October 20, 2011

Jack continues to make progress in the right direction and we couldn't be happier.  Jack's oxygen level was decreased from 2.0 Liters to 1.0 Liters today while we were there.  They also shared with us that they needed to change his formula to something with more calories, proteins and fats.  So, instead of being on Similac Advanced Shield, he is now on Neosure.  This is all based on the fact that he was a 34 weeker.  (This is the term that the Dietician and the Dr. used.)  There was really nothing else that changed, until we left for the day.  Jack was able to be nursed 2 times today, and he is doing fantastic, but he just tuckers out too quickly to be able to eat as much as he needs to keep him full and growing!  So, we continue to work on that. While I am not there to nurse him, they are supposed to try bottle feeds with him.  Again, since he is asleep so much, this is nearly impossible because he is premature.  We know and understand that he needs to sleep to grow, especially since he was 5.5 weeks early.  This is very typical, but I would be lying if I didn't say that this isn't frustrating.  This seems to be our next big hurdle, and we aren't sure what to expect at all.  Every day is so different when it comes to how much awake time he has. 

We called to get an evening check on Jack and the nurse shared with me that he is NO LONGER ON OXYGEN!  They removed his canula!  Yes, this means that he is breathing entirely independent! We couldn't be happier.  Pray that he continues to have the strength to do this.  While we were gone, the nurse also replaced his feeding tube, as it's been problematic in the past couple of feeds.  However, she said the new feeding tube is giving similar issues.  So, tomorrow we will be sure to take pictures of Jack with no canula and only his feeding tube!  Oh, I cannot wait to see him!  I am absolutely positive he is going to be even cuter without his face covered with tagaderm and other tape.

Please continue to pray for Jack and his needs.  We need prayers that Jack gains enough strength during feeding to either nurse or bottle feed.  The only way we get to bring our baby home is if he is eating and gaining weight.  They will not allow him to leave the hospital with a feeding tube, so we are praying that as each day progresses that he is awake enough to feed from a bottle or nurse, and as we do that, we are 1 day closer to coming home.  Oh, how we wish and dream to have our baby in our home.

Thanks for your support.....sorry this is so short...I'm simply exhausted and going to bed.