Christmas Season

December 13, 2011....  Only twelve days until Christmas.  My oldest son keeps telling us, "don't get me anything for Christmas...just buy for Austin, I'll just take what Santa brings to me".  He's such a sweet boy.  I tell him, not to worry, he's getting gifts from us whether he likes it or not! 

Austin is doing so well on the CPAP.  I am so glad.  He's bringing so much joy to so many lives this Christmas Season.  How awesome is that?!  He looks like he's gained weight... 1252g = 2lbs 12 oz.  He's sats are always in the low to mid 90's and his FIO2's (oxygen requirement levels) are 25%... sometimes lower, sometimes (with care) higher.... but not over 30%.  YAY!   His doctor used the term CHAMP, again, when referring to Austin!  :O)

He did look a little pale to me last night, however the doctors aren't concerned since he had blood work done recently.  I am going to keep an eye on it though.  Although he did look a little better today, he still appeared pale to me... so if that doesn't change in a day or two, I'll have to insist on the blood work.  He may be anemic again and require a third transfusion.  We shall see. 

Austin has gone up on his feeds to 22ml's with an added 30 calories with fortification per day.  He needed to go up on volume, he was beginning to get hungry a little early, and as his nurse had said, "he gets furious when he's hungry... wild doesnt' even describe it!".   HAHAHAHA.... he is so feisty and strong.  Today he was trying to lift and turn his head and made it a little more than half way.  Austin enjoys having the ventilator tube out of his throat so much, that now he keeps pulling out the feeding tube as to say "hey, I finally was able to get the vent tube out and you put this thing in there... I think not!"   He is so funny!

I have been reading to him every day.  My nieces friend bought him a board book called The Christmas Story.  It is the true Christmas story about Jesus' birth, and we've been reading that book, along with the Christmas related books my son picks out.  We read The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever today.  Its about two mice looking for the biggest tree and decide to go looking together and share the tree with the entire community.  Its a good book too.  Drew loves to be involved with his little baby brother as much as possible.  Its very neat to witness! 

I have decorated a little bit for Christmas at the hospital, for Austin.  He received a couple gifts at the shower to bring Christmas cheer.  A Santa hat that says "baby's first Christmas", a reindeer, and a small stocking with an "A" on it for Austin.  My computer finally seems to be working well, so I will download some of my recent photos... I hope I've captured his decor.  If not, I'll take some pictures soon... Santa will be visiting the NICU this Friday at the Christmas party... So expect those too!

I hope you're all enjoying the Christmas season.  It always seems to warm my heart, and this year even a little more... Austin is feeling the LOVE of Jesus!  Its so awesome to watch!  I am so happy, I wish I could give each and everyone of you a HUG!  :O)
Please continue praying, as I know you will, and thank you for all of your support!