Weight at discharge: 6lbs 1.6oz
Austin has made it home! He was discharged around noon on Thursday, December 27th and we have spent the last 2 days trying to figure out a routine since its been 5 years since we brought Jackson home. He is the best baby and really doesn't cry much.
Jackson is absolutely in love with his baby brother! He is also very protective of him. When his grandparents stopped by yesterday he met them at the door and made sure they washed up and applied "hanitizer".
The next few weeks will be spent at doctors appointments making sure Austin is continuing to gain weight. He was discharged on Imodium and his stools are no longer watery but are still loose sometimes.
I guess that's all for now. He's been up for and hour and needs to take a nap.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tomorrow is the Big day!
Weight: 5lbs 15oz
Austin is finally getting paroled! We are checking off the last few items before discharge. He passed hearing test this morning and is in the middle of the car seat test. If all goes as planned we should be pulling out of this place mid afternoon!
Austin is finally getting paroled! We are checking off the last few items before discharge. He passed hearing test this morning and is in the middle of the car seat test. If all goes as planned we should be pulling out of this place mid afternoon!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
One Ounce at a Time
Weight: 5lbs 12.7oz
It's working! He is now only getting my milk. I started pumping hind milk for him which is fattier and higher calorie. The doctor also started him on something similar to Imodium to slow down his motility. This is such a different scenario from Jackson. We had him meds to speed up motility. Unfortunately he won't be home for Christmas, but hopefully sometime next week.
It's working! He is now only getting my milk. I started pumping hind milk for him which is fattier and higher calorie. The doctor also started him on something similar to Imodium to slow down his motility. This is such a different scenario from Jackson. We had him meds to speed up motility. Unfortunately he won't be home for Christmas, but hopefully sometime next week.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Another Bump
Weight: 5lbs 11oz
Austin has not gained any weight in the past three days. We tried another type of fortifier where the proteins are already broken down into amino acids. He lasted on it for about four feedings and then started having loose watery stools. This is the most frustrating part of being here. He's not gaining weight so we trying to increase the calories by fortifying, but he doesn't tolerate it and has diarrhea which causes him not to gain weight and sometimes lose. It's just a vicious, frustrating cycle!
Enough of my rant! Here's our three month picture. I would have put it on him, but I didn't want to risk him burning any calories trying to keep warm.
Austin has not gained any weight in the past three days. We tried another type of fortifier where the proteins are already broken down into amino acids. He lasted on it for about four feedings and then started having loose watery stools. This is the most frustrating part of being here. He's not gaining weight so we trying to increase the calories by fortifying, but he doesn't tolerate it and has diarrhea which causes him not to gain weight and sometimes lose. It's just a vicious, frustrating cycle!
Enough of my rant! Here's our three month picture. I would have put it on him, but I didn't want to risk him burning any calories trying to keep warm.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Getting Closer!
Weight: 5lbs 11.6oz
Austin is still doing wonderful! He's about two weeks out from surgery and has made great progress toward going home. The medical staff are now starting to talk and plan for it but we don't have a date yet. Yesterday was the fourth attempt at fortifying his milk and again he is not able to tolerate it. Within about 4 hours he was already having loose stools that were blood tinged. It was immediately stopped.
Today when I arrived I noticed that his IV line had been removed. This was one of the last boxes that needs to be checked. He is now at full feeds for really the first time in his life, which now is about 50mL (a little over 1 1/2 ounces). They are trying vitamins and I'm keeping my fingers crossed he can handle it. He will still need to pass his car seat study and hearing screen. We are hoping to have him home by Christmas!
Austin is still doing wonderful! He's about two weeks out from surgery and has made great progress toward going home. The medical staff are now starting to talk and plan for it but we don't have a date yet. Yesterday was the fourth attempt at fortifying his milk and again he is not able to tolerate it. Within about 4 hours he was already having loose stools that were blood tinged. It was immediately stopped.
Today when I arrived I noticed that his IV line had been removed. This was one of the last boxes that needs to be checked. He is now at full feeds for really the first time in his life, which now is about 50mL (a little over 1 1/2 ounces). They are trying vitamins and I'm keeping my fingers crossed he can handle it. He will still need to pass his car seat study and hearing screen. We are hoping to have him home by Christmas!
 |
| Jackson forgot Froggie on his last trip to Nana's, so Eagle took him to visit Santa and they also paid a visit to Austin. |
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
12/12/12 - 83 days
Weight: 5lbs 8oz
Today is the day that Austin was supposed to enter this world.
Austin is doing great as usual. Today he was fed for the first time since his surgery and so far has tolerated it. We just need to get up to full feeds and tolerate it being fortified to get our ticket home. He has also been upgraded to a big boy bed and seems to be enjoying it.
Today is the day that Austin was supposed to enter this world.
Austin is doing great as usual. Today he was fed for the first time since his surgery and so far has tolerated it. We just need to get up to full feeds and tolerate it being fortified to get our ticket home. He has also been upgraded to a big boy bed and seems to be enjoying it.
 |
| The BIG BOY bed! |
 |
| Holding pacifier in with his arm |
 |
| Big Brother taking a breathing treatment (Thankful that Austin has good lungs!) |
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Hungry Baby
Austin is doing good other than being hungry. He was taken off the nasal cannula around noon today. He is not liking the replogle being down his throat, but it has to stay in to keep his stomach empty for the next few days. Once the amount coming out is minimal and he has a poopy diaper then he will most likely get to start eating again. The amount in the beginning will be really small until we know that he tolerates it. It will then be increased slowly until he gets to full feeds.
 |
| So upset he kicked out of his boundaries |
 |
| No Cannula! |
Friday, December 7, 2012
Extubated
Austin was extubated around 6pm. He's had a little trouble remembering to breathe after the tube was removed so he is now on a high flow nasal cannula.
Surgery Update
Austin made it through his surgery great! He is still on the ventilator for pain management purposes, but they have started to wean it a little. He will probably be on in another day or two. He is breathing over it consistently.
About the time he comes off the vent, he will probably receive his first meal again. Our goal for him at that point will be to get up to full feeds and tolerate it. I am hopeful that he will be able to also tolerate the increased calories since he is really small for his gestational age.
Here are some pictures of the first 24 hours after:
About the time he comes off the vent, he will probably receive his first meal again. Our goal for him at that point will be to get up to full feeds and tolerate it. I am hopeful that he will be able to also tolerate the increased calories since he is really small for his gestational age.
Here are some pictures of the first 24 hours after:
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tomorrow is the BIG day!
Weight: 5lbs 1.9oz
We have made it! Tomorrow is Austin's final surgery. He will be taken to the OR and the plan is to let Jackson sneak a peek of him as he heads to the elevator to go down.
Austin will be on a ventilator for a few days after surgery so that he can receive the good pain meds. I'm hoping he is able to go back to room air when they take him off.
One of the biggest things we are all looking forward to is Austin being able to eat with no limits. Right now he is only getting 13mL (less than half an ounce) every three hours.
I'll update again as soon as we have more information.
We have made it! Tomorrow is Austin's final surgery. He will be taken to the OR and the plan is to let Jackson sneak a peek of him as he heads to the elevator to go down.
Austin will be on a ventilator for a few days after surgery so that he can receive the good pain meds. I'm hoping he is able to go back to room air when they take him off.
One of the biggest things we are all looking forward to is Austin being able to eat with no limits. Right now he is only getting 13mL (less than half an ounce) every three hours.
I'll update again as soon as we have more information.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Three More Days!
Weight: 4lbs 14oz
A lot has happened since Friday. On Friday night a spot was needed on the North Hall for a baby that needed to be moved back from the South Hall. Since Austin is doing so well, he was the obvious choice to move to the South Hall. He will still come back either Wednesday night or early Thursday for his surgery.
The barium test he had done on Friday looked great so he is ready for surgery.
He hit another major milestone today. He no longer has a feeding tube! Starting Friday at noon, he has taken every feeding by bottle. He will probably have it put back in when they start feeding him after surgery. It will take him a couple of days to get his strength back and come off the pain meds. The practice he has now will definitely help make his stay shorter after surgery though.
A lot has happened since Friday. On Friday night a spot was needed on the North Hall for a baby that needed to be moved back from the South Hall. Since Austin is doing so well, he was the obvious choice to move to the South Hall. He will still come back either Wednesday night or early Thursday for his surgery.
The barium test he had done on Friday looked great so he is ready for surgery.
He hit another major milestone today. He no longer has a feeding tube! Starting Friday at noon, he has taken every feeding by bottle. He will probably have it put back in when they start feeding him after surgery. It will take him a couple of days to get his strength back and come off the pain meds. The practice he has now will definitely help make his stay shorter after surgery though.
 |
| Look Mom, No Tubes! |
Friday, November 30, 2012
Gaining
Weight: 4lbs 10.25oz
I was glad to hear Austin had gained a little since he's still dealing with "dumping". He also took 2 bottles today in a row!
