01/17/2007

Ah, glorious days. I realized on the way here to Iowa City tonight that I haven't cried since Saturday night, at which time I had spent nearly 4 straight days crying. Emery has been having some really good days. He was saturating so well they actually moved his vent settings down from a MAP (mean airway pressure) of 18 to 14, but now he's back up to 15.. still an improvement for our precious little guy! A few updates: First, his vent settings are down and he is saturating really well. He occasionally desaturates, but that is usually when he gets mad. (I still find his temper tantrums perversely enjoyable. It makes me happy to know he's communicating in some way.) His blood pressures are so so, and he hasn't urinated much tonight so of course those things naturally worry, but the nurses and doctors seem unphased by this. His infection seems to be doing better. We are going to assume that Emery weighs 2 pounds now. He has some extra fluid on him that needs to come off still. His actually weight is 2 pounds 4-1/2 ounces, but with the fluid that needs to come off they are going by the 900-gram mark. He looks much much better compared to the weekend. There is a new doctor rounding for the next 2 weeks. It is strange talking to new and different doctors all of the time, but it's a good thing because no one is stuck in any mindset. They all do different things. Anyway, the hope is that Emery can either wean from this ventilator to a different one or wean to CPAP in a few weeks, which means... FINALLY, if it goes well Erik and I will get to hold him. He is one month old on January 18, and we have yet to hold our son. This has been the shortest/longest month of my life. Emery's NICU stay is not even half over. Useless fact: I pump more ounces in breast milk in one day than Emery weighs. As always, please keep us in your prayers. Pray that his PDA stays closed, his kidneys function well, he stays free from infection, his lungs heal, and he tolerates feeds well. On a happy note, Erik and I bought a new car tonight, one that is road-worthy to get us up here and back and one that will safely carry our son home from here some day. Pray that he heals well and comes home to us. (Scary thought.. I mangled his diaper tonight). We love you all and thank you so much for your prayers, donations and well wishes. You are all awesome!! Love, Sarah, Erik, and Emery