Friday, August 29, 2008

Kangaroo, woohoo!

Sorry dad, he still has the curl cow lick. Click on the
picture to enlarge if you need a better look.

In case you don't know, you're interested in the blue "100".
That means he was loving it!
Yea! We got to kangaroo again today for three and a half hours! This is only the second time we've been able to, so I texted Cody at lunch and he came up to enjoy it with me. It definitely did my heart good. Hopefully little man will stay good through tomorrow so Cody can finally hold him. Rhys' O2 started out at 75% and they were able to wean him down to 60% by the time I finished holding him. But then they had to re-tape his mouth so they messed him up a little then. That was the first time I'd seen him without tape covering half his face. He is even more of a cutie pie.

So, we're still on the conventional vent today and we're at 45bpm. They tweaked that up from 40 to 45 bpm yesterday before we left, so no change there. His oxygen yesterday was in the 50's, and he was requiring a little more this morning so they took up the pressure just a bit. His last blood gas was good, but no word yet on whether the doctor will make any vent changes. His feeds are at 13cc, which is close to full feeds I believe, so they are going to take him off his TPN (the supplemental nutrition he's been on) tonight. The echo this morning revealed a "tiny" PDA that was "unchanged" from Monday's echo. Thank the Good Lord, one less thing to worry about at this moment. I almost cried when the doctor showed me the report. We are still dealing with the potential of the PDA reopening and a probable immature adrenal gland.

Please pray for the PDA to remain small and eventually close on its own, what a relief that would be. And, please continue to pray for Rhys to stay strong, tolerate his feeds, gain weight, stay free from infection, grow healthy lung tissue and for his adrenal gland to work properly. Wow, that was a lot. To borrow a term, each and every one of Rhys' prayer warriors is greatly appreciated. I know he feels how much he is loved.

Oh, and happy belated birthday to Olivia. She is a former 23 weeker who just turned 1!

12 comments:

Mary G said...

Yahoo!!!! Our God is a mighty God full of miracles and blessings. I am SO happy for you. I know all of your prayer warriors are going to continue to pray for healing and strength. What a wonderful day! Love you all!

Crystal M said...

It is so great to see you holding him again! There is no greater feeling than your baby on your chest! I'm so happy for you both and this prayer warrior will continue my prayers for all of your requests. God is great! Love you! Crystal

DCM Photography said...

That is so great you're able to do kangaroo care for that long. That time is heavenly! My daughter had the PDA surgery and recovered very fast. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I loved the pictures Jen took. She does great work.

amyoutlaw said...

I got really teary-eyed when I opened the blog today. What a great surprise to see you holding him. Finally. I will write the list of specifics down and pray for little Rhys.
Amy

meredith said...

absoutley wonderful! I'm so happy for you!!!

Pachar Family said...

I LOVE the pic of you holding him. It did my heart good, too. I'm so happy that you were finally able to hold that precious baby. Before you know it, you won't be putting him down. I love you guys. ;)

Jamie said...

I followed a link to your blog and I've sat and read the whole thing tonight. It really brings back memories. I had 25 week triplets in July 2007. One of our sons passed away after 12 hours. Our other son spent 3 months in the NICU and our daughter spent 4.5 months. My micro-preemies had their first birthday last month. I feel like we just left the NICU and reading your posts really take me back. I will continue to check in on Rhys and hope he can do as well as my two miracle babies. Jamie

Jeff Seasor said...

Candice,
Jeff and I just got home from our anniversary dinner and he talked about you and Rhys a good portion of the night. He really enjoyed seeing you and it completely WARMS our heart to read of such a wonderful report. Your prayer warriors are at work and that sweet boy is completely covered in prayer! We are so thankful for your special time today...we are confidant it is the first of many many more!
Praise God...he is so good!
Fondly,
Jeff & Laura Seasor

Jodi said...

That's amazing. I'm so glad that you were able to hold him again. Everything you talk about sure brings back memories. Through the difficult times, there are also glimpses of happiness, like knowing your child loves to be held by you. Rhys is amazing.

Angie and Jason said...

Wow, I melted when I clicked on the blog tonight! You are such a natural. Beautiful, both of you. Great news today, I'll take it. Rhys is showered with prayers from many, many, many people. I will pray for all the things you requested for your little man! Love to you all,
The Grisel Family

Myra said...

Oh, look at you holding that sweet bebe.. Couldn't go to bed without checking your blog, so glad I did. You look like a natural and he looks really content. Love y'all, stay safe this weekend. Aunt Myra

mere417 said...

I am a friend of Amy's. I just wanted to say he looks great! and we are praying for him up in Pennsylvania! I recently had my
2nd child, a boy, Parker. He was born at 26 weeks 6 days. Parker is the one you are sending the Zaky to! Rhys will continue to be in my prayers!
Mere and Rhys's little "Micro Buddy" Parker