Eleven weeks 1 day old

We had our first outing today; to the pediatrician. Andrew and I had noticed Evan was working a little harder to breathe. He was retracting a lot as well. Retractions are when you can see Evan's chest almost collapsing on itself as he inhales. Evan had a fantastic day on Saturday and was actually the quietest we had heard him. As we were at the doctor's, he was getting noisier and noisier. Thankfully, the pediatricians followed Evan while he was in the NICU so they're familiar with his situation. The pediatrician called the attending that had discharged Evan on Friday. They both determined that is was worth going to the ER at the children's hospital. By the time we got to the hospital, Evan was in real distress. His coloring was changing. The pediatrician had called ahead so we were rushed right into an exam room. 

There was a flurry of activity as the doctors and nurses worked to put in an IV and stabilize Evan's breathing. Since Andrew and I were involved with Evan's first stay, it wasn't as scary since I could kind of follow along with what they were doing.

Andrew and I knew there was a possibility that we would not be allowed back in the NICU since Evan was exposed to the outside. He is now considered "dirty". After some back and forth, an exception was made and Evan was allowed into the NICU. Andrew and I were (and are) so relieved. We are familiar with the NICU and more importantly, the NICU is familiar with Evan. We are back in an isolation room. Until Evan's cultures come back negative, the nurses have to gown up and wear masks when they come in his room. This protects Evan, the nurses/doctors and other babies. 

Right now Evan is back on the NIV. This provides pressure for Evan's lungs. He doesn't need any oxygen support and is at room air. Evan received several doses of racemic-epi to help with the strider. He also received two doses of the steroid dexamethazone. He's not able to eat while on this ventilator as it constantly pushes air to his belly. The doctors don't want his stomach to become distended. He is receiving electrolytes via an IV. 

Andrew and I are definitely bummed that we're back in the NICU. It just felt so wrong driving down here last night. When we got back home, the dogs were definitely confused. It was hard to sleep last night with out my Mr. Pants in his bed next to me. Hopefully Evan will be back to his smiley little self in no time.