Watch out for eye boogies

Josh had a much better night last night than he did the day before.  He only had a few desaturations and A's and B's after they bumped his oxygen back up to 50 ccs per minute.  This morning Josh's oxygen saturations were good at 100%, so the nurse was able to wean him down to 25cc of oxygen and he seems to be tolerating this well.  He only had one episode of apnea during the day today, so we are encouraged by this.

Mom and Dad came in to the NICU 2 today to see that Josh was resting very comfortably.  In fact, he looked so peaceful we delayed holding him for more than an hour because we didn't want to disturb him.  The nurse told us that Josh has started having some yellow discharge coming out of his left eye, and part of his eye is inflamed.  So they sent the discharge off to be cultured to see what type of organism is causing the infection.  When an adult gets an eye infection, it will generally stay there, especially if it is treated.  With a preemie, their immune system is not fully developed, and so a simple eye infection can spread throughout their body through their blood and become something much worse.  The doctors ordered blood cultures to be drawn for Josh, and they have started him on antibiotic eye drops.  Once his cultures come back, they will know if he needs more or different antibiotics.

Josh is continuing to get bigger, and chunkier.  He gained 40 grams overnight, and now weighs in at a hefty 1630 grams or 3 pounds 9 ounces!  We can't wait until he gets big enough to hold his own body weight.  Once that happens, he will be moved out of his heated isolette into an open "basinette" type container.  He will then be able to start wearing clothing, we are looking forward to that day.

Both Mommy and Daddy got a chance to share some time with Josh, with him all bundled up.  He did pretty well being out of his isolette.  He did have some desaturations, but the nurse thought they were related to reflux and Josh did much better when he was held with his head angled up.  Both Mom and Dad enjoyed getting to spend some time interacting with Josh and of course giving him some kisses.  Josh continues to be very stretchy and continues to reposition himself frequently.   He also makes the cutest facial expressions, which we enjoy watching, especially while he sleeps.

Prayer Request:

• Josh would do well with his oxygen at 25 cc and would not have many episodes of apnea and bradycardia
• Josh's eye infection would heal up quickly and would not spread to his blood stream
• Josh would continue to gain weight and become stronger everyday so that he gets closer to going home
• Josh would develop his suck, swallow, breath reflex soon so that he can begin taking his feedings orally
• Josh's reflux would decrease so that he is not having pain or desaturations because of it

Praises:

• Josh is up to 3lbs 9oz!!
• Josh continues to grow stronger and is moving around well on his own
• Mom and Dad got to hold Josh today and spend some time bounding with our little guy
• Josh's eye infection was found quickly and hopefully did not spread

 (Look at those chunky cheeks!)

 

 (Josh enjoying a little nap - doesn't he look so peaceful)

 

 (Josh sleeping in Mommy's arms)

 

 (Isn't he just the cutest baby ever?)

  

 

(Josh and Daddy having a very in depth conversation about his breathing)