They boys are officially three weeks old today!
Asher had a REALLY good day and week. His surgery had an immediate improvement on his behavior – he was no longer “twitchy” or noticeably agitated and his heart rate finally dropped back into normal ranges. He currently has a “speed bump” on the top-side of his head where the reservoir is located and the Nero surgeon taps or drains the reservoir. Another improvement after surgery was Asher’s respiratory performance, they put him on the ventilator for surgery but removed him the next day and ever since they have been turning down his settings … and today he is breathing with ZERO assistance, not even an oxygen nasal canula! He has also been steadily gaining weight and has moved to feedings every two hours as they move toward a “normal” feeding schedule. He currently weighs in at 2lbs 15oz!
Aaron continues to grow noticeably every day. He has also moved to “normal” feedings of every three hours and weighs in at 3lbs 6oz. He is getting very active – eyes are open, lifting his head, and moving around in his isolate … yes moving around in his isolate! The other day Dad found him completely sideways with his head pressed against the side between the two port holes with his bum in the air – picture to come – but it was absolutely adorable! Aaron continues to breathe comfortably with very little assistance from an oxygen nasal canula, although it is hardly ever in his actual nose … he doesn’t seem to want to get rid of it just yet.
Anders had a pretty good week, but started to have a little trouble breathing the past couple of days. It seemed like he was working a lot harder to breathe. They did a chest x-ray yesterday and it showed substantial fluid in his lungs, so they moved him to CYPAP which is similar to CPAP which is a respirator that would give him a little assistance while they give him some medication in an attempt to remove some of the fluid. They also gave him a blood transfusion to give him a little boost. Tomorrow they will take another chest x-ray to see if the medication helped and they are probably going to do another echocardiogram to see if his PDA has changed. We are not overly alarmed as it has always been a possibility that his PDA might come back and he is still so small that small fluxes can have a substantial impact on his breathing. However, he continues to do really well with his feedings and is now on fully fortified milk. He slowly gains weight, weighing 1lb 14oz but with the medication to remove extra fluid may cause him to lose a little over the next couple of days.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Today was a hard day, Asher’s head ultra sounds showed an increase in swelling. They performed surgery at 4:30pm today to install a reservoir to reduce the swelling within one of the ventricles in his brain. The surgery went well and they hope that they can resolve the swelling without any further intervention and reduce the risk of any damage.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Overall a quite weekend – everyone continues to do well with their breathing and feedings.
Asher is starting to be more alert and has his eyes open more often. He has also “discovered his voice” and lets everyone know when he is uncomfortable.
Between Aaron and Asher new found ability, the nurses have commented that we are definitely going to have our hands full and that we have very “active” and “vocal” boys. We are not surprised by the “active” part as they were the same when they were inside!
The two big boys are also having an undeclared contest to see who can go through the most diapers as nurses attempt to change their diapers. So far Asher is in the lead – but it is close!
Anders is mom’s little cuddle bug and is days away from the big two pound mark! We can’t wait until he is off the CPAP so we can see his face without his little mask.
Asher is starting to be more alert and has his eyes open more often. He has also “discovered his voice” and lets everyone know when he is uncomfortable.
Between Aaron and Asher new found ability, the nurses have commented that we are definitely going to have our hands full and that we have very “active” and “vocal” boys. We are not surprised by the “active” part as they were the same when they were inside!
The two big boys are also having an undeclared contest to see who can go through the most diapers as nurses attempt to change their diapers. So far Asher is in the lead – but it is close!
Anders is mom’s little cuddle bug and is days away from the big two pound mark! We can’t wait until he is off the CPAP so we can see his face without his little mask.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Another rough day for Asher, or “Ash-man” as Dad likes to call him.
Asher’s head ultra sound showed substantial swelling and was evaluated by a neuro surgeon. Although he has substantial swelling, there doesn’t seem to be any evidence of pressure build-up. The surgeons decided to conduct another ultra sound on Monday and prepare for surgery. The current plan is to create a reservoir to divert the extra fluid out of the brain to reduce the swelling. The hope is that as long as the swelling is reduced, hopefully the clotting caused by the bleed will resolve itself.
He also had a slight “fever” and an accelerated heart rate so they are running more tests to make sure he doesn’t have an infection anywhere, but in the meantime they have given him antibiotics. He was also on morphine for the past week, so another possibility is that he is agitated as he had been taken off of them. They have given him a small dose of morphine and with the antibiotics; he seems to be responding positively.
