Josh is a big boy!

Josh had an excellent night. He had no episodes of apnea or desaturation last night. His only episodes today were associated with his breastfeeding times. This is great progress - Mom and Dad are very excited that Josh is doing so well.  He continues on 25 cc of oxygen and is tolerating this well.  The nurse practitioner said that they might try a room air trial in the next few days.

Josh is continuing on his tranpyloric feedings at 11ml per hour.  Since Josh is doing so much better with his reflux on the erythromycin and the transpyloric feedings, they are going to change him to gastric feedings, most likely tomorrow to see if the erythromycin continues to work well.  If it can't control his reflux during gastric feedings, then the doctors will consider changing Josh to different medications to get his reflux fully under control.  Once it is under control, he should be able to tolerate oral feedings better.  An advantage to being back on gastric feedings (feedings directly to his tummy not his intestines) is that they will be able to work Josh back up to bolus feedings every 3 hours, training him to be hungry every 3 hours and to expect food.  This will help with breastfeeding attempts and getting him on completely oral feeding.

Josh did well with his breastfeeding attempts today.  He was able to eat 3 times, 1 of which was for 15 minutes.  He does need a little bit more oxygen while eating, so that he doesn't have to work so hard with his breathing and can use his energy to eat more.  His weight is up 25 grams to 4lbs 1oz!  He is also holding his body temperature better while in the isolette, with the temperature of the isolette being lower than before.  This is a good sign as Josh will be transitioned from his isolette once he is taking all of his feeding orally.

Josh had quite a relaxing day today.  He was not fussy at all today.  In fact, he enjoyed a nice 3 hour nap in Mom's lap.  He also enjoyed getting to spend some time with Dad via skype today.  Josh actually woke up and smiled to the sound of Dad's voice.  Both Mom and Josh are looking forward to having Dad back home soon.

Prayer Request:

• Josh would continue to grow big and strong, developing the stamina needed to take off his feedings orally
• Josh would continue to not have any apnea and less desaturations
• Josh would do well with the changes coming in the next few days (gastric feedings, room air trial)
• The medication he is on for reflux would completely stop his symptoms so Josh isn't in pain from the reflux
• Josh would not get any more infections while in the NICU
• Mom, Dad and Josh would deal well with being seperated

Praises:

• Josh weighs 4lbs 1oz!
• Josh tolerated 3 breastfeeding attempts today and ate fairly well
• Josh was a more content baby and both he and Mom enjoyed some bonding time today
• Dad, Mom and Josh are very thankful for family and friends who have been checking up on and helping out Mom and Josh while Dad is gone.

(Josh waiting for Mommy to get there this morning)

 

(Josh showing off how relaxed he can be in bed)

 

(Josh enjoying being held and cuddled by his Mommy)

 

(Josh looking happy after getting his feeding)