Tuesday was a good day. Both boys are gaining weight and seem to be progressing well. Kyle weighed in at 910g and Christopher was 930g last night. For the older readers (which is most of us), that's slightly more than an amazing 2 pounds!!!
It's taken almost four weeks to get there but it's days like this that make it worthwhile. High fives all around!
Kyle caught on video trying to hide from the paparazzi.
Sorry, still practicing with the video camera and converting mp4 to avi. If you have any suggestions about the conversion process, please let me know.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Better News
Victims of the NICU rollercoaster
We are very relieved that Kyle is looking much better this morning after his second blood transfusion. The doctors now don't think he has an infection but believe that yesterday's spells were breathing related. X-rays of his lungs showed signs of chronic lung disease (BPD) which unfortunately is common for such premature babies that rely on mechanical ventilation and extra oxygen for breathing. Changing the position of his breathing tube has allowed him to breathe more easily with fewer O2 swings.
Next week another X-ray is likely and based on those results Kyle might be switched to a jet ventilator which might reduce the amount of damage to his lungs.
On a happier note, Christine and I were able to hold Christopher for the first time outside of the incubator. He is doing surprisingly well (we think) for being on the CPAP device.
We are very relieved that Kyle is looking much better this morning after his second blood transfusion. The doctors now don't think he has an infection but believe that yesterday's spells were breathing related. X-rays of his lungs showed signs of chronic lung disease (BPD) which unfortunately is common for such premature babies that rely on mechanical ventilation and extra oxygen for breathing. Changing the position of his breathing tube has allowed him to breathe more easily with fewer O2 swings.
Next week another X-ray is likely and based on those results Kyle might be switched to a jet ventilator which might reduce the amount of damage to his lungs.
On a happier note, Christine and I were able to hold Christopher for the first time outside of the incubator. He is doing surprisingly well (we think) for being on the CPAP device.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Another Call from the NICU
At 7:15 on Saturday night we received a call from the NICU about Kyle. He is receiving another blood transfusion as well as antibiotics. They described him as being lethargic and had to turn his O2 up to 90% which is very unusual. Normally Kyle is in the 25 - 30% range. The doctors don't yet know what is wrong and we hope that the cultures come back quickly. 48 hours is a long time to wait.
Please hang in there dear son! Mommy and Daddy need you here with your brother Christopher.
Please hang in there dear son! Mommy and Daddy need you here with your brother Christopher.
New Head Gear
Saturday brought more changes. Christopher swapped out the oscillating ventilator for a biphasic CPAP Friday evening. Wazzat you say? How about a different type of breathing apparatus. It means that Christopher is trying to breathe by himself with less assistance from machines. Baby steps!
Christopher shows off his Vader helmet
Kyle seemed a little quiet today. His O2 level dropped dangerously low or "desatted" while I was watching. Temporarily turning up his incoming oxygen resolved this fairly common problem.
Christopher shows off his Vader helmet
Kyle seemed a little quiet today. His O2 level dropped dangerously low or "desatted" while I was watching. Temporarily turning up his incoming oxygen resolved this fairly common problem.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Happy 3 weeks!
The boys popped into this world 3 weeks ago Thursday. This makes them 27.5 weeks gestational age. Both Kyle and Christopher are at full feeds of 9 ml of mother's precious milk every 2 hours. Both boys weigh in at 830 g. So now it's an even race to the finish as they bulk up before they come home.
Christopher tackles Daddy's finger
Kyle Rests (For a Change)
The spotted white bean bags leaning against the boys are lovingly called "frogs". They are used to support little body parts and also help to control flailing which consumes precious calories.
Christopher tackles Daddy's finger
Kyle Rests (For a Change)
The spotted white bean bags leaning against the boys are lovingly called "frogs". They are used to support little body parts and also help to control flailing which consumes precious calories.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
NICU Daily News
We've spent the past 6 days in the NICU watching the boys sleeping, eating, being changed and sleeping some more. Here's how we pass the time.......
Sleepy Boys
Taking advantage of breaks in between periods of holding, the boys assume their favourite positions.
Busy hands in the NICU
Christine giving her first sponge bath while nurse Tori assists.
Daddy changing his first diaper in the incubator
Come on - this is tough! You must remember to put one hand in each door or the nurses will laugh at you. And you have to fold the preemie diapers to make them smaller so that they fit the little guys properly. Mommy's already a pro. :)
Sleepy Boys
Taking advantage of breaks in between periods of holding, the boys assume their favourite positions.
Busy hands in the NICU
Christine giving her first sponge bath while nurse Tori assists.
Daddy changing his first diaper in the incubator
Come on - this is tough! You must remember to put one hand in each door or the nurses will laugh at you. And you have to fold the preemie diapers to make them smaller so that they fit the little guys properly. Mommy's already a pro. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)