07/10/2007

So, it's been a fun day. I got a massage first thing this morning because a massage therapist works for the Children's Miracle Network and comes and massages mommies on Tuesdays! Emery has a rash right now, which they think is likely viral. He wailed and wailed all weekend, but he seems in better spirits now. His flow is down to 2 liters now also. The NP came in today and said "hey, did you hear about his CO2 yesterday?" I said no, and she said........... drum roll........ it was 33! This is off the vent!!! That's a normal CO2 for you or me!! Rounds were fun today, too. Emery is taking about 50 mL four times a day by bottle, which is good, but not enough for him to grow, so today at rounds we discussed some home-going options!! If, by the time he is stable from a respiratory standpoint to come home, he can take all of his food by mouth, great. If not, he is going to get a PEG tube. The doctor said "A PEG tube doesn't bother you?" I laughed. This guy doesn't know me at all. I'm the one who had a cow when her baby DIDN'T have a PDA ligation, almost had a nervous breakdown when her child almost didn't make it to kidney stone surgery, and have begged for a trach since February. So anyway, yes it's a lot of good news lately. Sometimes I get worried and other times I'm okay. He weighs 12 pounds 11 ounces, and he looks great, minus the rash. He's cooing and this weekend pushed himself up on his elbows and started kicking with his legs (he was crying and hopping mad) and pushed himself into the rails of his crib. The only thing concerning is that he has had diarrhea for about 3 weeks. He's not getting dehydrated, but the stool is green and very loose and the nutritionist didn't feel that it was my milk or the formula so she wants the NPs to keep an eye on it. The NP came in today and decided that Emery really didn't have BPD. He was just faking every one out. He really does look pretty good. That darn 'he looks good' attitude might be our downfall some day :) Keep us all in your prayers. As I looked at him today, I realized he really is nothing short of a miracle, not so much for his survival, because preemies survive often, but because he has done so well under the protection of all of you!