Austin will be heading down for the barium study very soon! We are one step closer to going home. He now will have to master taking all of his feedings by bottle and in the last 24 hours has made major progress.
Still keeping my fingers crossed that he will be home around Christmas!
I was glad to hear Austin had gained a little since he's still dealing with "dumping". He also took 2 bottles today in a row!
Austin will be heading down for the barium study very soon! We are one step closer to going home. He now will have to master taking all of his feedings by bottle and in the last 24 hours has made major progress.
Still keeping my fingers crossed that he will be home around Christmas!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Little Update on Jackson
Although this blog is titled "All About the Craigs", it has been "All About Austin" forever so I thought I would give a little update about Jackson.
Jackson has rebounded from the excitment of my hospitalization. He did have some behavior problems, but they were minor and to be expected with everything he went through. He still spends the night with grandparents, but it's not because he has to anymore. He goes to school 3 days a week and spends the other 2 with Nana and helping Big Pa work. He seems to always come up with some adventure when he is with them. Jackson also enjoys spending weekends playing with his cousin, Wyatt, at Grandma's house.
Jackson is anxiously awaiting the arrival home of his little brother.
Jackson has rebounded from the excitment of my hospitalization. He did have some behavior problems, but they were minor and to be expected with everything he went through. He still spends the night with grandparents, but it's not because he has to anymore. He goes to school 3 days a week and spends the other 2 with Nana and helping Big Pa work. He seems to always come up with some adventure when he is with them. Jackson also enjoys spending weekends playing with his cousin, Wyatt, at Grandma's house.
Jackson is anxiously awaiting the arrival home of his little brother.
One More Week!
Weight: 4lbs 9oz
Austin has been holding steady at 4lbs 9oz for the past 3-4 days, but at least he's not losing any like he did last week. We are about 7 days out from surgery and are super ready for it to be over! Austin has a busy week ahead of him with some routine things along with the preparation for his surgery. On Monday he gets another eye exam. Tuesday or Wednesday he will be taken down to have a barium study done on his entire digestive tract. This will make sure that he has no strictures or blockages before they close him up. I know the nurses will be extremely happy when they don't have to clean him up after bag leakages anymore. Then on Thursday he will be taken to the OR to have his final surgery. Please pray that this surgery is uneventful!
Please continue to pray for the other babies that surround us. We are not in the same room as Tucker and Riley anymore, but we see Tucker's parents from time to time. Tucker is still making progress but it is slow. We are now next to a little boy named Gabriel. He needs special prayers for healing and growth for his little lungs. His situation is similar to what Jackson's was 5 years ago.
Austin has been holding steady at 4lbs 9oz for the past 3-4 days, but at least he's not losing any like he did last week. We are about 7 days out from surgery and are super ready for it to be over! Austin has a busy week ahead of him with some routine things along with the preparation for his surgery. On Monday he gets another eye exam. Tuesday or Wednesday he will be taken down to have a barium study done on his entire digestive tract. This will make sure that he has no strictures or blockages before they close him up. I know the nurses will be extremely happy when they don't have to clean him up after bag leakages anymore. Then on Thursday he will be taken to the OR to have his final surgery. Please pray that this surgery is uneventful!
Please continue to pray for the other babies that surround us. We are not in the same room as Tucker and Riley anymore, but we see Tucker's parents from time to time. Tucker is still making progress but it is slow. We are now next to a little boy named Gabriel. He needs special prayers for healing and growth for his little lungs. His situation is similar to what Jackson's was 5 years ago.
Nice Surprise
After hitting a wall of frustration over the weekend, I came into the NICU to a nice surprise. Our Grapevine team, Dr. Kappler and Mark (NNP) were at Baylor Dallas today! Dr. Kappler was Jackson's doctor when he was in the NICU in Grapevine 5 years ago and Mark spent a tireless amount of time keeping Jackson breathing. I was SO happy to see them even if it's only for a few days.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Bumpy Ride
Last Night's Weight: 4lbs 9oz
The last week or so has been up and down. Austin is fine, but a few things happened that set him back a little.
1. Third attempt at fortifying his milk failed. I'm not going to let them try again until after he has been closed and recovered.
2. He started vitamins but they seemed too much for him to handle as well.
3. Got his first two month immunization.
4. The doctors suspected that he got another infection, so he's been on antibiotics for the last 5 days.
So because of all of the above, his feedings were cut from 40cc's to 12. He is REALLY not happy about this change. In my opinion too many things were changed in a short period of time so no one really knows what triggered it.
Austin was also moved to a new (much larger) room since they are deep cleaning all the nurseries.
The last week or so has been up and down. Austin is fine, but a few things happened that set him back a little.
1. Third attempt at fortifying his milk failed. I'm not going to let them try again until after he has been closed and recovered.
2. He started vitamins but they seemed too much for him to handle as well.
3. Got his first two month immunization.
4. The doctors suspected that he got another infection, so he's been on antibiotics for the last 5 days.
So because of all of the above, his feedings were cut from 40cc's to 12. He is REALLY not happy about this change. In my opinion too many things were changed in a short period of time so no one really knows what triggered it.
Austin was also moved to a new (much larger) room since they are deep cleaning all the nurseries.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Mission Accomplished, Day 60
Last Night's Weight: 4lbs 8oz (2040 grams)
He did it!
Lots of things have been happening in the past few days.
Austin has finally met the weight requirement to have his surgery, but we have to wait until the first week of December now. The surgeon is on vacation next week, so that pushes us to the following week. The surgery is scheduled for December 6th at 12:30pm! He will have a barium study done a few days prior to make sure everything is working before they reattach his intestines.
Since Austin has been doing so well, we were moved to the stable baby room although we are still on the North hall. Once the surgery is over and he recovers we will move to the South hall, which is the last stop before discharge. We can't get there soon enough! The only thing he really has left to accomplish is taking all his feedings on his own.
Today after his Monday labs, they decided to transfuse him again since he's been anemic for the past two weeks. It is amazing how quickly they perk up. He has been doing great with breathing and was turned down to .5 liter on his nasal cannula today. After this transfusion, I would expect he would be off of his cannula by the end of the week.
Austin also had his PICC line removed today. They had hoped to leave it in until after his surgery, but it stopped working this afternoon. The nurses tried redressing it and flushing it several times, but it wouldn't stay open. In a way this is a good thing because having it in for long periods increases risk of infection.
Last week Austin had a routine head ultrasound (his third). Jacob and I have been keeping a little secret because we didn't want to worry anyone. We were told about a month ago that Austin had a grade I IVH or brain bleed. He was never really symptomatic. The results of the ultrasound last week show that his bleed is resolving and because it is a grade I he should have no lasting long term effects from it.
He did it!
Lots of things have been happening in the past few days.
Austin has finally met the weight requirement to have his surgery, but we have to wait until the first week of December now. The surgeon is on vacation next week, so that pushes us to the following week. The surgery is scheduled for December 6th at 12:30pm! He will have a barium study done a few days prior to make sure everything is working before they reattach his intestines.
Since Austin has been doing so well, we were moved to the stable baby room although we are still on the North hall. Once the surgery is over and he recovers we will move to the South hall, which is the last stop before discharge. We can't get there soon enough! The only thing he really has left to accomplish is taking all his feedings on his own.
 |
| Not too thrilled about the move, he was the king of Nursery "B" for 8 weeks! |
Today after his Monday labs, they decided to transfuse him again since he's been anemic for the past two weeks. It is amazing how quickly they perk up. He has been doing great with breathing and was turned down to .5 liter on his nasal cannula today. After this transfusion, I would expect he would be off of his cannula by the end of the week.
 |
| He's got his unicorn horn in ready for his transfusion. (Yes, that's an IV in his head. That is the easiest place to get an IV in the little ones, but usually the last place they try.) |
Last week Austin had a routine head ultrasound (his third). Jacob and I have been keeping a little secret because we didn't want to worry anyone. We were told about a month ago that Austin had a grade I IVH or brain bleed. He was never really symptomatic. The results of the ultrasound last week show that his bleed is resolving and because it is a grade I he should have no lasting long term effects from it.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Baby Steps, Day 54
Last Night's Weight: 4lbs 5oz (1970 grams)
Austin had gained to 4lbs 6oz (1990 grams) and we were almost there. I am hoping tonight that he hits the mark! The doctor did call the surgeon today and his surgery will happen sometime the first week of December. Since we have a couple of weeks, Austin is working on taking all of the feeds on his own which is the last thing he will have to master before going home.
Update on other babies in our room...
Baby R (girl) - She was the one that her family was called in. I am happy to report that she came off her ventilator yesterday!
Baby T (boy) - He was doing well after his surgery, but developed an infection and was not doing well. Please pray that he gets well enough that his mother can hold him. She has never held him, but comes in and sits by him a good portion of the day.