Although he had a rough day, his breathing continues to get stronger and his feedings continue to increase in amount & fortification.
The other two, Aaron and Anders, continue to do really well. They have increased Ander’s feeding substantially this week from 1ML/HR to 4+ML/HR – we can’t wait until he starts packing on weight!
Asher’s head ultra sound showed substantial swelling and was evaluated by a neuro surgeon. Although he has substantial swelling, there doesn’t seem to be any evidence of pressure build-up. The surgeons decided to conduct another ultra sound on Monday and prepare for surgery. The current plan is to create a reservoir to divert the extra fluid out of the brain to reduce the swelling. The hope is that as long as the swelling is reduced, hopefully the clotting caused by the bleed will resolve itself.
He also had a slight “fever” and an accelerated heart rate so they are running more tests to make sure he doesn’t have an infection anywhere, but in the meantime they have given him antibiotics. He was also on morphine for the past week, so another possibility is that he is agitated as he had been taken off of them. They have given him a small dose of morphine and with the antibiotics; he seems to be responding positively.
Although he had a rough day, his breathing continues to get stronger and his feedings continue to increase in amount & fortification.
The other two, Aaron and Anders, continue to do really well. They have increased Ander’s feeding substantially this week from 1ML/HR to 4+ML/HR – we can’t wait until he starts packing on weight!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Asher continues to improve his breathing and was removed from the CPAP, he is now breathing with a nasal canula. He also had a follow-up brain ultra sound that showed he had an increase in swelling, so now we wait for the final report from the neurologist to determine the next steps for his treatment and monitoring. We are praying that the swelling resolves itself over the next week and has no long term impact on his development.
Anders has had another stable day as he continues to do well with his breathing and has his feedings increased every four hours.
Aaron has begun to be more alert, his eyes are open and he seems to look around and make eye contact. He seems to grow more and more overnight as they have increased the fortification (adding of calories, nutrients, and protein) of his feedings.
Anders has had another stable day as he continues to do well with his breathing and has his feedings increased every four hours.
Aaron has begun to be more alert, his eyes are open and he seems to look around and make eye contact. He seems to grow more and more overnight as they have increased the fortification (adding of calories, nutrients, and protein) of his feedings.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Asher gave Dad a hard time today when he tried to change his diaper, two diapers later let’s just say Dad was happy that he was lying inside his isolate. He also hit a large milestone and was removed from his ventilator and onto the CPAP. Mom and Dad are relieved with his improved breathing and hope that he continues to move forward.
Anders is doing well on his CPAP and has had his feedings increased hourly. He is slowing gaining ground and we hope to see his weight start to increase on a daily basis.
Aaron is amazing; he continues to grow and has finally crossed over the 3lb mark!
Anders is doing well on his CPAP and has had his feedings increased hourly. He is slowing gaining ground and we hope to see his weight start to increase on a daily basis.
Aaron is amazing; he continues to grow and has finally crossed over the 3lb mark!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Today was a BIG day for Anders; they moved him off the ventilator and onto the CPAP. They also confirmed that his PDA currently looks resolved and only has a slight murmur from other small heart defects that will resolve as he grows.
Asher had a BIG day as well; they moved him to a gentler ventilator, which allowed us to FINALLY hold the little guy. It was amazing to finally be able to hold him! He continues to improve his breathing on the new ventilator and has his feedings increased.
Aaron is mister consistency, which is a nice break for Mom & Dad!
Asher had a BIG day as well; they moved him to a gentler ventilator, which allowed us to FINALLY hold the little guy. It was amazing to finally be able to hold him! He continues to improve his breathing on the new ventilator and has his feedings increased.
Aaron is mister consistency, which is a nice break for Mom & Dad!
Monday, April 19, 2010
I was completely excited as I got to hold Anders again today! He continues to do well but is still struggling with his breathing. The trouble now is that his ventilator tube is too small but he is too small for the next size – thus causing an air leak that is becoming more and more noticeable, which might be contributing to his breathing issues. They still hear a heart murmur but are not quite sure if it is his PDA or the other heart defects, thus they are going to do another echocardiogram to get some clarity.
Asher is doing much better again for a second day! They are sticking with the plan on pulling back on his ventilator needs and increase his feedings.
Aaron continues to be a rock-star! He had another first, actual hick-up squeaks – super cute!
Asher is doing much better again for a second day! They are sticking with the plan on pulling back on his ventilator needs and increase his feedings.
