4 days old

Written September 5, 2013 11:31am

Andrew and I made it to the hospital in time (what we thought) for rounds at 8:30. Unfortunately, the doctors didn't make it to Evan until 10:30ish. We didn't get much in the way of updates until then which was a bit of a bummer.

Evan is stable enough that he's sharing a nurse with his roommates. I guess it's a good thing that he's stable enough to share, but it kind of stinks that he doesn't have someone watching his every blip on the monitor.

The doctors started reducing his humidity. The humidity was high when he was born as preemies will lose fluids (and weight) through their skin. Now that he's older they can start reducing the humidity.

Oh! Out little boy is growing! He now tips the scales at 920 grams (just over 2 pounds!!!!) His feeding a have also been upped from 1 mL to 2 mL!

Evan will have a PICC line inserted today. A PICC line is inserted in the arm and is used to deliver fluids or medications. Right now they're using a line in his umbilical stump. This is only good for a few more days.

Evan grasped onto my finger for a few minted this morning. He's got a nice strong grip. He's holding onto one of his monitor lines right now. He must have just discovered his grip. Up until today, his hands have been in tight little fists.

Time for the lunchtime milking! I'm so happy that I'm able to provide for Evan. His stockpile of milk is going to start overflowing, but it will be there for when he's ready. 

3 days old - Good Night Evan

Written September 4, 2013 9:27pm

Well, Andrew and I are back home tonight. We went and saw Evan after we had a delicious grilled meal. What a change from hospital food!

Evan had another feeding when we got to the hospital this evening. He is digesting well which is a fantastic sign! His oxygen did dip for a brief moment this evening but it was easily corrected when the breathing tube was suctioned.

As of when we left, Evan had not received any sedation today! His ventilator was also at 21% which is the same level that you and I breathe at. He's such a strong little boy.

We will hope for another dull evening. Andrew and I are trying to get to the hospital by 8:30 tomorrow so we're present for rounds.

Two of Evan's roommates were sent home today. I know we're still a ways off, but I cannot wait for it to be his turn.

3 days old - Mid-day Notes

Written September 4, 2013 1:58pm

Hello!

Evan had a good night. He had a little freak out when they flipped him in his back but was able to stabilize quickly.

Around 11:30, Evan had his first milk lunch! He's only taking about 1 mL every 3 hours. (I'm milking about 34 mL every 3!) I'm breaking up the milkings into 10 mL bottles so it isn't wasted. The lactation consultant said I was already working on filling another bin in the freezer!

We left the hospital around 1. We gave Evan a little pep talk before leaving. It's hard not being in the same building as him. We are encouraged to call the nurses anytime. We'll probably call in a little bit to see how his 2 pm levels and move went. We'll head back down tonight to hang out with little man.

We are waiting for him to poo. Since he wasn't really eating up until this point it hasn't been a big deal. I think maybe we need to read him the book "Everybody Poops".

Almost home now. I am ready to pump and then take a nice long nap.

As sad as I am to not be so close to him anymore, it was wonderful to feel the sun on my face!

2 days old - Catch Up Notes

Written September 3, 2013 8:14pm

Hello,

Evan was placed on his tummy today. He loves it. He's all curled up like a little frog. Every so often he wiggles his butt back and forth. It's the cutest thing. :) I was able to change his diaper today. Just because he's little doesn't mean that he's not all boy - his nurse K reminded me to keep a diaper under him at all times otherwise he would pee (not could, would!). Changing his diaper while he is in his tummy is challenging. K just told me to get right in there and lift him up. She thinks preemies are tougher than full term babies. I think I have to agree with her.

After meeting with Dr. H (his doctors will change monthly), she seemed cautiously hopeful with his progress today. All the doctors like to keep it real and don't get too far ahead of themselves with excitement over the little things. (That's why we have K - she is Evan's cheerleader!)

We learned that the doctor hopes to wean Evan right off the oscillator to nose ventilation. This type of ventilation is non-invasive. I think we're still several days from this milestone, but it's great to know he wouldn't have to go to a regular vent first.

You'll be happy to know that I am milking like a champ if I do say so myself. I am so excited to be able to stockpile milk for Evan when he's ready. They will slowly introduce milk to him soon. The milk will be heavily diluted (1 cc per day) but it will start to help develop his gut. I cannot wait for this day. It's hard watching the nurses take care of your baby while you stand helplessly to the side. As he becomes more stable we will be able to be more involved though.

My sleeplessness has caught up with me today. If I'm not milking I'm napping. I haven't been down to see Evan as often as I'd like, but it's important for me to keep my strength up too.

I am going to be discharged tomorrow. On our way home we have a few errands to run (of course!!) I think Andrew is really looking forward to helping me with all the errands in the next few weeks! My big excitement for tomorrow will be in getting milking bras. Moo!

Hopefully I'll make it downstairs for a final goodnight. We did drop off a hedgehog for Evan. It's bigger than his head!

2 days old - Good Morning

Written September 3, 2013 10:17am

Evan was a little fussy last night. His vents had to be turned up. This is a little but of a bummer since we'd like to see him off of this vent system sooner rather than later. They won't be rotating him as much today since his vent tube seems to pull. The respiratory therapist assists with every movement though. When we were down last night else was concerned with the tube. They will continue to move his head every 4 hours so he doesn't lay on one side for too long.

Andrew stayed for rounds. The doctors reiterated that the brain scan looked good. Evan should also come out from under the bilirubin lights today as well. There is a good chance that he will end up back under them throughout his stay.

They are going to place Evan on his stomach with his next movement. This will allow his head to stay in the same position.