1 day old - Good Night Evan

Written September 2, 2013 10:27pm

We timed our good night visit perfectly. When we arrived, Evan had a group standing around him. They were getting ready to change his position. It was a little scary to watch as they have to unhook his monitors. He did have his beautiful eyes open for most of the transition.

It was also time for a fresh diaper - I got to change him!!!!! The first of endless changes. :) After watching the nurses "man handle" him, I felt confident enough that I wasn't going to break his little legs. Changing a preemie diaper is just like a full term baby - grab those legs and scooch a fresh one under the butt.

Andrew and I were also able to give him kisses good night. What an amazing feeling. I also helped put his bilirubin hat and goggles on for more phototherapy. It felt so great to be able to take care of our son.

After all that stimulation his next gas check may be a little off. They really try to limit the amount of stimulation (lights, diaper changes, body positioning, etc) to every 4 hours. His nurse did say that if he started flipping out because of a dirty diaper she would always change him early. He really doesn't like dirty diapers. 

1 day old - Evening edition

Written September 2, 2013 6:47pm

We had a great day today. Both Andrew and I were able to cradle Evan! (One hand cupping his hand and the other cupping his feet.) We also dropped off a blanket with our scent on it. Evan's nurse will place it under his head the next time they reposition him.

Evan had his first brain scan this morning. The scan had been weighing heavily on Andrew and I. His scan came back clear! We asked if they would scan the same time the next day and the doctors said no. Unless something happens (blood pressure drops for no reason) they won't scan again for a week. What a huge sigh of relief!

Evan is receiving phototherapy to treat bilirubin. It is very common for preemies to receive this light therapy. It looks like he's tanning under the lights. He does wear a protective eye cover. Under the lights we were able to see that he's growing a goatee. I'm not sure I approve. :)

I'm moving around as much as possible. The surgery dressing was removed this morning. As long as I stay on top of my Motrin schedule, I can manage the pain.

We'll drop off more milk and visit with Evan again this evening. Our next milestone is to move off the oscillating ventilator (it jiggles him but is gentle on the lungs) and onto a regular ventilator. Once he's off the oscillating ventilator he'll be a step closer to drinking (very diluted) milk!

All in all we had a successful day!

1 day old

Written September 2, 2013 8:49am

Evan had an uneventful evening. He got a fresh diaper this morning and promptly peed all over his bedding. He may be too little for the peepee teepees from Aunt Emily, but it appears he will definitely need them once he's bigger! He was alert an had his eyes open for the nurses this morning but was sleeping when we visited. He must have been dreaming about exercising since he was still moving his legs around.

Evan is off the dopamine. This medicine increases his blood pressure. The fact that they took him off if it means he's able to regulate his pressure on his own! Way to go little man!

Andrew and I are taking turns smelling up a blanket for him. The nurses encouraged us to give Evan our scent so he can feel closer to us.

Good Night Baby Boy

Written September 1, 2013 9:04pm

Just got back from saying good night to Evan. He successfully accepted the first of many blood transfusions. I was also able to hold his legs!! Premies don't like stoking or patting motions. They prefer a strong touch instead.

It's been a long day. I know Andrew and I will have no problem sleeping.

He's Here!

Written September 1, 2013 2:38pm

Evan John was born at 5:11 this morning. He is 14 inches long and 1 pound 11 ounces. Evan was born via c-section after he spent the day Friday moving out of position. (What a little stinker! He was head down for the ENTIRE pregnancy!)

I unfortunately woke up around 3 am to my water breaking. The doctors determined I was fully dilated and that Evan had moved put of position. They quickly moved to do the c-section for his safety. I never experienced hard contractions or labor pains.

Evan had repositioned himself with his head to my right side and his butt out. Apparently this makes for a difficult extraction. The doctors had no trouble pulling him out though. He thanked the doctors for bringing him into the world by kicking the them. :) He did make a few noises around the tubes while they were getting him ready to move to the NICU. They paused him next to the bed while they were stitching me up. He looked right at Andrew and I. Such an amazing feeling.

I was in recovery for a few hours which worked out fine. The NICU was working on getting him settled anyway. Andrew was able to take the grandparents in once Evan was settled. He took lots of pictures for me since I was still recovering and wasn't able to get into a wheelchair yet.

After I regained feeling in my legs, I was able to maneuver into a wheelchair to go visit with our baby boy. The nurses opened one of the incubator doors and he opened his little eyes when I started taking to him.

Right now, Evan is stable. He does have a sleepover buddy that was born today at 25 weeks. Nice to know he's already making friends.

These next 72 hours are critical. The doctors will be watching and learning what's best for his care. Currently though, he is as stable as possible.

I've already had one successful milking session! Nice to know I'm producing. While Evan won't be able to enjoy the milk for a little while, the NICU will freeze it so it's ready when he wants it.

We appreciate everyone's well wishes and support. We know Evan has a long road ahead of him. He's strong though and has such an amazing support network. I know people are wondering how they can help. Preemies end up receiving lots of blood transfusions. If you are able, please feel free to donate blood to help other preemies.

We'll continue to update this site as Evan grows stronger.

Love,
Proud Papa and Mama and newest Yankee fan Evan