We are coming upon a huge milestone in little Oliver's life, ONE WEEK OLD. It's hard to believe he's been fighting for 6 days already and that we have had him this long. He continues to amaze us and just keeps taking his baby steps forward!! He is quite the little man and has two more than proud parents to call him SON!!
Since he's been here Oliver is resting quite well in the NICU. After 3 days he was breathing on his own and continues the mastery of this skill. It is still something he is working on and seems to improve day by day. He's had the hiccups several times and it is so hard to watch him have those. It is good for his little lungs and diaphragm to work through the hiccups and build to be stronger and stronger. His little heart is just working and working. Everything is well on that front at this point as well. Structurally sound and working correctly. They will continue to monitor as he grows. His little digestive system is making strides as we surf the net. He is receiving more and more food every day and seems to show continued improvement on his ability to digest it. This, right now, seems to be his hurdle. He doesn't always finish everything they give him, but he's improving. He is working on his sucking as he is learning via a pacifier. It's pretty amazing to watch this feat as he seems so little for this. But in order to move off the stomach feedings he has to be able to suck, swallow and breathe.
As would be expected with a baby 8 weeks and 1 day early he is trying to work through some jaundice. He is receiving light from the bili light and also a bili blanket. He's so cute in his little shades to protect his sweet little eyes. He seems to be quite content soaking up the light. At times he just stretches out like he were laying on a Michigan beach. He must just be preparing for next summer's family vacation. :) The nurses will monitor his biliruben daily and adjust his light based on his numbers.
Mom and Dad have both changed two diapers each. He doesn't put up to much of a fight when its time, but he doesn't always like being moved around. This is probably because he is resting so well! He has had a few "greasy" diapers, which is a very good thing! So we will pray he continues his digestion. He hasn't peed on anyone yet, you just have to keep an eye on where that thing is pointed while trying to change him.
Since being born Oliver has gained 1 ounce, which is wonderful. Last night was a big night as they removed the umbilical catheter out of his umbilical cord and inserted a PICC line (central line). This is in a larger vein and will continue to provide nourishment of nutrients and medicine that may irritate smaller veins. There was risk of infection and clotting if the umbilical line was in too long. This also means that in a day or two he will move from his open bed to a more cozy and quiet isolette. This will enable him to get better rest and grow! Which is what we all want. I think that these are all of the major events and changes in Oliver's life right now and we continue to ask for prayers as each day is truly a blessing and big deal to us and Oliver!
The nursing staff and doctors in the NICU are doing a wonderful job. We can call anytime to get an update and being that Kirksville is so far it is very comforting. They answer all our questions and most of them try to explain as much to us as possible. They all seem to love Oliver and are sweet to him. We feel confident in them and there seem to be taking things at Oliver's pace, BABY STEPS!! We like that they don't seem to rush multiple procedures or events into a short amount of time. Too much stress is his worst enemy right now.
The past three days I have been able to hold Oliver and there has never been anything more sweet and cherished (besides my wedding and holding him for the VERY first time) by me. The first time was just in my arms, but he was looking at me the entire time. He just made my heart melt. Oliver has the most precious eyes and sweetest look on his little face! I was able to hold him for about 30 minutes while he received his feeding. My mom was there to take pictures and he looked at her as he soaked up the love. I will never forget this day! Friday September 16th, 2011. Then on Saturday again in the afternoon. This time was kangaroo care, which is skin on skin and very beneficial for baby and soothing for mom!! They rested Oliver on his belly on my chest under a few blankets. Dad was there for this event!! He was snapping pictures and making sure Oliver wasn't resting too much on his little nose. His numbers on the monitor were nearly perfect for the entire time I held him! I could have held him the rest of his life!! Then again yesterday at lunch time I was able to get a little more kangaroo care time with Oliver. It's such a wonderful feeling to hold this little life that God gave us! I feel so blessed and thankful to have Oliver and to have Kevin to walk this path hand in hand with! He's such a great daddy and love his SON so much! He is a truly a proud papa! I hope the next time we are there he gets to hold him.
Kevin's grandparents, aunt and cousin came for a visit on Saturday. His grandma and grandpa met their first great grandchild and were so proud!! It was nice they were able to come meet Oliver and I know he was happy to entertain!! Thursday and Sunday some of our close friends came in for visits and were able to see and meet Oliver. Yesterday we went out to lunch with one couple and it was nice to visit with them, as I haven't really had that chance in 3 weeks. We've had a few more visitors and many messages and phone calls asking about Oliver and thank you all very very much, from the bottoms of our hearts. It's a blessing to have so many people care so much, I don't really think I can put into words how much each and every one of you mean to our FAMILY!
Kevin and I both came home last night and had dinner with some friends. We enjoyed our visit and some advice in parenthood! We are both so excited to be parents and are looking forward to the journey. Hard doesn't even begin to describe what it was to leave the hospital and come home without Oliver, but I know we left him in the best hands. I called down twice to get reports and they were both very good. I was able to sleep better in my own bed, in our house. I'm going to head back down later this afternoon to be with Oliver and stay in the Ronald McDonald House (which is where we stay when we go now that we aren't in the hospital). RMH is a wonderful option and we are so thankful for it, so donate!! It's a great cause. It's not much but exactly what we need when we are there. I will then stay most of the day tomorrow and depending on Kevin's schedule if he goes down on Wednesday then I will come home tomorrow and go down with him Wednesday. I think that my parents will be coming back for the weekend so I anticipate being there all weekend with our little man Oliver.
Again, thank you for all the words spoken, card sent, prayers answered lifted up. Please continue lifting Oliver and us up in your prayers, we still have a long road ahead of us with ups and downs along the way. But he peak we reach let's us rejoice in the path that God has set forth for us!!
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