Still on the Cannula

Chase is still on the cannula! He continues to have some issues with desatting, and has a few bradys but he seems much happier with his new setup. Can you blame him? He is enjoying being able to turn his head from side to side when he is sleeping, and he likes to lift his head up off our chests to squirm around when we kangaroo.

Yesterday our moms and Aunt Zandy came down for a visit. This was the first time Alexandra got to see Chase, and she made shirts for Jas and I to wear with Chase's birth date on the front and "go, speed chas'r, go" on the back. I'll take some pics and post them with the rest tonight. I'm going to try to take pictures with one of our other cameras that has a "behind glass" setting to see if I can get some shots without the little one squinting or with his eyes shut. We got some more cute outfits, a super soft blanket(which I used during kangaroo today), and our bedding for his nursery as gifts from the families as well. Once the dresser comes today we'll be in business. Thank you again!

Rounds today consisted pretty much of reviewing the usual and our continued discussion about the PDA. He had another echo yesterday, and it showed that the PDA is now a moderate to large size. This is a step back from it being small at the beginning of last week. The doctor is going to monitor for the next few days and then discuss with us the recommended course of treatment. Generally PDAs contribute to the difficulties preemies have, and Chase is no exception. The majority of his symptoms most likely are related to this duct issue! One last thing, his weight is coming back up. He was up to 2 lbs. 14 oz. today-3lbs here we come!

Little angel sleeping on Daddy's chest

It is way too bright in here!

A little smile

What is this furry stuff in my mouth?

Off of CPAP

Today when I got to the hospital Chase was off CPAP! His nose had been getting irritated by the prongs, and since he was on room air most of the time they figured they would try him on nasal cannula instead. One of the neonatologists is not a fan of the cannula, even though the respiratory therapist is the one who recommended it. The doc said if he required more than 30% O2 he wanted him put back on CPAP, not sure what his issue is, but I think its just that some babies don't do well with the change. He had been off for over two hours when I got there and he had not had any bradys. He also looks very happy!

Chase looks like an old man in lots of of pics because even with the flash off a light comes on to illuminate what you are taking a picture of. We haven't been able to get a good shot of him with his eyes open because he always scrunches his eyes as soon as the light comes on. If anyone knows how to turn this feature off on the Nikon SLR, let us know.

Let me give you a hand with that.

Fortified

Mommy spent a long time with Chase today! He got another bath and did relatively well while off the CPAP. He of course still needed blow by oxygen, but didn't really desat, and only had one brief brady while he was being bathed and getting a rest from his cap:) His feeds were upped to 24 ccs and they have now added a fortifier to the milk to help give him some extra nutrients and calories. His weight was down a little to 2lbs. 11oz. so he needs all the supplements he can get!

While I was holding him today Uncle Pat and Jenna stopped by for a while and brought some adorable preemie sleepers. We've been having a tough time finding preemie clothes that fit the NICU requirements recently, but they were able to find three to add to Chase's wardrobe.

Although the nurses are able to move Chase to and from his isolette for holdings without additional assistance, it is always much easier to have an extra set of hands. They have to move the CPAP bubble machine, his pump for feeding, and all of the leads and pulsox attached to him. Usually they enlist the help from other staff, but occasionally they will ask Jas to jump in. Since Jas was at home busy working on the renovation, the nurse asked Uncle Pat to help out! Pat had to help lift Chase out of my shirt and put in back in his isolette. Even though he hasn't had to hold many babies, and definitely never one this small, he managed to put Chase back in safe and sound with only minimal deliberation on his head positioning.

Jason made it to the hospital for a few minutes before shift change to see the little man. A lot of work got done on the renovation this weekend. Many thanks to Ben and Dean for helping out yesterday, and Woody, Podolak, and Gorman for toughing out the heat today to get us one step closer to completion:)

Bath time!

Today I was able to give Chase a bath all by myself. The nurse was very patient and walked me through the process. Jason was in charge of lifting Chase up off the bed so the nurse could slide a pad underneath him to keep his bed from getting wet during bath time. As Jas lifted the little naked one up off the bed he said "Don't pee on me Peanut" not a second went by and as he had him up in the air he started to poop everywhere. Jason was officially christened! Although only a little bit got on daddy's hand it was en0ugh!

Rounds went well again. Chase continues to only have minimal aspirates so they upped his feeds to 22ccs! I think the neonatologist mentioned that they usually don't do more than 23 ccs from the feeding tube at a time. He'll be 31 wks on Sunday, so we are going to start talking about the plan for when I can begin breastfeeding as most babies start to develop their sucking abilities at 32-34 wks. Although his breathing issues are slowly improving, continued progress will help with feedings tremendously. Since his feedings are going so well and he no longer requires TPN or PN (nutrients) and he can receive his caffeine via gavage or his feeding tube, they took out the picc line. It was amazing to see how quickly they removed the tiny little catheter they had threaded in his arm.

One more thing-Chase was almost too long for the little outfit they picked out for him this afternoon!! Continue to grow little one, we got your crib today and can't wait for you to come home.

A Place to Sleep

Since it is Daddy's off Friday we are going to treat ourselves to Clementine for breakfast before heading to the hospital. Cheesy grits here we come:) Quite a few of you came to brunch/breakfast with us during my pregnancy, and I think I convinced the majority of you to try the grits...and you all loved them! Jas is just excited that I can now eat the charcuterie and tuna tartare when we visit for dinner.

Chase's crib is being delivered today. Although we still don't have the room ready for him, getting the furniture is our first step! Gearing up for another round of visitors to help with renovations and see the little one for the weekend.