Lets have a sleepover!

Josh had two bradycardias with his feedings last night. Mommy and Daddy were very disappointed because he had done so well this weekend. We worked very hard on his feedings, developing the proper technique and watching him very closely while he eats to make sure that his suck, swallow, breath reflex is going ok.  We are not sure what happened last night with his feedings, but he is doing much better today.  We think that the nurse who fed him last night did not watch him as closely as we normally do, since she had other babies that she was taking care of.

Mommy is continuing to work with the Occupational Therapist on feeding issues.  Josh tried thickened formula today and tolerated it extremely well.  The way it works is that a small amount of flavorless gel is placed into his feed (breast milk or formula), which thickens it just a little bit.  We will use the thickener during times when Josh hasn't rested well or appears tired.  This will help him to realize when he has too much formula in his mouth and to swallow instead of choking.  Part of his feeding issues are related to having been intubated (having the breathing tube) for so long.  The tube causes he palate to have a sharper/higher curve and decreased sensation.  While this will never return to normal, Josh will "grow into" it and it will become less of an issue over time.  In the mean time, we are waiting for him to mature. 

Because of the bradycardia issues last night, Mommy and Daddy are rooming in with Josh tonight, so that we can do all of his feedings (even 3 am).  Unfortunately, we have to stay in "the closet" instead of the "nice room" in the NICU.  The big difference is that there is no bathroom in "the closet," so Mommy and Daddy have to actually leave the NICU and go down the hall to the bathroom, and go all the way home to take a shower.  Josh did so well with his thickened feeds, and continues to do extremely well at nursing, that Mommy and Daddy think that this the best thing to do for Josh to be able to get him home as soon as possible.

In other news, Josh continues to gain weight.  Josh gained 20 grams last night and is now 2375 grams, or 5 pounds 3.8 ounces!  We are very excited about the fact that Josh seems to be gaining weight well now that we have his feedings pretty figured out.  We hope that this will also lead the doctors to an earlier discharge date.

Prayer Requests:

• Josh continues to eat well and gain weight
• Josh continues to not have bradys while we feed him
• Josh stay healthy and not get sick while in the NICU
• Josh's doctors have peace about sending him home soon
• Mommy and Daddy get adequate rest while rooming in "the closet" in the NICU

Praises:

• Josh gained weight again!  He is 5 pounds 3.8 ounces!
• Josh had not had a brady with us feeding him in over 2 days!
• Josh ate perfectly with thickened food

(Josh losing his hat like normal)

(Mommy and Josh having a good cuddle time)