Ears are for hearing...

Josh had a good night last night.  He did well with his feedings and had only a few desaturations.  He continued this pattern today, with just a few bradycardias and desaturations.  He has not had any apnea in several days and the ones documented we are not convenced were apnea.  Josh continues to do well with his brestfeeding and seems to be getting stronger.  Mommy and Josh attempted the supplemental nursing system (SNS) several times today with limited success.  We will continue to work on getting this part of the feeding plan in place.

Josh lost 47 grams overnight and now weighs 4lbs 9.75oz.  Mommy and Daddy are a little disappointed at the weight loss, but this is all part of regulating out his feedings to get him ready to go home.  Even with the weight loss, the doctors have not made any changes to his feeding plan as of right now.  Remember, Josh has to gain weight for several days before he can go home.

Josh continues to explore the world around him.  He has expressed his displeasure at not being able to see what is going on around him, especially when he is trying to fall asleep.  Josh was working very hard today to pull down or push up the blanket used to keep his open air bed dark.  He fusses until someone positions the blanket so that he can see.  We now position it at an angle and this seems to meet his little needs.  He has also started starteling himself awake if his arms are left unswaddled when he is trying to fall asleep.  As soon at those arms are tucked it, he goes right to sleep.

Josh reached another milestone today - he passed his hearing test!!  They use a new method to test the hearing of infants.  They place electrodes behind each ear and on his forehead.  Then a probe is placed in his ear and a sound is made by a computer and the computer uses the electrodes to track how soon the single reaches his brain stem.  Josh slept right through this test, which is required for it to be accurate.  Because of his prematurity, Josh will be followed by an auditoloist every 6 months until he is 3 years old.

After 9 straight days of rooming in, Mommy had decided to take a break for the night.  After completing Josh's 9pm feeding she is going home for some good sleep in her own bed.  The plan is for her to be back at the hospital for Josh's 6am feeding.  Needless to say after such a long time away from home, Mommy is ready to sleep in her own bed!

Prayer Request:

• Josh do well with the changes to his feedings and begin to gain weight again
• Josh and Mommy be able to master the use of the SNS so that Josh will not need his feeding tube anymore.
• Josh not have any more bradycardia or desaturations during his feedings
• Josh not get any infections while in the NICU
• Mommy and Daddy be able to get some good rest tonight

Praises:

• Josh passed his hearing test today!
• Josh continues to do well with his breastfeeding
• Josh is learning to express his like and dislikes
• Mommy is going to sleep in her own bed tonight

(Josh sleeping peacefully)

(Josh showing his displeasure at being awoken)

(Mommy tring to calm down a flailing Josh before his feeding)

(An upset Josh getting his daily weight taken... who wouldn't be upset at always being weighed in his skivies?)

(A much more comfortable Josh ready for his meal)