So after 21 long weeks of emotional, physical and mental roller coasters, terms like septic work-up, bilirubin, pda, rop, cbc, cp, ot, pt, ivh and list gets longer have now passed us, somewhat! JONATHAN is home where he should be! He is doing great he has no tube, no wires, no oxygen and no monitors. O.k so I will admit it was a bit nerve wrecking our first night, I was constantly checking him but everything went great. When he was discharged our only concern was his feeding and that he was losing weight a big no-no, so we all agreed to see what he would do when he got home and hope and pray he would just take off and gain weight. The doctors made arrangements for a visiting nurse to come see us once a week and his first pediatrician appt would be the 19th two days after he came home to check weight and make sure he is not losing or we could have to put a tube in him so we could feed him through that (I think not). So we went to his ped appt. and he was 9lbs 2 ozs the doc was so surprised that he was 9lbs he said to us (me and the two grandmas) that he thought Jonathan would be around 5lbs! He said preemies don't get on the growth chart but Jonathan is in the 25th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for length! So our gaol is from here to just keep putting the weight on him, the doc was very impressed with him! Then came our visiting nurse, when she first arrived she said to me looking at Jonathan I must be at the wrong house because he doesn't look like a preemie he is huge (I just have to laugh. I love it!!) She came on Monday and he was still 9lbs 2ozs that's o.k hes maintaining his weight. Then the ped appt Tues. 22 his weight 9lbs 4ozs the doc said well he is doing everything great! The visiting nurse came back on the 25th and he is up to 9lbs 7ozs!!!
so everything is going great, I have to admit that the feeding thing gets to me sometimes I start worrying so much it seems I am always sticking a bottle or breast in his mouth, I get so wrapped up and think oh no is he gaining weight and yes I log every cc that goes into his belly and he is pretty consistent however I don't count the breastfeeding time cause I have no idea how much he gets but I know its just a snack (for now till I can bring my supply back up)! During the day Jonathan is a snacker eating every three hours plus a snack or two in the middle of those three hours, at night I wake him up every three and he eats very good almost always asleep through those. He stays awake all morning with a two or three naps of a whole 20-25 mins but is fast asleep around 7pm and up at 6am ready for the day, he is such a big boy!! He was a bit shocked at his new surroundings and these two big things that run around and bark, he didn't care for his swing or anything but his bassinet and of course being held! He now enjoys his swing for about 1/2 hour but not a bit longer! He is very squirmy doesn't like to be still except when he is sleeping thank goodness, he starting to roll over he will get about half way then roll back, he likes his bottles warm not cool and of course not hot and trust me he will let you know if its not to his liking, he will get that nipple out of his mouth he will close his mouth and not let anything near there till you warm it up and put a little drop on his lip and then he will let you know if its o.k! I have no idea where he got his stubborness:) He poops and pees great I think he had christened everywhere in the living room!
He will be getting p.t twice a week to help his neck muscles he really favors his right side so we need to work with him on his left, we have a visiting nurse once a week we see his pediatrician once a week, he has eye appt every two week, he see the cardiologist next month and he will be going to an audiologist next month! So the appts. don't stop but I think we are all handling it well because its a lot better than being in the hospital!!
And yes we have been keeping in touch with our nurses (Kim and Jennifer) we do miss them a lot but we know we can visit them! So that is all for now!
LOVE you all
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Jonathan is going HOME!!!!!
can you believe what I just said but its true our NICU roller coaster is finally over we are taking him home tomorrow the 17th!! Also Jonathan requires no oxygen or feeding tube he is doing everything himself! We need to work on his feedings but he'll get it cause his daddy has no problems eating so I am sure he won't either:) On a sad note I am so upset at my ob doctor she did the circumcision and it required 3 stitches not to worry though everything will still work, they just got a blood vessel that wouldn't stop bleeding. he is such a trooper he didn't really react to anything just give him sugar water on his paci and he was set! His mommy was more upset than him. Justin and I have waited 21 weeks for this day and its here it is a bitter sweet good bye to some of the greatest nurses especially our 2 primaries Kim and Jennifer however I think jonathan is going to be apart of their lives for a very long time. I think we convinced kim to watch him for a wedding in August, I told her I would just go to the ceramony and she said if she watches him I have to go to the reception too! Well we have a ways to go for august for me to think about that! So my next blog will be about him home!!YAHOOOOOOO
P.s We thank you all for you continued prayers! We also know we couldn't have made it this far without GOD he really protected Jonathan and kept him safe!
