A fussy baby day

Josh had a good night last night. Although he has been a little fussy today.  When Mom arrived this morning she found a very awake Josh.  He was ready to eat and did his best time so far - 20 minutes of breast feeding!  Mom was very proud of him and after some cuddle time Mom placed him back in his bed to pump.  Well, Josh wanted no part of his bed.  He started flailing around and would not calm down, so Mom gave him his pacey, which worked for a few minutes.  Then he started flailing again and when that didn't get him what he wanted he started a full wailing at the top of his lungs.  He cried for about 5 minutes before Mom could finish up what she was doing and pick him up.  As soon as he was swaddled in Mom's arms he was calm and happily looking around.  He drifted off to sleep in Mom's lap shortly there after. 

He woke up again around noon and having his nose suctioned out, Mom attempted to feed him, but he only made it 8 minutes.  This time he was completely sacked out and didn't wake up when Mom put him back in his bed.  Mom then snuck out to get some lunch.  When she got back Josh started crying again.  This time Mom was able to reposition him and calm him down in the isolette.  He was then very awake and enjoyed some story time with Mom.  Since it was close to his next feeding time, the nurse did his hands on time a little early.  Josh was completely sacked out afterward, so Mom decided to wait to feed him until later in the evening, which he was much more awake for.

In addition to being a little fussy today, Josh also has had more awake time today.  We are not sure if he isn't feeling well or if he is overtired and not able to rest well.  His tummy is measuring a little bit bigger, but he is getting extra volume with breastfeeding and hadn't pooped yet.  The nurse did point out today that he has an umbilical hernia, which is common in preemies (and other babies) because their abdominal muscles aren't well developed yet.  The nurse said that although it may be a little bigger, it should resolve by itself.  When Daddy got there after work, he got a chance to change Josh before pulling him out for his evening feeding.  Daddy happily changed his pee-peed diaper, only to have him fill up the new diaper with an explosive poop.  Everyone around little Josh heard him fill that diaper!  So Daddy got to change his first poopy diaper since the one where Josh had a meconium blowout.

Josh gained 35 grams yesterday and is now just over 4lbs (1815 grams)!!!!!! We are very proud of our little man crossing over the 4 pound mark.  Josh is still tolerating his continuous transpyloric feeding.  He is also doing pretty well with breastfeeding, although he doesn't have the stamina to do more than 2 feedings in a row or eat if he didn't get some good sleep between feedings.   Mom and Dad are hopeful as he grows over the next week or two he will be able to tolerate his feedings all in a row. 

Prayer Request:

• Josh would be able to rest well despite his noisy neighbors
• Josh would not get another infection while in the NICU
• Josh would develop stamina so that he can take all of his feedings orally
• Josh would not have any desaturations or apnea and be able to be weaned off of his oxygen
• Mom would do ok while Dad is away on business
• Mom's milk supply increase to meet Josh's needs
  

Praises:

• Josh is 4lbs today!!
• Josh continue to do well with breastfeeding
•  Josh continue to have good interaction with his parents

 (Josh sleeping peacefully when Mommy arrived today)

 

 (Josh feeling upset after being put back in his isolette before he was ready)

 

 (A exhausted baby all tucked in for a nice long nap)

 

 (Josh starting to wake up before his evening feeding)