Aaron continues to be a rock-star! He had another first, actual hick-up squeaks – super cute!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Today was AWESOME – I got to hold Anders for the first time today! He is so tiny and precious. He kept trying to bury his head into my chest and was running his hand across my neck. I totally loved it; he is absolutely an amazing little dude.
Anders had an interesting day; they noticed that he had a slight decrease in his breathing stats and had fluid buildup in his lungs. They aren’t sure whether the decline is being caused by his PDA or the other small ventricle defects in his heart. They are still maintaining a wait & see attitude, but he maintains to have his feedings increased.
Asher had a great day- his breathing stats have gotten A LOT better. They are slowing turning down his ventilator and are increasing his feedings. It seems that his PDA is also getting quieter.
Aaron continues to thrive, his feedings are increased each day and puts on about a ½ ounce each day.
(Note: more pictures to come, we have to reformat the file sizes in order to post)
Anders had an interesting day; they noticed that he had a slight decrease in his breathing stats and had fluid buildup in his lungs. They aren’t sure whether the decline is being caused by his PDA or the other small ventricle defects in his heart. They are still maintaining a wait & see attitude, but he maintains to have his feedings increased.
Asher had a great day- his breathing stats have gotten A LOT better. They are slowing turning down his ventilator and are increasing his feedings. It seems that his PDA is also getting quieter.
Aaron continues to thrive, his feedings are increased each day and puts on about a ½ ounce each day.
(Note: more pictures to come, we have to reformat the file sizes in order to post)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Today was a better day –
Anders improved his breathing and had show a glimpse of possibility that he might not need surgery to correct his PDA. The trouble with this condition is that it involves a vessel that can constrict and then open again, thus his condition can improve one day and decline the next. Since he has finished with his medication for PDA, they have increased his feedings. We are hopeful that now he can start packing on the pounds and catch up with his brothers.
Asher also had a better day today, his breathing improved and the bleeding in his lungs has been slowing. He continues to fight and hang in there, we are in a wait and see situation to see if his PDA condition is the source of his distress. We are hopeful that in the next few days he can improve his breathing enough to move to a less stressful ventilator – as we attempt to pin point how to move him past this rut he seems to be in. They have also continued to increase his feedings, so he continues to grow and not lose any ground developmentally.
Aaron seems to be on a fast track, he continues to thrive. They have increased his feedings and have begun to “fortify” or add additional nutrition to optimize his growth. Another amazing development is that fact that he has discovered his voice and begun to cry. The other day he started his nurse when he started crying because he had a wet diaper. He has also started a new trend of pulling out his nasal canula and using it as a pacifier.
Anders improved his breathing and had show a glimpse of possibility that he might not need surgery to correct his PDA. The trouble with this condition is that it involves a vessel that can constrict and then open again, thus his condition can improve one day and decline the next. Since he has finished with his medication for PDA, they have increased his feedings. We are hopeful that now he can start packing on the pounds and catch up with his brothers.
Asher also had a better day today, his breathing improved and the bleeding in his lungs has been slowing. He continues to fight and hang in there, we are in a wait and see situation to see if his PDA condition is the source of his distress. We are hopeful that in the next few days he can improve his breathing enough to move to a less stressful ventilator – as we attempt to pin point how to move him past this rut he seems to be in. They have also continued to increase his feedings, so he continues to grow and not lose any ground developmentally.
Aaron seems to be on a fast track, he continues to thrive. They have increased his feedings and have begun to “fortify” or add additional nutrition to optimize his growth. Another amazing development is that fact that he has discovered his voice and begun to cry. The other day he started his nurse when he started crying because he had a wet diaper. He has also started a new trend of pulling out his nasal canula and using it as a pacifier.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Over all a very emotionally exhausting day -
Aaron continues to thrive. He still has a little diaper rash and has spent most of the day lying on his back with his diaper open. His feedings increase daily and continues to grow.
Asher had another rough day. They removed his chest tube but he did not respond the way we had anticipated he would, he got really stressed and his vitals were all over the place. They even noticed some blood in his lungs which is causing some concern. The doctor is thinking that his decline could be attributed to his PDA, thus they ordered another echocardiogram to make sure it hadn’t gotten any larger. It hadn’t gotten any larger so they did not feel comfortable proceeding with surgery so they are going to continue monitoring him closely. They also noticed in the routine head ultrasound to identify any possible brain hemorrhages from birth – they noticed he had a small hemorrhage which at the moment is not concerning but they are going to monitor him closely.
