June 30, 2011

My intent for the blog today is to give you a quick update and then inundate you with cute photos we took today . . . I hope you don't mind :)
Peter now weighs 5 lbs, 4 oz. He did well for about one day on the 2 liters of flow and then started to have some retractions when he was breathing (imagine the little area at the base of your neck sucking in every time you breathe). This is just an indication that he isn't quite ready to be weaned back this far yet. So, we're back to 3 liters. We are disappointed, but want what is best for the little man . . . also, the doctors aren't concerned . . . they just want to make sure that he isn't stressed out and can focus all his effort on healthy breathing rather than working so hard. We'll try 2 liters again in a few days and hopefully we'll be able to move forward. Peter continues to do well with the bottle feedings. He has completed all of his feedings (except one where he completed 3/4 before zonking out) with the bottle. Unfortunately, the breathing transition caused some of the fast breathing he was experiencing before so he only got his bottle once today. It was so sad because he woke up for each of his feedings and clearly wanted the bottle . . . but, a finger and tube feeding had to suffice :(

Now, on to the pictures . . .

SOOOOOOO BIG!

My pacifier keeps trying to get away from me . . .

I really want my bottle, but I guess this will have to do . . .

That's what I think of this "no bottle" thing . . .
Seriously, I'm just too cute for words . . .

See, I told you I was too cute for words . . .

OK, I'm done now . . .

June 28, 2011

That's our big boy with his first bottle . . . I think he liked it as all the nurses were completely shocked that he drank his entire feeding on the first try . . . Yay Peter! Peter's weight is up to 5 lbs, 2 oz and he is 18" long.

We had some exciting conversations with Dr Mohsini today . . . she is making some changes to Peter's care. She weaned him back to 2 liters of flow and authorized his first bottle feeding. We decided to go the bottle route rather than the breastfeeding route as learning to breastfeed takes longer and we don't want that to be the reason Peter stays in the NICU longer (we're not giving up though!) In addition, Dr Mohsini broached the subjects of the car seat test, the hepatitis B vaccination and circumcision. These conversations are all something the nurses told us to watch for as we move closer to Peter going home . . . we know he has a couple more weeks in the NICU, but we are finally feeling like there might be an end in sight . . .
Speaking of sight . . . Peter has his second eye exam (there is a concern with preemies that they may have eye problems . . .these problems can be exacerbated by increased needs for oxygen support). Peter's eye are immature, but appear normal other than that. This is exactly the diagnosis we want . . . obviously his eyes are immature, he is really only 35 weeks corrected age (corrected age means how old Peter is based on his conception - we'll use the corrected age until he is almost two years old - he may catch up before then, but his pediatrician won't expect him to meet his milestones based on his actual age, but his gestational age). Peter hasn't received much additional oxygen support. He does tend to fluctuate between 21% (room air, so no additional oxygen support) and 23% minuscule oxygen support (sometimes he has oxygen desaturations that require a little additional support . . . this is really the only assistance Peter needs to give up before he can move to a crib (and out the door!) There may be a total of one hour each day where the nurses bump up Peter's oxygen. We can't wait for his need for oxygen to disappear as once the nasal cannula is gone, Peter gets to wear clothes everyday . . . we love our little naked baby, but he looks so handsome all dressed up.
Grandpa Flesher got to have some snuggle time with Peter . . . it was tough for Grandma to share, but she finally relented right before they headed back to Illinois

June 27, 2011

That' right folks, our baby officially weighs as much as a bag of flour . . .

Peter reached a whopping 5 pounds today . . .

June 25, 2011

Warning: Possible offensive material to include words such as breast, latch and nipple . . .

read at your own risk!

I'll start off with the tame stuff . . . Peter's weight is up to 4 lbs, 13 oz. We're only a few ounces shy of 5 pounds . . .what an exciting day that will be! Peter is still doing very well on 3 liters of air. He is also tolerating the NG tube for his feedings . . . don't get me wrong . . . he still pulls the tube out at every possible moment, but this one is a little more difficult to remove.