Austin had gained to 4lbs 6oz (1990 grams) and we were almost there. I am hoping tonight that he hits the mark! The doctor did call the surgeon today and his surgery will happen sometime the first week of December. Since we have a couple of weeks, Austin is working on taking all of the feeds on his own which is the last thing he will have to master before going home.
Update on other babies in our room...
Baby R (girl) - She was the one that her family was called in. I am happy to report that she came off her ventilator yesterday!
Baby T (boy) - He was doing well after his surgery, but developed an infection and was not doing well. Please pray that he gets well enough that his mother can hold him. She has never held him, but comes in and sits by him a good portion of the day.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Quick Update on Eyes
Last Night's Weight: 4lbs 4.3oz (1937 grams)
Austin had his eye exam and the doctor said that he would not notice the defect. The drawing he did in his chart today actually was much smaller than two weeks ago. He will have almost all his vision in that eye. The only thing he may not be able to do is be a pilot and I have no problem with that. God is SO good!
He is now a little over 2oz away from qualifying for his surgery. I would guess that his surgery will be sometime next week.
Austin had his eye exam and the doctor said that he would not notice the defect. The drawing he did in his chart today actually was much smaller than two weeks ago. He will have almost all his vision in that eye. The only thing he may not be able to do is be a pilot and I have no problem with that. God is SO good!
He is now a little over 2oz away from qualifying for his surgery. I would guess that his surgery will be sometime next week.
Friday, November 9, 2012
All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go
Last Night's Weight: 3lbs 14 oz
Austin is finally to the point where he can wear clothes. He is in the process of being weaned from the isolette and will probably get out sometime this weekend.
The breast milk fortifier was tried again and again he is not able to tolerate it. Thankfully he was only on it for less than 24 hours and it was stopped as soon as he started showing symptoms. Because of this, Austin has not really gained any weight in several days so it is taking longer to get to the point of having his closure surgery.
Austin is finally to the point where he can wear clothes. He is in the process of being weaned from the isolette and will probably get out sometime this weekend.
The breast milk fortifier was tried again and again he is not able to tolerate it. Thankfully he was only on it for less than 24 hours and it was stopped as soon as he started showing symptoms. Because of this, Austin has not really gained any weight in several days so it is taking longer to get to the point of having his closure surgery.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Waiting and Growing
Last Night's Weight: 3lbs 15.1oz
After the dose of lasix the other day, Austin lost down to 3lbs 13oz and I had the pleasure of changing the 3oz diaper.
We are at the point now just waiting on Austin to get big enough to have his last surgery. NICU life is wonderfully boring! I am now spending everyday with him snuggling and enjoying my new baby as any mother should.
After the dose of lasix the other day, Austin lost down to 3lbs 13oz and I had the pleasure of changing the 3oz diaper.
We are at the point now just waiting on Austin to get big enough to have his last surgery. NICU life is wonderfully boring! I am now spending everyday with him snuggling and enjoying my new baby as any mother should.
 |
| Is it really time to change my diaper again? |
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Surgery on the Horizon
Last Night's Weight: 4lbs (1820 grams) (30 grams=1 ounce)
The weight gain above was partially fluid again, but he was given Lasix while I was there today and I got to change a diaper that was 94 grams.
Austin started trying to breastfeed on Tuesday and today was his best day. Because he did so well he had to be burped twice. When I started patting his back to burp him, he looked at me like "why are you beating on my back?". I guess he thought I was crazy since he had not been burped before.
As soon as Austin gains 180 more grams he will be eligible for his final surgery. The doctor thinks it could be as soon as this week, but it all depends on his weight gain.
Once the surgery is complete and he recovers his goals will be to take all feedings without the help of a feeding tube and maintain his body temperature out of the isolette. I think he already can maintain his temperature, but I think he is staying in the isolette since he will have surgery soon. They actually will do his surgery in the isolette and will close his room down to keep it sterile. His other two surgeries were done in the isolette.
With his progress, we hope to be home around December 1st.
The weight gain above was partially fluid again, but he was given Lasix while I was there today and I got to change a diaper that was 94 grams.
Austin started trying to breastfeed on Tuesday and today was his best day. Because he did so well he had to be burped twice. When I started patting his back to burp him, he looked at me like "why are you beating on my back?". I guess he thought I was crazy since he had not been burped before.
As soon as Austin gains 180 more grams he will be eligible for his final surgery. The doctor thinks it could be as soon as this week, but it all depends on his weight gain.
Once the surgery is complete and he recovers his goals will be to take all feedings without the help of a feeding tube and maintain his body temperature out of the isolette. I think he already can maintain his temperature, but I think he is staying in the isolette since he will have surgery soon. They actually will do his surgery in the isolette and will close his room down to keep it sterile. His other two surgeries were done in the isolette.
With his progress, we hope to be home around December 1st.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Making Progress
Last Night's Weight: 3lbs 12oz
Austin is still doing great! Last night he did a trial run without his nasal cannula, but has it back on now. He needs very little help, so he's only on a half liter.
Today his feedings were increased to 22mL. The doctor also said that his closure surgery could happen in the next two weeks as long as he keeps gaining weight and is over 2kg (about 4.5lbs).
Austin is still doing great! Last night he did a trial run without his nasal cannula, but has it back on now. He needs very little help, so he's only on a half liter.
Today his feedings were increased to 22mL. The doctor also said that his closure surgery could happen in the next two weeks as long as he keeps gaining weight and is over 2kg (about 4.5lbs).
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday Update
Last Night's Weight: 3lbs 9oz
Tonight's Weight: 3lbs 9oz
We have since discovered that most of Austin's weight gain this weekend is fluid. He received a dose of lasix this morning and most likely will be put on a diuretic to help him further. Jackson also had a problem with swelling and came home on a diuretic, so I'm not majorly concerned.
Austin had another eye exam this morning and the blood vessel growth is where it should be for his gestational age. We also found out that he has a Retinal Coloboma. Basically, there is a defect in his retina that happened at the point when his eyes were developing. We are not sure what his vision will be like, but it is only in his left eye. He will be checked again in two weeks and I hope to be there to talk to the opthamologist.
The only other changes today include his feedings going from 10mL to 15mL. There is talk on the horizon of adding in the fortifier again. I'm hoping there is something else they can try.
Tonight's Weight: 3lbs 9oz
We have since discovered that most of Austin's weight gain this weekend is fluid. He received a dose of lasix this morning and most likely will be put on a diuretic to help him further. Jackson also had a problem with swelling and came home on a diuretic, so I'm not majorly concerned.
Austin had another eye exam this morning and the blood vessel growth is where it should be for his gestational age. We also found out that he has a Retinal Coloboma. Basically, there is a defect in his retina that happened at the point when his eyes were developing. We are not sure what his vision will be like, but it is only in his left eye. He will be checked again in two weeks and I hope to be there to talk to the opthamologist.
The only other changes today include his feedings going from 10mL to 15mL. There is talk on the horizon of adding in the fortifier again. I'm hoping there is something else they can try.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Huge Day for Austin!
Last Night's Weight: 3lbs 5.9oz (He has to be raiding the fridge at night!)
Today Austin graduated to a 2 liter nasal cannula. The nurse moved his feeding tube to his nose because he keeps pulling it out plus it will need to be there since he may get to start feeding on his own this week. He is now big enough to wear clothes, so I'm moving in his "dresser" today. (This NICU has no idea how we roll! :) ) Maybe tomorrow or later in the week he will graduate to the big boy bed (AKA Open Crib). The next major item that will need to be checked off is the closure of his intestines and he needs to gain about another pound to be eligible. At the rate he's going that could be sometime next week. :)
YIPPIE for AUSTIN!!!!
UPDATE: While I was there this afternoon, Austin's nasal cannula was turned down to 1 liter. I would think that by mid week he will be breathing on his own totally unassisted.
Today Austin graduated to a 2 liter nasal cannula. The nurse moved his feeding tube to his nose because he keeps pulling it out plus it will need to be there since he may get to start feeding on his own this week. He is now big enough to wear clothes, so I'm moving in his "dresser" today. (This NICU has no idea how we roll! :) ) Maybe tomorrow or later in the week he will graduate to the big boy bed (AKA Open Crib). The next major item that will need to be checked off is the closure of his intestines and he needs to gain about another pound to be eligible. At the rate he's going that could be sometime next week. :)
YIPPIE for AUSTIN!!!!
UPDATE: While I was there this afternoon, Austin's nasal cannula was turned down to 1 liter. I would think that by mid week he will be breathing on his own totally unassisted.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Chunky Monkey
Last Night's Weight: 3lbs 2.5oz
Today was the first time I noticed Austin was starting to fatten up! When I walked in and looked at him, I asked the nurse if he was swollen because his legs looked a lot bigger than I remember. She looked at me and said "No, he's started to put on fat. He even has a butt crack now!" I guess that jump from 2lbs 14oz has really had a noticeable effect on him.