Anders had a pretty steady day, he received his last dose of medication to treat his PDA but they don’t think that the treatment was successful. Thus they are also considering moving forward with surgery to keep his progress moving forward.
Aaron continues to thrive. He still has a little diaper rash and has spent most of the day lying on his back with his diaper open. His feedings increase daily and continues to grow.
Asher had another rough day. They removed his chest tube but he did not respond the way we had anticipated he would, he got really stressed and his vitals were all over the place. They even noticed some blood in his lungs which is causing some concern. The doctor is thinking that his decline could be attributed to his PDA, thus they ordered another echocardiogram to make sure it hadn’t gotten any larger. It hadn’t gotten any larger so they did not feel comfortable proceeding with surgery so they are going to continue monitoring him closely. They also noticed in the routine head ultrasound to identify any possible brain hemorrhages from birth – they noticed he had a small hemorrhage which at the moment is not concerning but they are going to monitor him closely.
Anders had a pretty steady day, he received his last dose of medication to treat his PDA but they don’t think that the treatment was successful. Thus they are also considering moving forward with surgery to keep his progress moving forward.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Another stable day – keep them coming!
Aaron continues to do very well despite a little diaper rash. He is still breathing on his own and is improving his digestion of breast milk. Dad got to hold him for the first time, he scared Mom half to death when he confidently just reached into the isolate and carried him over into the chair. They had tons of fun, Aaron lay calmly in Dad’s arms – yawned for a little bit and then he fell right asleep.
Asher is also doing a lot better today, he is moving closer to possibly removing his chest tube and transitioning to a less intense ventilator. His echocardiogram went well, they noticed a small hole but it is not large enough to treat so they are going to keep an eye on him and make sure it doesn’t get any bigger.
Anders is also continuing to do very well. He is having a little trouble with his blood sugar levels but is responding well to treatment and with a little assistance they are under control. He is doing VERY well with his breathing on the ventilator. His echocardiogram showed that he had a substantial hole so they are going to move forward with medication to try to close it up on his own. They said that they might let me get a chance to hole him tonight! It’s amazing how strong the little guy is, he is absolutely amazing!
Aaron continues to do very well despite a little diaper rash. He is still breathing on his own and is improving his digestion of breast milk. Dad got to hold him for the first time, he scared Mom half to death when he confidently just reached into the isolate and carried him over into the chair. They had tons of fun, Aaron lay calmly in Dad’s arms – yawned for a little bit and then he fell right asleep.
Asher is also doing a lot better today, he is moving closer to possibly removing his chest tube and transitioning to a less intense ventilator. His echocardiogram went well, they noticed a small hole but it is not large enough to treat so they are going to keep an eye on him and make sure it doesn’t get any bigger.
Anders is also continuing to do very well. He is having a little trouble with his blood sugar levels but is responding well to treatment and with a little assistance they are under control. He is doing VERY well with his breathing on the ventilator. His echocardiogram showed that he had a substantial hole so they are going to move forward with medication to try to close it up on his own. They said that they might let me get a chance to hole him tonight! It’s amazing how strong the little guy is, he is absolutely amazing!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
They boys have taken a break from tanning today.
Asher and Anders both had an echocardiogram to check for a possible heart murmur, Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition in which the connecting blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta in fetal circulation, called the ductus arteriosus, stays open in a newborn baby.
It’s very common for preemies to have this condition. In premature babies, an aspirin-type drug called indomethacin is often given. Indomethacin has been shown to be very effective in causing the PDA to close. They aren’t very concerned, but we’ll keep you updated.
As they were giving Anders the echocardiogram, the technician came over to his nurse and said that he was a little boxer and needed her help holding his hands down.
Asher has been very stable today and they think they found the source of his discomfort and stress. They think that his chest tube is causing him some pain with the type of respirator he is on as it vibrates quickly and might be jostling the chest tube. His nurse last night decided to keep him on a steady dose of pain medication and it seems to have resolved his fits of distress. They are hoping they can remove the chest tube and ventilator in the next couple of days.
Aaron continues to breathe well with little assistance and looks forward to being held by daddy tonight.
Asher and Anders both had an echocardiogram to check for a possible heart murmur, Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition in which the connecting blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta in fetal circulation, called the ductus arteriosus, stays open in a newborn baby.
It’s very common for preemies to have this condition. In premature babies, an aspirin-type drug called indomethacin is often given. Indomethacin has been shown to be very effective in causing the PDA to close. They aren’t very concerned, but we’ll keep you updated.
