Chapter 5: Week Five

Sunday 4/1/12

Sunday-Tuesday
I feel like a bit of a slacker for summing up three days in one entry, but it's because I'm pleased to report no major developments.  So far, Isaac has been having a really good week.  His oxygen levels have been pretty stable; they've been able to slowly decrease the pressure on his oscillator, which hopefully means his lungs are finally starting to develop.  His lung x-rays today also looked a bit clearer on Tuesday than previously, which means he hasn't had any fluid building up like before (yay!).  He had a kidney ultrasound done Monday, and we were told on Tuesday that the results were good, showing normal kidney function.

The only change in status in the last couple days is a decrease in his calcium levels (and therefore an increase in phosphorus).  Isaac has been put on vitamin D to aid in calcium absorption, as well as a two day round of Lasix to help balance his electrolyte levels.

Our biggest excitement, however short-lived it may be, is the removal of all his IV lines.  He still has the oxygen and feeding tubes of course, but no longer needs the PICC line ( http://picclinenursing.com/picc_why.html ) since he's on full food now and doesn't need the TPN feedings anymore.  His foot IV seemed to clot on it's own, even with the heparin, so the nurse took it out, and they're giving him some time to rest without any IVs.  Chances are, they'll need to reinsert one some time again in the future for more blood draws and medication administration, but it's nice to see him with total freedom of all his fingers and toes without tape and bandages for a few days.

We're thankful for four good days in a row, and are still hoping and praying that Daddy can hold him on Saturday!


Wednesday

One month ago, Aaron and I experienced the most terrifying weekend of our lives; we thought we were going to lose our son.  Today we have great reason to celebrate.  Isaac is officially one month old!!!

Our little boy is now 2 lb, 4 oz (which is one full pound higher than his lowest weight, a few days after birth), and he's grown half an inch longer.

How big is Isaac?

So big!

He's doing well on his feeds, is improving on his oxygen saturation, and keeping the nurses very, very busy.  Earlier today, he decided that he no longer needs his O2 tube, so he self extubated (grabbed it and yanked it out).  Thankfully, his staff is swift and they were able to retube him quickly, using lots of tape to hold it in.  Their new task is to constantly find ways to keep his hands away from his oxygen and feeding tubes, but he keeps proving to be quite crafty and finding ways around them.

Mr. Mischief, seemingly innocent and sleeping

He also seems to be learning a variety of facial and body expressions.

It wasn't me!

Now I'm angry.  Roar!

 I love you.

Hehe, that was funny.

We just can't get enough of our little boy.  We love all of him, from head to toe!

Happy birthday, Isaac.  It's been an amazing month.  We love you so much, and look forward to seeing what the next month will bring.  Hugs!!!

Thursday/Friday

We're glad to report no major news or changes.  We're still crossing our fingers, saying prayers, and holding our breath for a good day tomorrow.  Please please please let tomorrow be a good day so that Daddy can finally hold his son.

Saturday

YES!  Today was the day!  Isaac's oxygen levels had been swinging a little bit at our visit last night, so his night nurse told us not to get our hopes too high for Aaron to do kangaroo care today, but thankfully Isaac stabilized solidly through the night Friday and all day Saturday, so all signs were good to go.  We called ahead to make sure that we were still approved, and by the time we arrived, Isaac's nurse and respiratory therapist had him all set up and ready to cuddle.

Ready for Daddy!

Giddy with excitement

First big hug

Happy Boys

I love my Daddy!

Getting sleepy

Sound asleep in Daddy's arms

Waking up and grabbing tubes

What a great ending to a great week!  Lots of love!