't even really wake up much at all even after diaper changes. (Previously he had been more active and interacting more.)

We have asked to speak with both the RN practitioner (at 4am) and the neonatologist later in the morning. We hope that this is only a sign that he has been pushed too much too fast rather than a sign of something else wrong. For now, we are going to push to keep him in the isolette for a couple more days and possibly running some tests to eliminate any possible infections.

Please continue to keep John in your prayers. The poor little baby had a bad day... he is trying so hard.

10/30/08

Thursday, October 30, 2008 8:57 AM, CDT
Ruth had a small scare last night when the on call doctor told her to come in to be checked out for a potential blood clot. After spending hours in the ER we were glad to hear that she had no clot and would be fine.

When leaving we dropped by the NICU and found them moving John to an open crib because his weight exceeds 1800 grams (3 pounds 15 ounces) and he is controlling his own temperature. He looks very cute in the preemie Halloween outfits he has gotten, which the nurses seem to like.

Thursday, October 30, 2008 8:29 PM, CDT

John is back in the isolette as of this evening. He was having a bit of trouble keeping his temperature up. And he had a little more reflux and residual that were causing drops in O2 levels and heart rate.

However, John did great during kangaroo care with Daddy tonight. And his levels are back up now that he is in the isolette. The nurses had warned that this was a trial run to see how he tolerated it.

For now he is going to continue to relax and strengthen in the isolette and try the open crib at a later time. It's all part of the NICU roller coaster.We are blessed that overall John is doing well. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. =)

Monday 10/27/08

Monday, October 27, 2008 3:00 AM, CDT

John had some issues with decelerations and low O2 levels during Kangaroo care last night. He was able to resolve them on his own which was a good sign. However, Mommy stressed out just watching it happen.

On the bright side, he is showing signs of rooting. And he is starting to suck on his pacifier while also remembering to breathe!

Oh, and he is now on room air temperature! He is maintaining his temperature up on his own!!!

We are so proud of our little boy!

Monday, October 27, 2008 1:32 PM, CDT

Well, John continues to amaze. At the noon kangaroo care session John started rooting as soon as he was placed on Mommy's chest. So at the nurse's suggestion, we placed him at Mommy's breast... and he took to it!!! He only suckled a few times, but he would NOT let go until he fell asleep almost 45 minutes later. And, little super start that he is, his stats were amazing. No deceleratio

ns. No drops in O2 levels. He is not supposed to be doing this for another 2-4 weeks!!! Way to go John!

As to Mommy, she is doing well. So well, in fact, that the doctor did not recognize her from when she last saw her at the hospital. (Scary to think how bad Mommy must have looked.) Mommy's iron is at a level not expected for a few more weeks (anemia almost gone) and her incision is looking great.

Sunday 10/26/08

Sunday, October 26, 2008 1:14 PM, CDT

Daddy had kangaroo care this morning. John is up to 3 pounds 12 ounces - almost back to birth weight. He is still breathing without a C-Pap or assistance and is correcting his own apnea moments. He is about 2 weeks from trying nipple feeding. No evident intestinal issues.