The adventure continues

Josh had a pretty solid day, although he seemed to be having a bit more apnea than he has had in the previous week or so.  We are also receiving lots of mixed messages about what is the standard of practice.  Some say that they should vent his feeding tube after feeding to prevent reflux, which will reduce the episodes of apnea/bradicardia.  Others say that leaving the tube to vent allows some food to go back up, and Josh does not get all of his intended nutrition. Other messages seem to be that there are varying attitudes on what is considered to be "too much" apnea to come off of the ventilator.  Some people give us hope that it is coming off soon, and others seem to be very pessimistic about it, and basically tell us that we have to wait and see after Josh grows a bit more.  It is all very frustrating, and we are going to try to get some clarification from the doctors tomorrow about these issues.

Josh slept most of the day, although did wake up some for the steady stream of visitors that he received in the afternoon.  He continues to look much better today, and is up to 2 lbs 8 ounces! We are holding to this even though the nurse told us he had a huge poop today that should negate his weight gain.  Josh also had his feeding increased to 21ml every 3 hours to keep pace with his increasing rate.  He continues to tolerate his feedings, although he continues to have reflux. Josh continues his quest to remove either his breathing tube or feeding tube, whichever he can get to first.

After reflecting on how far we have come from when Josh was first born, we can see a huge improvement. We are very thankful for how well Josh has done and believe that we can see the hand of God at work in Josh's life and in our lives.  It is helpful for us for to reflect back and see the faithfulness of God, especially as we look towards the months ahead.  We still have a long road ahead of us, even if most of that time is spent just feeding and growing.  It is daunting at times to think that we still have at least 11 weeks (or so) left in the NICU.  But we stand strong in the belief that God will bring Josh and us through the next 11 weeks, as well as the coming years.

Prayer Request:

• Josh would have less apneic episodes, that his brain would mature so that he can be taken off of the ventilator.
• Josh would continue to tolerate his feeding and his reflux would not effect his breathing.
• The medical team would be on the same page and that Mom and Dad could get some clarity about where we are going from here.
• Josh, Mom and Dad would continue to feel God's presence with them as they continue day by day on this adventure.

Praises:

• Josh is doing so well for someone born so small and is growing bigger and stronger everyday.
  
• Josh's weight is up to 2lbs 8oz!
• Josh had some good time with family visiting today and was able to be awake for large portions of that.
• Josh and Daddy got to do Kangaroo time today

(Josh on his first day in the NICU)

 (Josh three weeks later - sleeping comfortably this morning when we came to see him)

 

(Isn't he just so cute?)

 

 (Josh sleeping on his tummy in the afternoon)

 

 (Josh enjoying some quality Kangaroo time with Daddy)

 

(Daddy enjoying some quality Kangaroo time with Josh)