Speaking of feeding . . . Peter started breastfeeding "for real" yesterday. He was somewhat hesitant about the process, but after being introduced to the wonderful world of nipple shields he latched on like a champ. He only had the stamina to last about 5 minutes both times, but the nurses, lactation consultant and mommy & daddy were REALLY proud! As Peter is tiny, his "suck" ability is limited. The nipple shield is a little piece of silicone that covers the nipple and helps to create a vacuum to get things "flowing." From the point forward, Peter will be given the opportunity to breastfeed prior to his tube feeding (thus making sure he is hungry). If he eats for 5 minutes or less, he still gets his full feeding (which is up to 41ml, by the way). If he eats for 6-10 minutes, he gets 75% . . . 11-15 minutes, he gets 50% . . . etc, etc, etc . . . we'll probably only need the nipple shield for a week or so until he masters the process and gets a little more jaw strength. It is amazing how much development these little babies gain every day! We will exclusively practice breast feeding for one full week (starting yesterday) and then, if he is really doing well, we'll introduce the bottle as well (for when I am unavailable - like at the 3:00am feeding). Once Peter proves that he can eat steadily and continue to gain weight on his own, they will remove the feeding tube for good . . . .

We are feeling very encouraged by Peter's progress this week. We are fully aware that our little guy could experience a setback at any time. However, all the signs are pointing toward him coming home prior to his original due date (July 29). I'm hoping to celebrate my birthday with Peter at home this year. I always told Brad . . . "if we don't have a baby by the time I'm 35, we won't be having any children" . . . I guess Peter knew that and just wanted to make Mommy happy as I will be 36 on July 19. What a sweet boy!

June 24, 2011

When I arrived at the hospital this morning, Dr Chai was doing rounds and had just moved to Peter's area. He decided it was time to try to wean Peter down to 3 liters of "flow" again . . . he is doing marvelously thus far. Hopefully this trend will continue. He is keeping him on lasix for the time being, but thinks he will most likely no longer need it by the time he comes home. The happy consequence of 3 liters is that Peter's feeding tube has been moved from his mouth (OG) to his nose (NG). This should make it easier for Peter to latch on when breastfeeding (crossing our fingers). Peter does have a bit of a diaper rash that is causing him some trouble. I would share a picture of his new diaper configuration that allows the area to "breathe" but I think it might embarrass him! We are using some special cream to help the area heal. The cream is also soothing which Peter likes as diaper changes are uncomfortable for him. Dr Chai assures us that "the bottom will be fine"
Grandma and Grandpa Flesher arrived around 5:00 from Illinois today. They were here when Peter was born, but haven't seen him in person since. It is safe to say that both Grandma and Grandpa are in love with the little man!

June 23, 2011

Brad and I make it a point to try and be present for Peter's 9:00pm assessment every day. There are several assessments throughout the day and we are there for many of them . . . However, the 9:00pm assessment is when Peter gets weighed each day . . . I am slightly embarrassed to admit that we had a bit of a celebratory fist pump last night because Peter weighed in at 4 lbs, 9 oz . . . that means he has gained 2 pounds since the day he was born!!!
Peter is becoming more aware of his surroundings every day. He likes to look around and definitely responds to our voices. He is an amazing little guy (obviously I am biased, but I think you would agree if you met him)

June 22, 2011

What a Big Boy!

Today Peter is one month old . . . we are so proud of our little man . . . he has accomplished so much in such a short period of time!

We have had two exciting things happen in the past few days . . . . First, the broviac is O-U-T!!!! It only took the surgeon a few short minutes to remove the central line . . . we are so glad he could accommodate us in his busy schedule (note the sarcasm in case it wasn't apparent). Also, Peter got a birthday surprise from the nurses and was able to move in to a grow room. This means he no longer requires acute care. Peter is in a room with 4 other babies who are in the "grow" stage. They don't require much intervention, but just need time to grow and jump over any minimal hurdles they still have left (Peter's would be his breathing issues). We are encouraged by this relocation. Peter has been reunited with two of his former nursery mates, Chloe and Cameron . . . fun times!