Sunday, July 27, 2008

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.

15 comments:

amyoutlaw said...

Wow, what wonderful pictures! I'm so happy you got to hold him for 2 hours. It melts my heart to see him on his stomach and on your chest. Can't wait till we all get to hold him. Love ya'll.
Amy

Jennie said...

You look like such a natural Candice...and he looks peaceful.

Angie and Jason said...

Wow!!!!!! I LOVE THOSE PICTURES! I'm' so glad that you got to hold your beautiful son today. What a wonderful mommy you are. You are beautiful. I can't wait to hold him one day either! I love the tummy time that he got. We are definately praying for no positive cultures! What a very special moment for mommy and baby. OH and I know Cody is such a proud husband and DADDY!! :)
Love you,
Angie

mack said...

I am praying for you guys and thinking of you three every day. I wish I could be there to help support you, but please know that I am DEF thinking of you all and am here if you need anything. I love you guys!

Juliette said...

I've been praying for Rhys and will continue to do so. I'm so glad you got to hold him. That's one the most precious things that only preemie moms can fully understand.

Julie

Chris & AnnMarie said...

I'm so excited you finally got to hold your sweet boy. So precious!

And with the tummy time...Coy ALWAYS did better on his belly. His oxygen saturations were better and he was more relaxed. Hopefully Rhys will find comfort in laying on his tummy too!

Praying for total healing of your beautiful family,

Ann Marie

Anonymous said...

That is a remarkable photo of mother and son. It is often difficult to understand the patience, strength, and hope that go hand-in-hand with unconditional love. Your picture shows all three quite clearly - it is impossible to see it and not be affected.

Mary Anne Whiteley said...

What a great day for you! Before you know it, Rhys will be playing with his big cousin Julian, God willing.

Mary Anne

outlawdeats said...

What A blessed day this has been for the two of you..I must say that that has to be one of the most touching pictures... Its amazing we can deal with the hospitals knowing that God is in it... We can stomach the Icu if God is in it... We can face the Empty house if God is in it.... Just remember Cody and Candice God is with you and with Rhys and he is in it... and you are never alone..... love the pituce please send us one of Cody to our email... Love and prayers to you all... Granny Kim and Grandpa Conrad

Mary G said...

The pictures are gorgeous! God is definitely in the small stuff... the tiniest stuff as a matter of fact! Our prayers are being answered for you guys and Rhys every single day! Thank you for sharing the pics and updates - God is so good to us and his protection over Rhys and healing is so apparent. I pray for Rhys to have another good day today and for your continued strength! You guys are awesome! Love you bunches!

Mary, Mark & Luke

Anonymous said...

YAY for tummy time! What awesome pictures. Candice, I'm so glad you got to hold that precious baby boy! I agree with Jennie you are a natural! I'll be praying for no positive cultures!
Bran

suzanne said...

absolute and unconditional love.Your photo captures both so delicately. God is cradling His child, you, next to his heart exactly as you cradled your son next to yours. He'll hold you forever and ever. I love you.

Pachar Family said...

I am so glad that you are finally able to hold that precious baby boy!! He has two awesome parents! :) I am praying everyday for you all. I can't wait to be able to hold him!! I love y'all.

Crystal M said...

Candice - there is no greater feeling in the world than holding your baby snuggled in close for hours on end. I thank God that you were finally able to hold him and snuggle with him. You are a beautiful mother. Love you bunches - Crystal, Josh & Colton

Broussard Family said...

We just wanted to let you know that we are praying for your family! Let me know where we can go to donate blood! Keep us updated and we will keep praying! All our prayers,

Cory & Dawn Broussard