He is doing really good! We are hoping by Monday he will get put on the nasal cannula since he is really not requiring much respiratory support. One of his nurses told us that he does not have any of the respiratory diseases commonly associated with preemies. I guess the three steroid injections I took for him really made a difference.
Update on the two other babies I mentioned in an earlier post:
Baby R - Last night her entire family was called in because she was not doing well. Thankfully she made it through the night, but please keep praying for her and her family. I'm sure they are dealing with a lot and having to make some very hard decisions.
Baby T - He is doing pretty good after his surgery. Jacob and I spoke to his father last night and he was born with most of his abdominal organs in his chest and they were compressing his heart and lungs. The surgery he had on Monday repaired the hole in his diaphragm,but there wasn't enough room in his abdomen for everything that should be there. He will have another surgery to close his abdomen on Tuesday.
Today was the first time I noticed Austin was starting to fatten up! When I walked in and looked at him, I asked the nurse if he was swollen because his legs looked a lot bigger than I remember. She looked at me and said "No, he's started to put on fat. He even has a butt crack now!" I guess that jump from 2lbs 14oz has really had a noticeable effect on him.
He is doing really good! We are hoping by Monday he will get put on the nasal cannula since he is really not requiring much respiratory support. One of his nurses told us that he does not have any of the respiratory diseases commonly associated with preemies. I guess the three steroid injections I took for him really made a difference.
Update on the two other babies I mentioned in an earlier post:
Baby R - Last night her entire family was called in because she was not doing well. Thankfully she made it through the night, but please keep praying for her and her family. I'm sure they are dealing with a lot and having to make some very hard decisions.
Baby T - He is doing pretty good after his surgery. Jacob and I spoke to his father last night and he was born with most of his abdominal organs in his chest and they were compressing his heart and lungs. The surgery he had on Monday repaired the hole in his diaphragm,but there wasn't enough room in his abdomen for everything that should be there. He will have another surgery to close his abdomen on Tuesday.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Farewell #9
Today Austin said goodbye to an old friend, ventilator #9! This has been his since he was put on the conventional vent. He got it back when he got sick last weekend, but a little while ago he earned his CPAP back.
Yay Austin!
Yay Austin!
Finally!
Last Night's Weight: 3lbs!!! Yes, he FINALLY made it!
Austin is getting better by the day. We hope that he will be able to come off the vent in the next couple of days. He was working really hard last night to make it happen sooner. By the time we left, he had a good portion of the tape loose on his upper lip. He did manage to pull his feeding tube out while we were there.
Hopefully there will be more good news when I get there today!
Austin is getting better by the day. We hope that he will be able to come off the vent in the next couple of days. He was working really hard last night to make it happen sooner. By the time we left, he had a good portion of the tape loose on his upper lip. He did manage to pull his feeding tube out while we were there.
Hopefully there will be more good news when I get there today!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
On the Mend
Weight: 2lbs 14oz
Austin had a good night and with all the antibiotics is on the road to recovery. It will probably be several days before we see any major changes.
Yesterday they had to increase the settings on his ventilator to help him more since he is "riding the vent" (NICU term for letting the vent do all the work). He got to the point where he was needing about 40% oxygen. When I called this morning he was back to 21% (room air) which is the oxygen concentration of the air we breathe. It's important to try and keep them as close to room air as possible, because too much oxygen can affect the growth of the immature blood vessels in the eyes.
Once all the labs came back yesterday, we now know that Austin has a UTI (urinary tract infection). So far the blood culture has come back negative, which was a huge relief for me! One of his antibiotics was changed to a stronger version to help him get over this a little quicker.
He is also not being fed at the moment to give his whole system a break. They have increased his fluids to fill in the gap until he can start being fed again. I think he might have had an allergy to the fortifier they use to increase the calories. Once they start feeding him again, I'm going to request they try something different and gentler or not to increase his calories.
Austin had a good night and with all the antibiotics is on the road to recovery. It will probably be several days before we see any major changes.
Yesterday they had to increase the settings on his ventilator to help him more since he is "riding the vent" (NICU term for letting the vent do all the work). He got to the point where he was needing about 40% oxygen. When I called this morning he was back to 21% (room air) which is the oxygen concentration of the air we breathe. It's important to try and keep them as close to room air as possible, because too much oxygen can affect the growth of the immature blood vessels in the eyes.
Once all the labs came back yesterday, we now know that Austin has a UTI (urinary tract infection). So far the blood culture has come back negative, which was a huge relief for me! One of his antibiotics was changed to a stronger version to help him get over this a little quicker.
He is also not being fed at the moment to give his whole system a break. They have increased his fluids to fill in the gap until he can start being fed again. I think he might have had an allergy to the fortifier they use to increase the calories. Once they start feeding him again, I'm going to request they try something different and gentler or not to increase his calories.
 |
| Not feeling so hot |
 |
| His feet got cold, so we are trying the socks again! |
Thanks for all your prayers!
Also, Baby R had one of her breathing machines taken away yesterday.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back...
What a weekend this has been! Friday night I noticed that Austin's bag was having more fluid than actual output, which concerned me. By Saturday it had increased to straight fluid. When I arrived on Sunday, he was very pale and not reacting as much. He was having periods of periodic breathing, where he would breath for a few seconds and then take a break for longer than I care to remember. I spent the entire day at his beside.
He was evaluated several times yesterday and they think he has an infection, but all the labs have not come back yet. As a precaution, he started 3 antibiotics yesterday and by the end of the day several changes had been made. He was switched back to SiPAP in hopes to help him breathe easier, but at one point he was requiring around 40% oxygen. His feeds were decreased to 12mL every three hours from 23mL and they have stopped fortifying his milk. They have also increased his IV fluids to make up the difference and to help him with any dehydration he might be dealing with. (So glad he still has his PICC line! We were really close to having it removed.)
This morning at 5:30am, the phone rang and it was the nurse pracitioner calling to let us know that they had put Austin back on the ventilator to further support his breathing. The nurse called shortly after that to let us know the same and that he had a chest (check placement of tube) and abdominal X-ray. The abdominal X-ray was to check to see if this was related to his intestinal problem. Until the results came back, they stopped his feedings. They were restarted with his 8am feeding.
I know this is just a bump in the road, but it is still unnerving when you get those early morning calls from the NICU.
Please pray that he starts feeling better soon and has a quick recovery. Also, please pray for two other babies in his room. One is on more equipment for respiratory support (Baby R - girl) than I ever knew existed and the other had surgery this morning that has lasted over 4 hours (Baby T - boy).
He was evaluated several times yesterday and they think he has an infection, but all the labs have not come back yet. As a precaution, he started 3 antibiotics yesterday and by the end of the day several changes had been made. He was switched back to SiPAP in hopes to help him breathe easier, but at one point he was requiring around 40% oxygen. His feeds were decreased to 12mL every three hours from 23mL and they have stopped fortifying his milk. They have also increased his IV fluids to make up the difference and to help him with any dehydration he might be dealing with. (So glad he still has his PICC line! We were really close to having it removed.)
This morning at 5:30am, the phone rang and it was the nurse pracitioner calling to let us know that they had put Austin back on the ventilator to further support his breathing. The nurse called shortly after that to let us know the same and that he had a chest (check placement of tube) and abdominal X-ray. The abdominal X-ray was to check to see if this was related to his intestinal problem. Until the results came back, they stopped his feedings. They were restarted with his 8am feeding.
I know this is just a bump in the road, but it is still unnerving when you get those early morning calls from the NICU.
Please pray that he starts feeling better soon and has a quick recovery. Also, please pray for two other babies in his room. One is on more equipment for respiratory support (Baby R - girl) than I ever knew existed and the other had surgery this morning that has lasted over 4 hours (Baby T - boy).
 |
| Sick baby :( |
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Sweet Smile :)
Austin is having a GREAT day! This morning he was switched from SiPAP to CPAP. Although he still has to wear the same mask, he's one step closer to going on the nasal cannula.
During Austin's surgery when he first arrived at Baylor Dallas, the surgeon found that he had a meconium plug or meconium ileus. This is probably what caused his intestines perforate. It is also an indicator of Cystic Fibrosis. We have been anxiously waiting on the results of all the testing to come back for a few weeks. Thankfully when all of the testing came back, Austin does not have Cystic Fibrosis.
Austin has had the same nurse the last two days and he really likes her (as do I). Hopefully she will be one of his primaries! He was smiling a lot today. :)
During Austin's surgery when he first arrived at Baylor Dallas, the surgeon found that he had a meconium plug or meconium ileus. This is probably what caused his intestines perforate. It is also an indicator of Cystic Fibrosis. We have been anxiously waiting on the results of all the testing to come back for a few weeks. Thankfully when all of the testing came back, Austin does not have Cystic Fibrosis.