P.s We thank you all for you continued prayers! We also know we couldn't have made it this far without GOD he really protected Jonathan and kept him safe!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Keep eating big guy!
O.k where do I start. Jonathan is no longer on oxygen except for feedings but even then he is sometimes not on that, so to say the least he is doing great! He is gaining weight 8lbs 8ozs (he's a chunk) he is still on diuretics for his blood pressures but his bp's are great! So the "only thing" we are waiting for is him to eat from all bottles and then we can go home!!!! I just said go home I never thought I would be able to say that it feels wonderful, this experience is something I never want to do again to say the least, our little boy is a miracle indeed and I thank GOD everyday for him. Parents often take their kids for granted but instead you should kiss your child and thank GOD their healthy full term kids our road doesn't stop when we get home either. For the next year and a half we have to be hermits from Sept thru April, we can't use baby powder, vicks vapor rub, we have to even be careful of the stuff we clean house with anything that could be harmful to his lungs! We have become the biggest germaphobs washing our hands after everything I even limit myself to petting the dogs because I know when I'm done I have to wash my hands we are going to buy surgical face mask for the just in case I might be coming down with something so Jonathan doesn't get it! I am just really happy we got through our first winter yes it was in the hospital but it make a huge difference coming home during spring than the winter! Well just keep us in your prayers for a continued success at bottle and breast feedings so WE CAN GO HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Jonathan is a big boy
March 18th
Well there's a lot that has happened sorry it's been awhile but things are moving in the right direction!!!
Jonathan has had a thyroid test and it came back great. He has had high blood pressures for about a month so the doctors wanted to check his kidneys and heart both are great praise GOD! So the doctors will start him on diuretics(sp?) and he has been on those for about a week! His bp has been very good since starting his meds. Other good news Kim is back as of the 10th (she was gone for a month) we couldn't be happier! Thank you for all your prayers for her! Jonathan had his first bath he was a bit shocked but seemed to like it! And the biggest news Jonathan is OFF CPAP and on nasal cannula full time he is doing great he has had it off for 4 days! He is on 21% oxygen which is room air so it looks like he may be coming home with no oxygen but we will have to wait and see! Tomorrow I get to try breastfeeding again and if all goes good he should be coming home the first week in April! I can't believe it it has been a journey but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! GOD has really watched over our baby because we just keep seeing babies that are having 3 to 5 surgeries and all thou we have had one we just praise god that that is all he has needed! Some of the nurses are just amazed that he has needed no eye surgeries babies born at 25 week gestation almost always need some kind of surgery but as of last Tuesday his eyes are great! So again thank you to all that have kept Jonathan in your prayers because I know if it weren't for them we would not be able to say how great he is doing! I love you all and can't wait to show him off!!
Jonathan is now 7lbs 15oz's remember when he was born he was 1lb 12oz's he is a big boy!!
Well there's a lot that has happened sorry it's been awhile but things are moving in the right direction!!!
Jonathan has had a thyroid test and it came back great. He has had high blood pressures for about a month so the doctors wanted to check his kidneys and heart both are great praise GOD! So the doctors will start him on diuretics(sp?) and he has been on those for about a week! His bp has been very good since starting his meds. Other good news Kim is back as of the 10th (she was gone for a month) we couldn't be happier! Thank you for all your prayers for her! Jonathan had his first bath he was a bit shocked but seemed to like it! And the biggest news Jonathan is OFF CPAP and on nasal cannula full time he is doing great he has had it off for 4 days! He is on 21% oxygen which is room air so it looks like he may be coming home with no oxygen but we will have to wait and see! Tomorrow I get to try breastfeeding again and if all goes good he should be coming home the first week in April! I can't believe it it has been a journey but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! GOD has really watched over our baby because we just keep seeing babies that are having 3 to 5 surgeries and all thou we have had one we just praise god that that is all he has needed! Some of the nurses are just amazed that he has needed no eye surgeries babies born at 25 week gestation almost always need some kind of surgery but as of last Tuesday his eyes are great! So again thank you to all that have kept Jonathan in your prayers because I know if it weren't for them we would not be able to say how great he is doing! I love you all and can't wait to show him off!!
