Day 47 - Picture Time!!

Hold my hand Mommy!

I like holding Daddy's finger too!
So that's what I'm going to look like when I get older.
Thank you Daddy .... I needed that.
Holding Mommy's fingers makes me feel safe.
Me and Granny Marie

Granny got to hold me for the first time.
Fast asleep with out that heavy CPAP hanging off my nose.
Wow ... without the CPAP on ... I can get comfy.
Can you turn off the lights please? ... I'm trying to sleep in here.
Me and Grandma Marla

Grandma Marla's first time to hold me. All wrapped up in Daddy's arms.
Family Photo Time !
That feels good Mommy!
Reaching out for Daddy's finger.

Days 44, 45 and 46

Hi folks!

First of all, our apologies for not getting the pictures up yet. It's been another one of those weeks. Thanks again for all the comments, prayers and well wishes. We really appreciate them. For those of you that don't know, we are planning on saving/printing this blog for Zachary to read when he is older, that's why we solicit comments, plus it makes us feel good to know that you are concerned and curious about our sweet little boy.

As you know, Zachary is back on the CPAP. The pressure of the CPAP is 10 and his oxygen saturation fluctuates between 25% and 40% which isn't too bad. The oxygen in room air is 21%. They may try the nasal cannula again this weekend or they may give him some more time to recover, right now it's too soon to know.

Today, Zachary was seen by the pediatric opthamologist. The doctor determined that Zachary has developed a grade 1 (of 4) retinopathy of prematurity ("ROP") in his right eye. The doctor says this is very common in preemies and expects it to get to a grade 2 and then resolve itself without the need for treatment. He will be back to check Zachary again in two weeks.

Also, today Zachary was put on an additional diuretic. He seems to have problems with rapid, shallow breathing at times and his team of doctors, NPs and RNs plus the respiratory therapists think that he will do better with two medications to eliminate excess fluid.

Today Zachary had his first temper tanturm. His heart rate accelearted, his face got all red and he kept trying to get the CPAP out of his nose. Thankfully Mommy and Daddy were there to rub his back, sing to him and were able to calm him down. He felt even better a half hour later when Daddy held him.

Today we found a pediatrican for Zachary. Drs. Gant and Gray will be coming to see him next week in the NICU to meet him and to talk to his neonatoliogists. One or the other (or both) will be taking care of Zachary once he leaves the hospital. We are very happy with both of them and think they will help us take excellent care of our little boy.

Otherwise, things are going well. Zachary is enjoying his daily holdings, last week he was held by Granny Marie, then last weekend Grandma Marla held him and Mommy and Daddy hold him lots. Right now Mommy and Daddy are suffering through allergies, especially Mommy. We're hoping that the pollen goes away soon so she can breathe easier.

As always, love to all!

Day 43

Well folks, Zachary did so well on the nasal cannula. He was on the nasal cannula for 36 hours before they put him back on the CPAP. He was breathing so fast it was such a relief for him to go back on the CPAP. We sure are proud of him for working so hard. They will be trying him again on the nasal cannula again soon we're sure. By the way, this is not uncommon, it takes awhile for preemies to get their lung strength up to be off the CPAP and on the nasal cannula.

In the meantime, please pray for his lungs to gain some strength. He is such a tough little guy and he really gives breathing on the nasal cannula his all. It would be nice if his lungs were a bit more cooperative.

Thank you and love to all.

Day 42

Hi Folks!

Just a quick update to let you all know that Zachary is off the CPAP! Whoo hoo! So far he’s doing really well, his oxygen saturation is good and while he has periods of rapid breathing, for the most part, he’s breathing normally. Yeay Zachary! He didn’t even de-sat when Mommy took his temperature and changed his diaper. We are so proud of him!

We just wanted to share the news! Love to all.

Days 39, 40 and 41

Hi folks!

Well, it’s been a great week for the Baldwin trio! Zachary now weighs 3 pounds, 2.4 ounces. He’s still on the CPAP, but his doctor says that he may try to try the nasal cannula again tomorrow (Friday). We hope that Zachary doesn’t have to work so hard this time. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Zachary is now eating 26 mls. every three hours, which is just under seven ounces a day! What a big boy! He is doing really well since he went off continuous feeds and is now eating over an hour.

Today Granny Marie got to hold Zachary. It was a special moment and Zachary was awake for part of the visit. This weekend Grandma Marla will be coming into town and she’ll get a chance to hold him too. We know she’s looking forward to it.

That’s about all that is going on with us. We hope that all of you are doing well. Have a wonderful weekend and love to all!