Austin has had the same nurse the last two days and he really likes her (as do I). Hopefully she will be one of his primaries! He was smiling a lot today. :)
 |
| What a Happy Baby! |
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Almost 4 weeks old (32 weeks gestation)
Tonight's Weight: 2lbs 13oz
Austin has reached the goal I had set to make it to for delivery, but he has been here almost 4 weeks now.
He is still doing really good. Today his feedings were increased to 22 mL and he is still digesting everything he is given. We hope in the next few days or so he is doing well enough that the PICC line can be removed.
On the respiratory front, he is doing great! He is still on SiPAP, but from the picture below he should be close to coming off of it. (The prongs from his mask are on his eyebrows.) He is having a blood gas done tomorrow morning and hopefully they will switch him over to CPAP.
That's all the news for today!
Austin has reached the goal I had set to make it to for delivery, but he has been here almost 4 weeks now.
He is still doing really good. Today his feedings were increased to 22 mL and he is still digesting everything he is given. We hope in the next few days or so he is doing well enough that the PICC line can be removed.
On the respiratory front, he is doing great! He is still on SiPAP, but from the picture below he should be close to coming off of it. (The prongs from his mask are on his eyebrows.) He is having a blood gas done tomorrow morning and hopefully they will switch him over to CPAP.
That's all the news for today!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Peepers, Socks and Primaries
Tonight's Weight: 2lbs 10oz
Last Night's Weight: 2lbs 9oz
Today was Austin's first eye exam and he did better than expected. This is one of the few things I cannot watch. To do this exam, the opthamologist has to use a retractor to keep Austin eye open while he looks at the blood vessels growth on his retina. The growth is where they would expect it to be based on his gestational age. He will have another exam in 2 weeks.
As I was sitting in the NICU today, I noticed that Austin's heart rate would spike into the 200s even though he was not really upset. Trying to figure out what could be causing it I noticed the little blue socks I had put on his feet the night before and remembered how after the nurse would tuck him in he would figure out a way to get one or both feet out. I did point out to the nurse that I was concerned about how his heart rate was so elevated and she started looking up the last xray he had done to see the placement of his PICC line. After talking to the doctor another xray was ordered just to be sure the current placement was still ok, since sometimes it can cause problems if it is too close to the heart. While waiting on the xray tech to arrive, I got up an pulled his socks off to see if it would make a difference. A few minutes later, his heart rate was under 200. When the xray came back, the doctor had the nurse pull his PICC line back 1cm. I'm not sure if it was the PICC line or Austin protesting his new socks, but it's funny how taking them off did help.
Some of the most important people in the NICU are the nurses as they spend the most time with the babies. When Jackson was in the NICU at Baylor Grapevine, we had several nurses that would always be assigned to his care. This was so nice, because they really knew him and we got to know them. Since being at Baylor Dallas, we really haven't had the same nurse more than once or twice so getting primary nurses is pretty important right now. We do have one for sure and then yesterday I think we may have another since she had been with him for both Saturday and Sunday. They both are so sweet with Austin!
Well, that's all for today!
P.S. Congratulations are in order for Jacob. He changed Austin's diaper for the first time tonight.
Last Night's Weight: 2lbs 9oz
Today was Austin's first eye exam and he did better than expected. This is one of the few things I cannot watch. To do this exam, the opthamologist has to use a retractor to keep Austin eye open while he looks at the blood vessels growth on his retina. The growth is where they would expect it to be based on his gestational age. He will have another exam in 2 weeks.
As I was sitting in the NICU today, I noticed that Austin's heart rate would spike into the 200s even though he was not really upset. Trying to figure out what could be causing it I noticed the little blue socks I had put on his feet the night before and remembered how after the nurse would tuck him in he would figure out a way to get one or both feet out. I did point out to the nurse that I was concerned about how his heart rate was so elevated and she started looking up the last xray he had done to see the placement of his PICC line. After talking to the doctor another xray was ordered just to be sure the current placement was still ok, since sometimes it can cause problems if it is too close to the heart. While waiting on the xray tech to arrive, I got up an pulled his socks off to see if it would make a difference. A few minutes later, his heart rate was under 200. When the xray came back, the doctor had the nurse pull his PICC line back 1cm. I'm not sure if it was the PICC line or Austin protesting his new socks, but it's funny how taking them off did help.
Some of the most important people in the NICU are the nurses as they spend the most time with the babies. When Jackson was in the NICU at Baylor Grapevine, we had several nurses that would always be assigned to his care. This was so nice, because they really knew him and we got to know them. Since being at Baylor Dallas, we really haven't had the same nurse more than once or twice so getting primary nurses is pretty important right now. We do have one for sure and then yesterday I think we may have another since she had been with him for both Saturday and Sunday. They both are so sweet with Austin!
Well, that's all for today!
P.S. Congratulations are in order for Jacob. He changed Austin's diaper for the first time tonight.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Friday Update
Tonights Weight: 2lbs 11oz
We have made it to the point where boring is a good thing! Austin is doing GREAT! I've been able to hold him everyday for the last three days and yesterday I held him for three hours straight.
Today his feeds were increased to 17mL, which is a little over 3 teaspoons, and they are fortifying his milk up to 22cal to help him gain weight a little quicker.
We are still waiting to hear the plan regarding the closure of his intestines. I've heard varying criteria for this surgery. The surgeon said 6 weeks, give or take, while some of the nurses said he would have to be a certain weight (5 pounds). Hopefully we will get this ironed out soon so we know what to expect.
We have made it to the point where boring is a good thing! Austin is doing GREAT! I've been able to hold him everyday for the last three days and yesterday I held him for three hours straight.
Today his feeds were increased to 17mL, which is a little over 3 teaspoons, and they are fortifying his milk up to 22cal to help him gain weight a little quicker.
We are still waiting to hear the plan regarding the closure of his intestines. I've heard varying criteria for this surgery. The surgeon said 6 weeks, give or take, while some of the nurses said he would have to be a certain weight (5 pounds). Hopefully we will get this ironed out soon so we know what to expect.
 |
| Austin holding his own pacifier. |
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Exciting Day for Mommy!
Tonight's Weight: 2lbs 9oz
There's not much to report. Austin is doing great, but does not care for the CPAP mask. His feeds were increased to 11mL today. He was really alert today!
Here are some pictures of Mr. Bright Eyes...
And my favorite of all...Finally at 19 days I got to hold him!
There's not much to report. Austin is doing great, but does not care for the CPAP mask. His feeds were increased to 11mL today. He was really alert today!
Here are some pictures of Mr. Bright Eyes...
 |
And my favorite of all...Finally at 19 days I got to hold him!
I spent an hour and a half sitting there holding him. He was SO calm! I could have sat there with him the entire day.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Big Changes!!!
Last Nights Weight: 2lbs 8oz
I have been hesitant to put his weight up, but he has been 2lbs 8oz for several days. He first hit this weight on Saturday and we really thought he would lose it since we thought it was due to the extra fluids from the surgery.
Over the past few days, Austin has needed less and less support from his ventilator and today the settings were so low that when I arrived I noticed his ventilator was sitting in the main hallway of the NICU. He is now on a SiPAP and is doing all the work. The SiPAP will remind or give him 10 breaths a minute if he needs it, but he is breathing well above that.
His goal now is to work through increasing feeding amounts and grow, grow, GROW!
I have been hesitant to put his weight up, but he has been 2lbs 8oz for several days. He first hit this weight on Saturday and we really thought he would lose it since we thought it was due to the extra fluids from the surgery.
Over the past few days, Austin has needed less and less support from his ventilator and today the settings were so low that when I arrived I noticed his ventilator was sitting in the main hallway of the NICU. He is now on a SiPAP and is doing all the work. The SiPAP will remind or give him 10 breaths a minute if he needs it, but he is breathing well above that.
His goal now is to work through increasing feeding amounts and grow, grow, GROW!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Post Surgery
There's not much to report. Austin is doing well and there are noticeable changes on his monitors today. His heart rate has come down since it's not having to work so hard. The doctors are not making any changes for him today to let him have another day to recover.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Urgent Update - PDA
I just spoke to the hospital and received the results of the echo Austin had done yesterday. He has a large Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Within the next 24-48 hours he will have surgery to close the PDA.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Good Day!
Last nights weight: 2lb 5oz
Austin had a really good day today! When I arrived, he had his PICC line in and the umbilical lines had been removed. While I was there today, he would get really upset and his heartrate would shoot up. I would put my hands on his head and feet and he would calm down. The second I would sit down he would do it again. I think he's ready to be held, but we have to wait until he comes off the ventilator so nothing gets pulled loose.
Stoma
Last night he had his bag put on to collect what is coming out of his ostomy. From what I hear, it really started working and he had to be cleaned up.
PDA
The doctor ordered an echocardiogram to check his PDA and we are still waiting on the results.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
Austin had a really good day today! When I arrived, he had his PICC line in and the umbilical lines had been removed. While I was there today, he would get really upset and his heartrate would shoot up. I would put my hands on his head and feet and he would calm down. The second I would sit down he would do it again. I think he's ready to be held, but we have to wait until he comes off the ventilator so nothing gets pulled loose.