As they were giving Anders the echocardiogram, the technician came over to his nurse and said that he was a little boxer and needed her help holding his hands down.
Asher has been very stable today and they think they found the source of his discomfort and stress. They think that his chest tube is causing him some pain with the type of respirator he is on as it vibrates quickly and might be jostling the chest tube. His nurse last night decided to keep him on a steady dose of pain medication and it seems to have resolved his fits of distress. They are hoping they can remove the chest tube and ventilator in the next couple of days.
Aaron continues to breathe well with little assistance and looks forward to being held by daddy tonight.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Today was a pretty stable day for everyone.
Aaron continues to do well and I was able to hold him for the first time. He was so precious; the nurses brought him over to me and laid him on my chest. He was crying at first but I was able to pat his back and rock him to sleep. I held him for over an hour, I could hear and feel him breathing. He was kneading his hand into my chest and I was able to lay my chin on the top of his head. He was super content and was not happy when they had to put him back into his isolate.
Asher had a pretty stable day; he had a few fits of stress that caused his vitals to dip but was able to recover on his own. They put these adorable yellow ear muffs on him to help block out some of the noise caused by his ventilator. Although he continues to pull them off, they keep putting them back on and he looks absolutely adorable. They have also started to feed him some breast milk.
Anders had a very stable day as well and started to be fed breast milk. He continues to thrive and is working his way towards no longer needing a ventilator.
Aaron continues to do well and I was able to hold him for the first time. He was so precious; the nurses brought him over to me and laid him on my chest. He was crying at first but I was able to pat his back and rock him to sleep. I held him for over an hour, I could hear and feel him breathing. He was kneading his hand into my chest and I was able to lay my chin on the top of his head. He was super content and was not happy when they had to put him back into his isolate.
Asher had a pretty stable day; he had a few fits of stress that caused his vitals to dip but was able to recover on his own. They put these adorable yellow ear muffs on him to help block out some of the noise caused by his ventilator. Although he continues to pull them off, they keep putting them back on and he looks absolutely adorable. They have also started to feed him some breast milk.
Anders had a very stable day as well and started to be fed breast milk. He continues to thrive and is working his way towards no longer needing a ventilator.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
AARON
He had a good day today; they moved him to the CPAP instead of a ventilator which allows him to breath with less assistance and pressure. He also started drinking breast milk for his daily nourishment. They also started him on photo-therapy to help with his Bilirubin, so he has been “tanning” all day with his sunglasses on. We are noticing that he likes to stretch out as much as possible with his hands above his head. Mom also changed her first diaper and he didn’t make it easy with all the squirming, but we both made it through it.
ASHER
He had another tough day, but still better than yesterday. They finally got his blood pressure under control. He also spent the day “tanning” but developed a new “issue” which was noticed when a chest xray showed that he had a small hole or tear in his lung which is normal from being on a ventilator. Aaron and Anders also had small holes, but they were able to heal them quickly on their own. Asher needed a chest tube to relieve some pressure that had built up but was doing better this evening. He is still struggling to find the best amount of pressure to help stabilize his breathing, but he is doing well and we are all hoping that he has an easier day tomorrow.
ANDERS
Had another stable day and continued to work on his tan. He was able to stabilize his blood pressure. He continues to breathe with the assistance of a ventilator. He spent most of the day sleeping on his stomach curled up like a bunny rabbit.
He had a good day today; they moved him to the CPAP instead of a ventilator which allows him to breath with less assistance and pressure. He also started drinking breast milk for his daily nourishment. They also started him on photo-therapy to help with his Bilirubin, so he has been “tanning” all day with his sunglasses on. We are noticing that he likes to stretch out as much as possible with his hands above his head. Mom also changed her first diaper and he didn’t make it easy with all the squirming, but we both made it through it.
ASHER
He had another tough day, but still better than yesterday. They finally got his blood pressure under control. He also spent the day “tanning” but developed a new “issue” which was noticed when a chest xray showed that he had a small hole or tear in his lung which is normal from being on a ventilator. Aaron and Anders also had small holes, but they were able to heal them quickly on their own. Asher needed a chest tube to relieve some pressure that had built up but was doing better this evening. He is still struggling to find the best amount of pressure to help stabilize his breathing, but he is doing well and we are all hoping that he has an easier day tomorrow.
ANDERS
Had another stable day and continued to work on his tan. He was able to stabilize his blood pressure. He continues to breathe with the assistance of a ventilator. He spent most of the day sleeping on his stomach curled up like a bunny rabbit.
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