The big move

Mom and Dad got up at 1am to pump and made their nightly call to see how Josh was doing.  When the clerk at the NICU 3 desk answered the phone, we were told that Josh had been transferred to NICU 2!  We were quite surprised to hear this as no one had mentioned that we were so close to this happening (although we knew were were close).  NICU 2 is a different world and will take some getting used to.  Dad went by on his way into work to scope things out.  The beds are much closer together, with only about 3-4 feet of personal space between them.  The parents are more hands on and the nurses take care of 4 patients each.  When Mom arrived, the nurse told Mom that she could take Josh out of the isolette by herself and hold him if she was comfortable.  Needless to say Mom was very surprised by this since we have not been able to do this in the NICU 3.  With a little instruction, Mom was able to pick up Josh (and all his wires and tubes) and hold him... then Mom and Dad were able to do it by themselves this afternoon.  Josh enjoyed sleeping in his parents arms as much as they enjoyed having him there!

Josh had a good day today.  He had 6 episodes of apnea last night, so they increased his caffeine dose today (which had not been adjusted for his weight increase in a while).  They are hopefully that this will decrease is apnea episodes.  Josh continues to do well with his pedi-flow nasal cannula at 50 ccs. 

Josh is still receiving his continuous feedings.  The rate was increased to 10ml per hour to keep pace with his weight gain.  Josh gained 30 grams last night is now 3lbs 7oz.  Josh continues to do a good. Josh is doing better at holding his own body temperature, needing the help of the isolette less.  The doctors also removed the tube being used to vent his tummy since he is not on the high flow nasal cannula anymore. Josh and Mom got to spend some time this morning and again this afternoon working on breastfeeding.  Josh continues to do a good job.  After talking to the doctors during rounds today, it was decided that if Josh has a good weekend then early next week Mom and Josh will be able to try breastfeeding without pumping first.  Mom and Dad are very excited to see how Josh does with this new activity!

Josh continues to be very active and seems to be adjusting to the NICU 2 well.  He did have a pretty long awake period this morning, which might have been related to increased noise levels in the NICU 2.  Mom and Dad are hoping that Josh will be able to get the rest he needs and that the noise level isn't always that loud. 

Prayer Request:

• Josh would have fewer or no episodes of apnea and that his brain would continue to mature so he would not need the caffeine any more.
• Josh would continue to tolerate his feedings and continue to gain weight steadily
• Josh would continue to do well with his breastfeeding and continue to grow and mature in this area
• Josh, Mom and Dad would quickly adjust to the NICU 2 and the new routines
• Josh not get sick or get any infections while in the NICU 2

Praises:

• Josh was transferred to the NICU 2 were he will spend time feeding and growing
• Josh is up to 3lbs, 7oz and doing well with his breastfeeding attempts
• Josh is continuing to do well with his pedi-flow nasal cannula
• Mom and Dad are able to pick Josh up from his isolette and hold him more often now

(Josh resting comfortably this morning when mommy arrived)

 

 (Josh and mommy enjoying some time together)

 

 (Isn't that a happy looking mommy?)

 

 (Josh... the jello baby version... after some good cuddling from both mommy and daddy)