Jonathan is now 7lbs 15oz's remember when he was born he was 1lb 12oz's he is a big boy!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Hard Day
March 3 2008
Today is Jonathan and Prestons original due date (40 weeks) It has been very hard thinking that I should have both my boys in my arms, healthy and happy! I shouldn't have to worry who's taking care of Jonathan and if he's o.k because they would both be in their crib and I would be taking care of them not different nurses!I often wonder why, but I do believe GOD has a plan and he knows what he is doing!
Well its been awhile but things are starting to look brighter! On the 22nd Feb. the doctors lowered his peep to 6 so the pressure of air is still there just not as strong, sat. 23rd he required ppv (bagging) so the doctors will start him back on caffeine,its just taking Jonathan a bit longer to remember to breathe. The 24th the docs decided to keep him on cpap because of his incident and we will just go day by day! The 25th I held him for 1hr on nasal cannula and he did great but putting him back on cpap was heart wrenching he turned red, cried and was so upset it broke my heart!After he was back on cpap I held him and he did o.k.Another eye exam on the 26th and his eyes are great but they do continue to watch them until 50 weeks! Jonathan needed ppv (bagging) on the 27th it actually happened when Justin and I came in his room it happened so fast, so scary! Jonathan has been seeing a o.t every day m-f for an hour she can't really do anything with him but she has showed us some exercises to work on with him because babies are born really early preemies have a higher chance of developing cerebral palsy! Well I have been holding Jonathan on nasal for 1 hour and he is doing excellent, I keep him on his belly and he has been moving his head and the o.t is very pleased that he is working his neck muscle which is a good sign. On the 29th I was holding Jonathan on his belly, his head on my chest. The o.t said eventually she would like to see him pick his head up and turn to the other side but she said since he has been on his back for so long with not a lot of tummy time its going to take time!! Jonathan however did it just as she described, the o.t was very pleased and surprised, he is such a big boy! On the 1st of March the docs increased the nasal time to 2 hours and he did great! On the 2nd the docs increased his nasal time to 2 hours 2x's a day once in the morning and once on midnights as of today the 3rd he is doing great! Oh yea he is 7lbs and 1 oz and looks cuter then ever!
Today is Jonathan and Prestons original due date (40 weeks) It has been very hard thinking that I should have both my boys in my arms, healthy and happy! I shouldn't have to worry who's taking care of Jonathan and if he's o.k because they would both be in their crib and I would be taking care of them not different nurses!I often wonder why, but I do believe GOD has a plan and he knows what he is doing!
Well its been awhile but things are starting to look brighter! On the 22nd Feb. the doctors lowered his peep to 6 so the pressure of air is still there just not as strong, sat. 23rd he required ppv (bagging) so the doctors will start him back on caffeine,its just taking Jonathan a bit longer to remember to breathe. The 24th the docs decided to keep him on cpap because of his incident and we will just go day by day! The 25th I held him for 1hr on nasal cannula and he did great but putting him back on cpap was heart wrenching he turned red, cried and was so upset it broke my heart!After he was back on cpap I held him and he did o.k.Another eye exam on the 26th and his eyes are great but they do continue to watch them until 50 weeks! Jonathan needed ppv (bagging) on the 27th it actually happened when Justin and I came in his room it happened so fast, so scary! Jonathan has been seeing a o.t every day m-f for an hour she can't really do anything with him but she has showed us some exercises to work on with him because babies are born really early preemies have a higher chance of developing cerebral palsy! Well I have been holding Jonathan on nasal for 1 hour and he is doing excellent, I keep him on his belly and he has been moving his head and the o.t is very pleased that he is working his neck muscle which is a good sign. On the 29th I was holding Jonathan on his belly, his head on my chest. The o.t said eventually she would like to see him pick his head up and turn to the other side but she said since he has been on his back for so long with not a lot of tummy time its going to take time!! Jonathan however did it just as she described, the o.t was very pleased and surprised, he is such a big boy! On the 1st of March the docs increased the nasal time to 2 hours and he did great! On the 2nd the docs increased his nasal time to 2 hours 2x's a day once in the morning and once on midnights as of today the 3rd he is doing great! Oh yea he is 7lbs and 1 oz and looks cuter then ever!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Sorry its been so long
Feb 11-19th
Jonathan has/is doing excellent he is gaining he is now 6lbs 3ozs, he is still on cpap however it has been 1 week as of today(19th) at 5a.m with no bradys which means no bagging!!!!! He had an eye exam on the 12th and still immature which the docs say that usually if they have an eye problem we would see it by now so we hope and pray it stays that way! they have increased his milk over the last week and as of today he is up to 53 ccs every 3 hours this little guy can eat! The doctors were going to start weaning his cpap pressure down this week but he is doing really good and he is growing and his lungs and trachea are healing so they are just going to postpone it till this friday then they may start weaning him. Just today he is starting to throw tempertantrums he would fuss and we would give him his paci and he would fall asleep just to us pulling out his paci he would throw his little arms up and start crying this happened for 2 hours, he's fiesty! We also met his pediatrician today he seems really nice he actually came up to the hospital which the nurses say rarely happen so when we do go home we will have to see him the very next day!So Jonathan is doing good and we now pray that he continues to grow get stronger and come home!!