Stoma
Last night he had his bag put on to collect what is coming out of his ostomy. From what I hear, it really started working and he had to be cleaned up.
PDA
The doctor ordered an echocardiogram to check his PDA and we are still waiting on the results.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
All Aboard the NICU Rollercoaster!
Last nights weight: 2lbs 3.1oz
Yesterday was one of our down days in the NICU. Austin had several episodes when his heart rate and oxygen level dropped. When I arrived he was really slobbery and the nurse suctioned him several times, but he continued to have lower levels. When he had his last episode, she suctioned out his vent tube and gave him a dose of his pain meds which settled him down some. I ended up spending the entire day at his bedside.
With the episodes, additional tests were ordered to see what was going on since he had been doing so good the last several days. Thankfully all of them came back within normal ranges! They did give him another blood transfusion and started him on caffeine. Caffeine helps preemies remember to breathe.
On a happier note, he received his first meal at noon on Saturday of 3mL of milk and was receiving it every 6 hours. Since then he has been increased to 5mL every four hours. Hopefully he will really start gaining weight now!
Yesterday was one of our down days in the NICU. Austin had several episodes when his heart rate and oxygen level dropped. When I arrived he was really slobbery and the nurse suctioned him several times, but he continued to have lower levels. When he had his last episode, she suctioned out his vent tube and gave him a dose of his pain meds which settled him down some. I ended up spending the entire day at his bedside.
With the episodes, additional tests were ordered to see what was going on since he had been doing so good the last several days. Thankfully all of them came back within normal ranges! They did give him another blood transfusion and started him on caffeine. Caffeine helps preemies remember to breathe.
On a happier note, he received his first meal at noon on Saturday of 3mL of milk and was receiving it every 6 hours. Since then he has been increased to 5mL every four hours. Hopefully he will really start gaining weight now!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Trucking Right Along!
Today's visit was really good!
Last nights weight: 2lbs 2oz
Respiratory
Austin is still not requiring additional oxygen and was even taken off the jet ventilator and is now on the conventional. We had to leave for about an hour while they did a procedure on another baby and when we returned the conventional had been turned down. He is really close to coming off and going onto Sipap. The Sipap is like a cpap but it will remind him to take a breath should he forget.
Surgery/Stoma
He is still recovering well from his surgery. They reduced his pain meds/sedation further and he seems to be tolerating it. The surgery site looks good. They are waiting for it to start producing a little stool and then they will start trying to feed him. Once it starts producing they will place a bag over his ostomy until they close it, which should be about 6 weeks.
PDA
The valve in Austin's heart that would normally close shortly after birth seems to still be open. He is not symptomatic now but could be in the future. It's a wait and watch for now.
Other tests
Austin had an ultrasound done of his head to check for bleeding in his brain which is common in preemies. At this point they could not detect any bleeding in Austin's brain. Yippee!
Last nights weight: 2lbs 2oz
Respiratory
Austin is still not requiring additional oxygen and was even taken off the jet ventilator and is now on the conventional. We had to leave for about an hour while they did a procedure on another baby and when we returned the conventional had been turned down. He is really close to coming off and going onto Sipap. The Sipap is like a cpap but it will remind him to take a breath should he forget.
Surgery/Stoma
He is still recovering well from his surgery. They reduced his pain meds/sedation further and he seems to be tolerating it. The surgery site looks good. They are waiting for it to start producing a little stool and then they will start trying to feed him. Once it starts producing they will place a bag over his ostomy until they close it, which should be about 6 weeks.
PDA
The valve in Austin's heart that would normally close shortly after birth seems to still be open. He is not symptomatic now but could be in the future. It's a wait and watch for now.
Other tests
Austin had an ultrasound done of his head to check for bleeding in his brain which is common in preemies. At this point they could not detect any bleeding in Austin's brain. Yippee!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Getting up to Date!
Yesterday I was discharged from Baylor Grapevine and went straight to Baylor Dallas.
The relief of being able to see Austin with my own eyes was amazing! He is SO tiny but SO perfect!
His nurse says he is doing really good. Last night they started weening him from the ventilator he is on but it could take several days to accomplish. Once they feel he is ready he will be put on a ventilator that will allow him to do a little more of the work but still support him.
Last nights weight: 2lbs 1.5oz
I am also doing well although still recovering from my surgery. My blood pressure is still elevated but the hope is that it will return to normal in the next few weeks and I can start coming off all the meds I am on. I also think once the swelling (my feet are SO swollen that my flip flops leave deep grooves in the top of my feet) that showed up after delivery goes down that will help as well.
After we visit Austin this afternoon, we are heading to get Jackson and bring him home. I'm sure he will be so excited for things to get back to normal.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!
Becky
The relief of being able to see Austin with my own eyes was amazing! He is SO tiny but SO perfect!
His nurse says he is doing really good. Last night they started weening him from the ventilator he is on but it could take several days to accomplish. Once they feel he is ready he will be put on a ventilator that will allow him to do a little more of the work but still support him.
Last nights weight: 2lbs 1.5oz
I am also doing well although still recovering from my surgery. My blood pressure is still elevated but the hope is that it will return to normal in the next few weeks and I can start coming off all the meds I am on. I also think once the swelling (my feet are SO swollen that my flip flops leave deep grooves in the top of my feet) that showed up after delivery goes down that will help as well.
After we visit Austin this afternoon, we are heading to get Jackson and bring him home. I'm sure he will be so excited for things to get back to normal.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!
Becky
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Surgery - One Day Old
Today Austin was flown by CareFlight to Baylor hospital in downtown Dallas. The doctor/nurse discovered this morning, after doing a routine X-ray, that there was an issue with his intestines which was filling his abdominal cavity with air.
By 1:00pm he was on his way. Once he was admitted and stabilized they began the operation. The surgeon found a small perforation on Austin's small intestine and repaired it by doing a stoma. For the next six weeks, that section of his intestine will open to the outside and then he will have another surgery to close it.
We have been blessed over and over throughout this. From the doctors knowing that it was the time to deliver to the NICU staff that noticed something not quite right on his X-ray and getting him transported quickly. Also to the team of doctors I've never met that performed the surgery and corrected the problem. Thankfully Jacob and Judy, Jacobs mom, were at the hospital for the procedure and were able to meet with the doctors after they were done.
Please pray that Austin heals quickly so that he can be fed and continue to grow. Please pray that there are no additional complications to his tiny, fragile little body. Please pray for the continued wisdom of the medical staff that is caring for him.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support! We are seeing results!
By 1:00pm he was on his way. Once he was admitted and stabilized they began the operation. The surgeon found a small perforation on Austin's small intestine and repaired it by doing a stoma. For the next six weeks, that section of his intestine will open to the outside and then he will have another surgery to close it.
We have been blessed over and over throughout this. From the doctors knowing that it was the time to deliver to the NICU staff that noticed something not quite right on his X-ray and getting him transported quickly. Also to the team of doctors I've never met that performed the surgery and corrected the problem. Thankfully Jacob and Judy, Jacobs mom, were at the hospital for the procedure and were able to meet with the doctors after they were done.
Please pray that Austin heals quickly so that he can be fed and continue to grow. Please pray that there are no additional complications to his tiny, fragile little body. Please pray for the continued wisdom of the medical staff that is caring for him.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support! We are seeing results!
Urgent Update!
The neonatologist just came in and talked to me. Austin has a perforation somewhere in his intestines and will be transferred to a bigger hospital for surgery today. Please pray that it is a success and that he can be transferred back here once he is stable.
Birthday!
Austin Jacob Craig was born at 3:55pm September 21, 2012. He weighed 2lbs and was 13 3/4 inches long at birth.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Today is the Day!
Too many things are changing, so around 3pm today I will be delivered.
Jacob will update once he is born.
Jacob will update once he is born.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
28 weeks!
I have now been here for 16 days! Today I am now 28 weeks 1 day and farther along than when I delivered Jackson.
Me
This past week has been pretty much the same schedule. I had blood work done again on Thursday morning and it all came back normal. Since my blood pressure is still the biggest issue, my doctor added another medication in addition to what I am already taking. It is amazing that I am able to function on the amount of medication I am on! The nurses even question my dosage since I guess I'm one of few that has ever required this amount and still have blood pressure that is running high.
Starting on Monday, I am now having lab work done everyday since I now have Preeclampsia. I found out today that my platelet count has been dropping but is still in the normal range, which is an indicator of HELLP Syndrome. The last urine test showed that the protein level is increasing. I am now doing a 24 hour test so they can get the exact amount.
On Friday I was having a really rough day just dealing with being here and having to depend on others to handle things. After getting worked up about a particular situation and being due for another blood pressure check, I had a really nice surprise. Dusty, the therapy dog, stopped by my room. He was the sweetest Golden Retriever! Just what I needed as a distraction and to help me get ready for my blood pressure check. The reading was still high, but I'm sure nowhere near what it would have been had he not stopped by.
