Weight on the board is 5 lb and .1 of an oz! He just barely broke through the 5lb barrier,  and its mostly good weight,  not excessive swelling!

He looks like a small baby.

New nurse tofay that he has not had yet.
Nurse today has a good analogy for people that don’t quite get it.

Preemies are like a new build hime. The outside looks nice and inviting painted and the roof is brand new,  you want to move in,  so you take a peak in the window. The insulation is almost up,  but the wiring isn’t quite done, the plumbing isn’t complete everywhere, flooring isn’t done yet and the fixtures aren’t installed.

While the house may look ready to move in from the outside it is not ready.

RT looks like a small baby on the outside but his brain is only 2/3 of what it will be when he hits 40 weeks. Same with most the rest of him.

He is on 28% oxygen.

Nurse tells us he had a good night!

He is awake and wiggly when he realizes we are there.  But settles down in a little.

We do our thing. Hang out until it is time for cares.

He desats slightly, but because his nasal mask is shifting upwards and occluded on his nostrils, he isn’t getting any support. He doesn’t actually desat very deep on no support. Good sign I think.

We ask about last night’s blood gas,  it looked good!

His feedings were bumped up in volume again 38cc now!

1100 cares,  37. Just pee. Cares go quick.  We swaddle him up short binky time and then encourage him to rest and grow.

Nurse recommends cutting the wipes differently than I do it. Sure I’ll try your way.

Lunch time.

1400. 36.5, slightly cold. Big poopy diaper.  Takes two diapers. Then as I’m closing up the 2nd clean one he pees.  Nicely done buddy.  3rd diaper is the charm.

Son and pop skin time.  As I’m picking him up the nurse critiques my way, the nurse has new recommendations on how I pick him up. Sure ill try it that way.

He takes a bit too settle down,  definately looking for some milk.  Once he settles down he only gets wiggly a few times.

1700 comes,  he is still relaxed and asleep so I hold him for an extra 30 minutes.  Then decide to put him back.  The nurse puts a blanket over him and picks him up off me.  I’m kind of surprised. Ever since about the 3rd skin to skin we have been doing standing transfers.  That’s OK. She has her way of doing things. It goes smoothly,  he stays calm,  and relaxed.  Gives a few big stretches and stays almost asleep.

The nurse makes the executive decision to hold off on the temp and diaper till he either wakes up or the next set of cares.

Sounds good,  he does look comfy.  Apparently I got him pretty relaxed or he used up lots of energy at the beginming looking for food.

Either way he is getting good rest now.  26% oxygen.

His food is started.

Dinner time for us. Then back to NICU.

23% oxygen.

Same nurse as the last few nights!

During passdown bumped up to 25% because he creeps down a bit.

2000 cares.  Temp is 36.9. Another poopy diaper! He pees again as I’m wiping him clean.  2 diaper change.

Respiratory therapist is one of his night shift favorites that’s been around since early on, although he is liking more and more of them.

He is trying to roll over as she arrives, She comments she thinks he might be crawling by he time leaves.  Mom and I laugh and tell her this is what we have been saying!

I think his musculature is developing nicely under all his baby fat and rolls.

After cares weaned to 23% oxygen.

Binky time dipping it in milk every once in a while.

He is a happy boy.

Wide eyes and looking around.

Good little man.

Mom comments he seems happier and it is like he knows he is healing!

He high sats,  weaned to 21% oxygen.

He high sats again briefly. Good boy!

Keep on healing, growing, and fighting.

Maybe someday soon we will be able to wean your CPAP settings!

Just so absolutely happy with his stability!

Another good day!

Stablessing little man!