The adventures of Joshua Alexander Cobb: Check out the gun show

Since Josh had been doing such a great job with putting on weight, we were hoping to hear that he had gained another ounce, but alas, it was not to be. Josh is still holding at a whopping 2lbs 5oz - we are proud of the progress he has made so far and are glad that he did not lose weight. Since he did not gain weight today, they have decided that they will definitely not extubate Josh this week. The doctor would like to have 3-4 days of steady weight gain before removing his breathing tube. So Josh will stay on the ventilator at least through the weekend and we will continue to hope and pray that he gains enough weight to be off the ventilator in time for Christmas. Mom and Dad think that would make for a splendid Christmas gift!!

Josh is continuing to tolerate his feeding at 20ml every 3 hours, which is his current goal based on his weight. Josh seems to be doing better since the nurses started venting his tube after feeding him. He did actually have a big boy burp that left him with a little milk drool on one side of his mouth this morning. This was an unusual occurrence because they are venting the tube. The nurse said this can happen from time to time and of course, Josh slept right through it all. He is receiving extra calories in his feeding to help him gain weight and is tolerating the supplement very well.

Josh seems to be enjoying having his PICC line out and better use of his arm. Although he seems to miss having extra lines to pull on. He has been very active today, trying to impress his visitors. The only problem with putting so much energy into showing off at his age is that you sometimes forget to breath. Good thing Mom, Dad or a nurse is readily available to remind Josh of where his priorities should be.

Josh and Mom were very excited to see Dad at lunch time today. They both enjoyed getting some extra daddy time. Josh even managed to stay awake for part of Dad's visit. Mom and Dad were also excited to find out that Uncle Matt's blood is a perfect match for Josh!! That means Josh now has a unit of blood on hold and available to him. Thank you to everyone who has offered or already donated. We will be contacting you in a few weeks when this unit of blood gets close to expiring (or if it were to get used up before then, which we hope and pray is unlikely).

Prayer Request:

Josh would not develop any infections while in the NICU, especially while he is on the ventilator.
Josh would continue to gain weight at a steady pace during his stay in the NICU.
Josh would be able to get off of the ventilator by Christmas and not need to go back on later. His brain would continue to develop so that he has no more apnea.
Josh would continue to tolerate his feeding and that his reflux would not become more severe.
Mom and Dad would get some good rest over the next few days.
Mom's milk supply would increase to keep pace with Josh's growing needs.

Praises:

Josh and Mom were able to see Dad for some extra time this afternoon.
Josh is holding steady at a heft 2lbs 5oz.
Josh is tolerating his feeding well and is doing better with having his feeding tube vented.
Uncle Matt's blood is a perfect match for Josh and Josh now has a unit of blood on hold for him.
Mom and Dad are very thankful for the help that so many people have provided for them, from helping them get household chores done, to visiting, bring meals and even little presents for Josh. You all help make a hard time easier for us.