June 1, 05

Ira @ Six Weeks

I took this shot before Ira's nurse re-taped his CPAP. The tube in his nose is filled with Laura's milk and goes directly to his stomach. It's a 24 hour continuous feed. You can see on his upper lip the effects of the all the tape he endures.

He's pretty cute, huh? He looks a little stressed and it's because he is. He doesn't like to go too long without the CPAP. His nose/nostrils are pretty big. They call that a "CPAP Nose". Some say that his nose will go back to its normal size after a while but some say you could forever be stuck with a CPAP Nose. That is the least of our concerns.

He hasn't completely gone off the Flolan medicine. His breathing was rapid a couple of different times yesterday and his heartrate a bit abnormal so they decided to wait to turn the Flolan off. He had a good afternoon yesterday and a good night last night so I imagine he will be off the Flolan today. Let's hope his heart and body agree with that decision.
------------------------------
Updates on Other Babies:
I told Baby Khadera's story on my May 16 post. It's worth a read or re-read because it's an amazing story. Anyway, after being in the NICU since late February, Baby Khadera began her trek home to Memphis, TN yesterday. I met one proud granddad and the other granddad was on his way to help them with the 17 hour trip home. We are thrilled for them.

Baby Lily (a CDH baby) is doing well. I first spoke of Lily in my April 29 post. She's been here since Easter (10 weeks now). Her mom is so ready to have Lily home. Lily is also on the CPAP but can spend significant amounts of time off the CPAP. She is learning to eat. Let's hope that Lily gets to go home within the next one or two weeks.

I also spoke of Baby Ava (a CDH baby) in my April 29 post. They are at home and doing well. I've e-mailed with Ava's dad and he told me of the joy and anxiety that comes with having Ava home. It's hard for them to discern what's normal from Ava and what may be an after effect of her CDH, etc.

Ira's current roommate, Baby Alix, is doing great. Laura and I think Alix will get to go home next week sometime (as if we are experts on the matter) because she is flying over the hurdles.

We never mentioned Baby Jasper who was our roommate before Alix. (Ira's been in the same place in the NICU but has shared it with five different babies.) Jasper had heart issues. The surgery was a success and they are now home. His parents were incredibly sweet and invited Sophia over to have playdates with their two year old. Their graciousness was/is an example to Laura and me.

There are other babies that we have come to know: Baby Jime (pronounced hi-may), Baby Nelson, Twins Antonio and John.

There are 60 beds in this NICU and it's always full. There are the same amount of beds on the 6th floor which houses the PICU.

Laura and I will never be the same and I'm praying to God that Jesus' words in Matthew 5:4 are true:

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.