p.s
on a very sad note our favorite nurse kim will not be back for a couple weeks it has been very hard but I have been praying not only for Jonathan but also for Kim, she had a complication with her surgery and ended up in i.c.u she went home a day later however she is back in the hospital with a blood clot, so please when you pray for Jonathan tonight please include Kim she really is our angel!
Jonathan has/is doing excellent he is gaining he is now 6lbs 3ozs, he is still on cpap however it has been 1 week as of today(19th) at 5a.m with no bradys which means no bagging!!!!! He had an eye exam on the 12th and still immature which the docs say that usually if they have an eye problem we would see it by now so we hope and pray it stays that way! they have increased his milk over the last week and as of today he is up to 53 ccs every 3 hours this little guy can eat! The doctors were going to start weaning his cpap pressure down this week but he is doing really good and he is growing and his lungs and trachea are healing so they are just going to postpone it till this friday then they may start weaning him. Just today he is starting to throw tempertantrums he would fuss and we would give him his paci and he would fall asleep just to us pulling out his paci he would throw his little arms up and start crying this happened for 2 hours, he's fiesty! We also met his pediatrician today he seems really nice he actually came up to the hospital which the nurses say rarely happen so when we do go home we will have to see him the very next day!So Jonathan is doing good and we now pray that he continues to grow get stronger and come home!!
p.s
on a very sad note our favorite nurse kim will not be back for a couple weeks it has been very hard but I have been praying not only for Jonathan but also for Kim, she had a complication with her surgery and ended up in i.c.u she went home a day later however she is back in the hospital with a blood clot, so please when you pray for Jonathan tonight please include Kim she really is our angel!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
No Kim for 10 days:(
Feb 10th
I have good news and bad news, good news is Jonathan is doing great today he had a huge bm that Kim got to clean and he had a little sponge bath cause he spit up! The bad news is is that Kim is leaving us for 10 days she has to have surgery and i pray everything goes well with her but she is the only nurse that can make everything better (as Justin says"is the only one that can keep me level headed") you have no idea what she does she goes above and beyond plus she care so much for Jonathan, I know she will be back, she knows how much I depend on her! I could tell she was going to miss jonathan because she picked him up today so I could hold him and she just held him next to her and told him to be a good boy (he does listen pretty good)! Well we will miss Kim but we pray that everything turns out good and she recovers well!!
I have good news and bad news, good news is Jonathan is doing great today he had a huge bm that Kim got to clean and he had a little sponge bath cause he spit up! The bad news is is that Kim is leaving us for 10 days she has to have surgery and i pray everything goes well with her but she is the only nurse that can make everything better (as Justin says"is the only one that can keep me level headed") you have no idea what she does she goes above and beyond plus she care so much for Jonathan, I know she will be back, she knows how much I depend on her! I could tell she was going to miss jonathan because she picked him up today so I could hold him and she just held him next to her and told him to be a good boy (he does listen pretty good)! Well we will miss Kim but we pray that everything turns out good and she recovers well!!
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