Baby
On Friday morning I had another ultrasound and the baby is weathering this like a champ! He is VERY active and doesn't like to cooperate when the nurses try to monitor him. I spent a total of two hours on the monitor to get 20 minutes of monitoring. He tries his best to kick the leads off everytime.
Please pray that my platelet count does not go any lower and that the protein does not go any higher. I really want to make it to 32 weeks, but if this keeps progressing I will be lucky to get to 30 weeks.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Becky
Me
This past week has been pretty much the same schedule. I had blood work done again on Thursday morning and it all came back normal. Since my blood pressure is still the biggest issue, my doctor added another medication in addition to what I am already taking. It is amazing that I am able to function on the amount of medication I am on! The nurses even question my dosage since I guess I'm one of few that has ever required this amount and still have blood pressure that is running high.
Starting on Monday, I am now having lab work done everyday since I now have Preeclampsia. I found out today that my platelet count has been dropping but is still in the normal range, which is an indicator of HELLP Syndrome. The last urine test showed that the protein level is increasing. I am now doing a 24 hour test so they can get the exact amount.
On Friday I was having a really rough day just dealing with being here and having to depend on others to handle things. After getting worked up about a particular situation and being due for another blood pressure check, I had a really nice surprise. Dusty, the therapy dog, stopped by my room. He was the sweetest Golden Retriever! Just what I needed as a distraction and to help me get ready for my blood pressure check. The reading was still high, but I'm sure nowhere near what it would have been had he not stopped by.
Baby
On Friday morning I had another ultrasound and the baby is weathering this like a champ! He is VERY active and doesn't like to cooperate when the nurses try to monitor him. I spent a total of two hours on the monitor to get 20 minutes of monitoring. He tries his best to kick the leads off everytime.
Please pray that my platelet count does not go any lower and that the protein does not go any higher. I really want to make it to 32 weeks, but if this keeps progressing I will be lucky to get to 30 weeks.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Becky
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Update
This afternoon I completed another 24 hour urine test. About an hour ago the nurse came in to relay the results and the protein count had tripled from last week. With my blood pressure still going crazy and now the protein starting to become more of a factor the time on the clock is getting shorter. I still hope to make it to 32 weeks, but only time will tell.
The baby is handling everything really well at the moment which is a blessing!
The baby is handling everything really well at the moment which is a blessing!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
27 weeks!
I have made it through the first week in the hospital and am settling into a routine, if you can call it that. Some moments are tougher than others, but I'm getting through.
My blood pressure is still a great concern since it continues to creep higher even though I'm on an extremely high dose of medication. Over the past few days the diastolic has been getting and staying in the low 100's. My doctor mentioned this morning that if the trend continues that we would add a second medication. One good thing is that the hospital allowed me to bring in my own meds since they only stocked the 250mg tablets and I have to take 1500mg twice a day. I was having to take 12 blood pressure pills a day and for those that really know me know what a feat it is for me to take one pill much less 12.
In addition to monitoring blood pressure, I also visit the perinatologist twice a week for an ultrasound to check the baby for growth, fluid level and overall health. I'm hoping on my Thursday visit I can get a estimate weight update on him.
The last thing they are watching on me is lab work. I was originally scheduled for a once a week blood draw, but with my blood pressure increasing my doctor has ordered it for twice a week. The only bad thing about this is they show up at or before 6am to collect. Not my idea of a nice way to wake up! So please be thinking of me on Monday and Thursday mornings as the vampires come to collect.
Please keep Jackson in your thoughts as he is coping with all of this. He understands that Mommy is in the hospital for the baby, but being apart is hard for everyone. He's had a few meltdowns and gets really sad when it's time to leave. He's tried to hide under the covers of my bed and asked Jacob to let him stay with me. Please also think of Jacob as he is juggling the details of work, hospital and family. Thankfully we have a solid extended family support system!
Thank you all for your prayers and support!
My blood pressure is still a great concern since it continues to creep higher even though I'm on an extremely high dose of medication. Over the past few days the diastolic has been getting and staying in the low 100's. My doctor mentioned this morning that if the trend continues that we would add a second medication. One good thing is that the hospital allowed me to bring in my own meds since they only stocked the 250mg tablets and I have to take 1500mg twice a day. I was having to take 12 blood pressure pills a day and for those that really know me know what a feat it is for me to take one pill much less 12.
In addition to monitoring blood pressure, I also visit the perinatologist twice a week for an ultrasound to check the baby for growth, fluid level and overall health. I'm hoping on my Thursday visit I can get a estimate weight update on him.
The last thing they are watching on me is lab work. I was originally scheduled for a once a week blood draw, but with my blood pressure increasing my doctor has ordered it for twice a week. The only bad thing about this is they show up at or before 6am to collect. Not my idea of a nice way to wake up! So please be thinking of me on Monday and Thursday mornings as the vampires come to collect.
Please keep Jackson in your thoughts as he is coping with all of this. He understands that Mommy is in the hospital for the baby, but being apart is hard for everyone. He's had a few meltdowns and gets really sad when it's time to leave. He's tried to hide under the covers of my bed and asked Jacob to let him stay with me. Please also think of Jacob as he is juggling the details of work, hospital and family. Thankfully we have a solid extended family support system!
Thank you all for your prayers and support!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Doctor Updates
I'm now pretty settled in and have seen most of the specialists that will be following me through this. Here's what we know and sorry if it is TMI:
Dr N (my ob/gyn) - In the tests that were order at my arrival all have come back completely within normal ranges except one. Because of the risk of Preeclampsia again, a 24 hour urine collection was done to see how much protein I was "spilling" to at least have a baseline to start. The top of the range according to textbooks is 150mg and my result was 300mg. Although a little higher, no one is overly concerned at this point. Just to compare to where I was with Jackson, my reading at admission was 3000mg. He also ordered steroid injections that will help the baby's lungs mature at a faster rate to prepare him for a preterm birth. I get two initially a day apart and then will get a booster close to when we think he might be delivered.
Dr. G (perinatologist - high risk ob/gyn) - He did an ultrasound when I was admitted on Wednesday and the baby looked great. His estimated weight was 2lbs 2oz (Jackson was 2lbs 9oz at birth and was 2 1/2 weeks farther along). I had a second ultrasound done this morning and baby is still looking good. The doctor mentioned that as long as my blood pressure stayed below under 160/110 we would keep everything as it currently is medication wise. Last reading about 2 hours ago was 142/85. It has fluctuated from a high of 157/101 last night to the current reading, so I'm still not having a stable blood pressure. He does not want to adjust or add any additional medication at this time because if it goes too low it could affect blood flow to the baby and the same if it is too high. The baby seems to be used to everything and is obviously thriving.
Dr K (neonatologist) - First I want to say that we have a long history with this doctor. She was the one that took care of Jackson for his 81 day stay here 5 years ago and I am SO thankful she is still here. She came by and visited with me. I had a list of questions ready to see what support would be needed based on when my ob/gyn thinks the earliest I might deliver (32-33 weeks) and what complications we might be facing with him being born at this gestation. This timeframe would be lightyears better than what we experienced with Jackson and would probably mean only a 4-6 week NICU stay. We are hoping to make it as far as possible and bring this baby home, but spending a little time with NICU staff would not be the end of the world.
Well, that's where we stand today. Jackson is spending the night with Grandma tonight and most of the day tomorrow. Please be thinking of her and pray she gets some sleep. Nana is still recovering from having him stay Wednesday night and all day Thursday. We are hoping to get him set in a regular schedule, so he knows what to expect and keep behavior issues to a minimum.
Thanks again for all the prayers and well wishes we have received!
P.S. I was finally moved to out of Labor & Delivery and am in an antepartum room, which is where I will stay until the time arrives.
Dr N (my ob/gyn) - In the tests that were order at my arrival all have come back completely within normal ranges except one. Because of the risk of Preeclampsia again, a 24 hour urine collection was done to see how much protein I was "spilling" to at least have a baseline to start. The top of the range according to textbooks is 150mg and my result was 300mg. Although a little higher, no one is overly concerned at this point. Just to compare to where I was with Jackson, my reading at admission was 3000mg. He also ordered steroid injections that will help the baby's lungs mature at a faster rate to prepare him for a preterm birth. I get two initially a day apart and then will get a booster close to when we think he might be delivered.
Dr. G (perinatologist - high risk ob/gyn) - He did an ultrasound when I was admitted on Wednesday and the baby looked great. His estimated weight was 2lbs 2oz (Jackson was 2lbs 9oz at birth and was 2 1/2 weeks farther along). I had a second ultrasound done this morning and baby is still looking good. The doctor mentioned that as long as my blood pressure stayed below under 160/110 we would keep everything as it currently is medication wise. Last reading about 2 hours ago was 142/85. It has fluctuated from a high of 157/101 last night to the current reading, so I'm still not having a stable blood pressure. He does not want to adjust or add any additional medication at this time because if it goes too low it could affect blood flow to the baby and the same if it is too high. The baby seems to be used to everything and is obviously thriving.
