Somebody pass the tums

Josh again had several episodes of bradycardia which sometimes include apnea.  He required stimulation for a majority of these episodes.  The good news is they seem to come in clusters around the end of feedings.  It appears that right at the end of his feedings he is having some severe reflux that causes him to either breath shallowly or hold his breath (apnea) because of the pain.  Although Mom and Dad are not thrilled that Josh is having pain that is so severe, there are some good things.  First, the reflux doesn't seem to be occurring with every feeding, it seems to be in about half of his feedings.  Secondly, Josh will eventually out grow his reflux.  We are thankful that his bradycardia/apnea can be explained and it isn't something more serious and that he doesn't need to go back on CPAP.   It is possible that his feeding times could be given over more time or even given continuously.  In fact, Josh had some significant times of desaturation with his 5pm feeding so they changed his feeding time to a hour and half and he seems to be doing much better.

Josh continues to tolerate the volume of fortified feedings that were increased yesterday.  He is now at full feeding and his feeds won't be increased again until he has some more weight gain.  Speaking of which, Josh gained 40 grams last night so new now weights 3lbs 3oz!!  Mom thought he was looking positively chunky with his little double chin, then he stretched out to his full length and you can see that all his chunkiness is in the middle of his body (face, chest, tummy).  He needs some fat rolls in his arms and legs!  The doctor who took care of him his first two weeks stopped by today and thought he looked amazing!!  We would have to agree!

Since Mom is feeling better, she took the opportunity to have some kangaroo time with Josh.  Both Josh and Mommy enjoyed their time together.  Josh also got to have his first attempt at breastfeeding.  Although he is a little young for this to be his primary form of feeding, it is good practice for both Josh and Mom.  Josh did a good job on his first try!  He showed some big boy traits such as rooting, opening his mouth, opening his eyes, and attempting to do some sucking.  Mom and Dad are very proud of his effort and hope to continue to work on breastfeeding as much as possible.

Josh continues to amaze us with his abilities.  Last evening his managed to do a two handed pull on his feeding tube and pull it out.  Today he has been very fond of turning his own head.  He is getting quite strong and is able to pick his head up for short periods of time as well.  Today when Mom was kangarooing he picked his head up several times to readjust himself.  We are very proud of his little guy and how strong he is becoming.

Prayer Request:

• Josh would have a decrease in his reflux with the longer feeding times and that would prevent his bradycardia and apea
• Josh would continue to put on weight steadily and grow big and strong
• Josh would do well with attempts at breastfeeding and he would develop good reflexes (rooting and suck, swallow, breath)
• Josh would not develop any infections while he is in the NICU

Praises;

• Josh is up to 3lbs, 3oz!!  And has had 3 days of steady weight gain
• Josh is getting bigger and stronger and is able to move himself around more
• Josh did a good job at breastfeeding today
• Mom is feeling much better and Dad is fully recovered from his illness

 (Josh (aka peepers) peeking at Mommy when she arrived today)

 

 (A content Josh with his pacey and his hand on his tube during a feeding)

 

 (Look at that baby...who could sleep like that?)

 

 (Jello baby after some good kangaroo time with Mommy)

 

 (Uh?  what?)

 

 (Josh being a good boy and waiting for Daddy to come - Daddy told him to be awake)

(Big Boy Josh turning his head all by himself to find a different view)