Five weeks 5 days old

Evan had another eventful day today. He was moved to the high flow cannula this morning. This type of ventilation is still through the nose, but just offers less support. Evan has to do more of the breathing on his own. The cannula is a little more flexible as well. The other cannula that he was using is very heavy. The nurse explained that it can sometimes lead to breaking down the nose. I didn't ask for a further explanation, but it doesn't sound pleasant. This new cannula pops out of Evan's nose quite easily (with and without the help of his hands). When we left, Evan was being very busy with his hands, so the nurse had to "sandbag" him (place a weighted beanbag on his arms). What a little stinker!

Evan's feeds were increased to 26 mL. I can't believe he's almost to a full ounce!! He needs to keep his strength up especially now that he's more responsible for his breathing. He did have a few bradys today, but the nurses think it happens when he's working on making a poopy diaper.

I dressed Evan again today before snuggle time. I found some smaller shirts that snap up the side so he's not totally swimming in his clothes. The preemie size is still just a touch too big on him.

Still a little big on me.

This evening's snuggle was cut short due to a few brady incidents. Evan looked fine, but I think his food went down to quickly so he may have been suffering from a little reflux. After he went back to his house, we gave him his paci. He sucked on that for about 20 minutes! Here's a fun video: http://vimeo.com/76743121 (the squeaking sound is him!!) I am so hopeful that he will be able to bottle in a few weeks.

During our evening snuggle, Evan was fully awake. I think he likes looking out. (The eye exam shows he doesn't have ROP - just underdeveloped eyes. One more milestone that Evan has passed with flying colors.)

Oh man there's a lot going on out here!

I better hold onto Momma's shirt; just incase.

Five weeks 3 days old

Evan had a big day today! He came out to play twice!!!

Evan and I had a nice long snuggle this morning. It was only interrupted because I had to leave to go to an appointment. He did desat a little but the nurses think he may have reflux. (Desat means his oxygenation levels drop. This is usually how Evan shows that he's uncomfortable or angry. Evan tends to desat a lot when he's on his back. It's his way of making sure he gets put back on his tummy.) Reflux is not a huge problem for preemies as it is quite common - in fact, full term babies are susceptible to reflux as well.

Busted for pulling my tube out. Rats.

Evan did misbehave a little this morning. While on his tummy, he kept messing with the tube in his nose. Every so often he'd pull it out. If I didn't catch him in the act, he would desat (because he didn't have the O2 support). The nurse ended up putting him in time out on his back. He was not a happy camper. Once he realized his shenanigans of desating to get flipped back on his tummy weren't going to work, he settled in and was okay.

This evening, Evan had his first snuggle with his Daddy. My heart melted to see them together. Evan looks so much littler in his dad's arms. I love snuggling Evan, but it was nice to see him in the act. He did such a great job. The two boys hung out for a while.

He's out!

Not much is planned for Evan day-to-day anymore. During rounds today Andrew said the doctor was making long term goals for Evan. It's great he's doing so well right now. My daily notes are confined to one page. Evan's feeds were increased to 23 mL during the day and then bumped to 24 mL this evening. They also weaned the ventilator throughout the day. A tentative goal would be to move him back to the high flow cannula by this weekend. I'm just happy he's not on the oscillator or jet anymore. When we arrived at the hospital tonight, he was going to town on his pacifier. He was really sucking away and holding on. He is a genius. :) (For some reason it appears only I can see the video, so here's a link just in case: http://vimeo.com/76577087).

It was a great day for the Burke family. I'm so proud of Evan for his strength. He's such a little fighter.

Proud Daddy snuggling with his son.