Dr K (neonatologist) - First I want to say that we have a long history with this doctor. She was the one that took care of Jackson for his 81 day stay here 5 years ago and I am SO thankful she is still here. She came by and visited with me. I had a list of questions ready to see what support would be needed based on when my ob/gyn thinks the earliest I might deliver (32-33 weeks) and what complications we might be facing with him being born at this gestation. This timeframe would be lightyears better than what we experienced with Jackson and would probably mean only a 4-6 week NICU stay. We are hoping to make it as far as possible and bring this baby home, but spending a little time with NICU staff would not be the end of the world.
Well, that's where we stand today. Jackson is spending the night with Grandma tonight and most of the day tomorrow. Please be thinking of her and pray she gets some sleep. Nana is still recovering from having him stay Wednesday night and all day Thursday. We are hoping to get him set in a regular schedule, so he knows what to expect and keep behavior issues to a minimum.
Thanks again for all the prayers and well wishes we have received!
P.S. I was finally moved to out of Labor & Delivery and am in an antepartum room, which is where I will stay until the time arrives.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Here We Go Again...
As many can remember, almost 5 years ago Jackson was born premature at 28 weeks due my development of Preeclampsia/HELLP Syndrome. It has taken Jacob and I almost these past 5 years to get to the point of going down the path of having a second child. Earlier this year, we found out that baby #2 was on the way! This news left us being excited and terrified at the same time, if that is even possible.
In early May, we met with my doctor to see how everything was progressing and to get more information on the risks of a repeated complication. At that appointment, everything looked great!
At the June appointment, the first indication appeared of how high a possibility I had of developing preeclampsia again. My blood pressure was elevated and I was put on medication to try and keep it down. Unfortunately, the first medication made me sick and it was changed shortly thereafter. The second medication seemed to work, but it made me SO sleepy.
Being the good patient I am, I started monitoring my blood pressure regularly and faxing to the doctor and received several increases between my June and July appointments.
On August 17th, I was sent home on bed rest for the weekend. The next week I was put on full bed rest for the duration.
Since at this point my doctor had me coming in every two weeks to keep a closer eye on me, my next appointment was scheduled for September 5th. In the days approaching this appointment something in my gut was telling me that things were about to change and boy did they! Within about 5 mins of the doctor entering the room, he was filling out admission paperwork. Fortunately I was listening to that little voice and packed my bags for the hospital since last time I was not at all prepared.
I am now 24 hours into what I hope is at least a two month stay. So far I have been thoroughly checked and my only symptom so far is still the high blood pressure. The best readings come when I lay on either side, so when the nurse comes in I quickly get comfortable to try to get it as low as possible. All of the testing done so far has come back with absolutely no sign of Preeclampsia.
Please pray for my sanity through this process and that the effect on Jacob and Jackson is minimal. Jackson loves his mommy and because of Jacob's work schedule this week has been/will be shuffled between his grandparents through Saturday. Jackson loves spending time with Grandma, Poppaw, Nana and Big Pa, but under the circumstances he's been really clingy with Jacob. For me, being confined to one room is mentally exhausting and a true test of ones mental stamina. Being away from Jacob and Jackson is the absolute hardest! It's almost like I've hit pause while their lives are continuing with the nightly visit to Mommy.
The ultimate goal for me is to walk out of this hospital with a healthy, (almost) full term baby in my arms. When I leave I want him to go with me and if this is the path we take to get there, so be it!
Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes!
P.S. I need to thank those that are stepping in and picking up the slack.
Mamaw - You have been spending your time coming over and making sure that bathrooms are cleaned, dishes are in the cabinet, laundry folded and put up, and doing anything that you think might need to be done to keep us running since I started having problems.
Mom - You have been great at help with Jackson. Working around Jacob's schedule these past few weeks and doing the exchanges at super early hours in my opinion and then getting him back to Jacob later in the evening or keeping him overnight. You have also found time to make the 40 mile drive more times than I can imagine to take care of me while I was at home and unable to do anything. I would also like to mention that you have done this after only having had a full knee replacement barely over two months ago.
Judy - I really don't know where to begin honestly. You have been willing to do anything that we have asked although I have been reluctant to ask anything because you already do SO much You have fed us regularly to make sure that with Jacob's schedule that we all are eating. You have come to our house when Jacob was working late to make sure that Jackson got a bath and put him to bed making sure he was getting an adequate amount of sleep. You did all this while your house was torn apart from a water leak and going through major repairs. I seriously don't know how you do all that you do.
Jacob - I know this situation probably brings back a lot of memories you would like to permanently forget. Thankfully you aren't the one with the blood pressure issue! With the crazy hours you have to work to keep us afloat and now with me unable to help with anything at home, I know the pressure you must be facing. You know I would probably not be strong enough to handle all of this. I know it is your Faith as I've watched it grow over the past several years that is now carrying you through. I know very soon our house will again be filled with another set of little feet and as the spiritual leader of our family I know you will make sure that this little one will learn love of our Lord just as you have made sure that Jackson has. I love you dearly and hope that this little speed bump in our lives will bring us even closer together than the last.
In early May, we met with my doctor to see how everything was progressing and to get more information on the risks of a repeated complication. At that appointment, everything looked great!
At the June appointment, the first indication appeared of how high a possibility I had of developing preeclampsia again. My blood pressure was elevated and I was put on medication to try and keep it down. Unfortunately, the first medication made me sick and it was changed shortly thereafter. The second medication seemed to work, but it made me SO sleepy.
Being the good patient I am, I started monitoring my blood pressure regularly and faxing to the doctor and received several increases between my June and July appointments.
On August 17th, I was sent home on bed rest for the weekend. The next week I was put on full bed rest for the duration.
Since at this point my doctor had me coming in every two weeks to keep a closer eye on me, my next appointment was scheduled for September 5th. In the days approaching this appointment something in my gut was telling me that things were about to change and boy did they! Within about 5 mins of the doctor entering the room, he was filling out admission paperwork. Fortunately I was listening to that little voice and packed my bags for the hospital since last time I was not at all prepared.
I am now 24 hours into what I hope is at least a two month stay. So far I have been thoroughly checked and my only symptom so far is still the high blood pressure. The best readings come when I lay on either side, so when the nurse comes in I quickly get comfortable to try to get it as low as possible. All of the testing done so far has come back with absolutely no sign of Preeclampsia.
Please pray for my sanity through this process and that the effect on Jacob and Jackson is minimal. Jackson loves his mommy and because of Jacob's work schedule this week has been/will be shuffled between his grandparents through Saturday. Jackson loves spending time with Grandma, Poppaw, Nana and Big Pa, but under the circumstances he's been really clingy with Jacob. For me, being confined to one room is mentally exhausting and a true test of ones mental stamina. Being away from Jacob and Jackson is the absolute hardest! It's almost like I've hit pause while their lives are continuing with the nightly visit to Mommy.
The ultimate goal for me is to walk out of this hospital with a healthy, (almost) full term baby in my arms. When I leave I want him to go with me and if this is the path we take to get there, so be it!
Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes!
P.S. I need to thank those that are stepping in and picking up the slack.
Mamaw - You have been spending your time coming over and making sure that bathrooms are cleaned, dishes are in the cabinet, laundry folded and put up, and doing anything that you think might need to be done to keep us running since I started having problems.
Mom - You have been great at help with Jackson. Working around Jacob's schedule these past few weeks and doing the exchanges at super early hours in my opinion and then getting him back to Jacob later in the evening or keeping him overnight. You have also found time to make the 40 mile drive more times than I can imagine to take care of me while I was at home and unable to do anything. I would also like to mention that you have done this after only having had a full knee replacement barely over two months ago.
Judy - I really don't know where to begin honestly. You have been willing to do anything that we have asked although I have been reluctant to ask anything because you already do SO much You have fed us regularly to make sure that with Jacob's schedule that we all are eating. You have come to our house when Jacob was working late to make sure that Jackson got a bath and put him to bed making sure he was getting an adequate amount of sleep. You did all this while your house was torn apart from a water leak and going through major repairs. I seriously don't know how you do all that you do.
Jacob - I know this situation probably brings back a lot of memories you would like to permanently forget. Thankfully you aren't the one with the blood pressure issue! With the crazy hours you have to work to keep us afloat and now with me unable to help with anything at home, I know the pressure you must be facing. You know I would probably not be strong enough to handle all of this. I know it is your Faith as I've watched it grow over the past several years that is now carrying you through. I know very soon our house will again be filled with another set of little feet and as the spiritual leader of our family I know you will make sure that this little one will learn love of our Lord just as you have made sure that Jackson has. I love you dearly and hope that this little speed bump in our lives will bring us even closer together than the last.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)