Day 11

Well, today was a big day for us at the NICU. Rhys seems to be having good days and not so good nights. They say this isn't necessarily abnormal, however they don't like the drastic swings back and forth. They have increased his breathing pressure slightly and he is at 60 bpm again. His blood pressure was low, so he got another blood transfusion (thanks again by the way to everyone who has donated, at last count Rhys had +/-20 pints in his name - amazing!). We were there for 5 hours today and his blood gas tests came back pretty consistent, so that is good. They have sent his lung mucus and blood off for cultures again. They seem to think he might be getting a lung infection, based on his ups and downs. We're praying for no positive cultures! They have put him on antibiotics again as a precaution. He was on antibiotics for his first seven days since Bentley had an infection, so at least he's already had one round.

Rhys got some tummy time today and we got to change our first diaper. I have changed plenty of diapers in my life, but never one on a 1.5 pounder. I was amazed at how small his little rear is, he hardly has one. I am sure he will appreciate that when he is older. Everything is so tiny you feel like you're all thumbs. Rhys took it like a champ! I also got to do Kangaroo Care today for the first time. Wow! For those who don't know about Kangaroo Care, it is skin-to-skin contact with baby and parent where they lay the baby on your chest. Moms and dads both get to do it, and according to the nurses there is a drastic difference between babies who get it and those who don't. I will be up there every day for as long as they will let me if it will help get Rhys home. So after 12 days of life I finally got to hold my baby boy for 2 hours! I think daddy wanted very badly to hold him as well, but Cody was selfless and insisted I go first. I really didn't want to give him back. Anyway, pictures are posted and we are praying for at least a decent night.