Look who got a big boy chair!

Rhys likes the pacifier

Don't I look like a big boy?

This thing puts me right to sleep

Rhys has had a pretty good couple of days. His vent settings are improving... His rate is down to 28 bpm from 40 two days ago. His O2 requirements are down to 35%. The steroid course he is on is really showing the benefits. The doctor wants him off the ventilator in 2 weeks, so he is going to "push" him while he is on the steroids. As you can see from the pictures, Rhys got to sit in a bouncy chair today! He got to spend a few hours sitting, being a big boy. Daddy gave him his pacifier and he really enjoyed it. We also noticed he has a bigger size blood pressure cuff (a neonatal #3!), so his arms and legs are getting some much needed fat. He weighs 4 lbs 4 oz now and is on 34cc of milk per feeding. The eye doctor is supposed to check on him tomorrow to see how his ROP is doing. We are praying for good news!

Also, as a precaution a full x-ray workup was ordered to make sure Rhys didn't suffer any fractures other than his ribs. The x-rays came back clean, thank goodness, and the specialist team that was called in didn't seem worried by anything. They did order blood work to check his levels, so hopefully all will be well. His primary doctor didn't seem concerned and said everything was healing as it should be.

Please keep praying for the steroids to help give Rhys the nudge he needs to get off the vent!