BIG BOY!!

AUSTIN IS 4 POUNDS!!!!!!!    He hit 4 lbs yesterday and moved up to 4lbs 1oz tonight!  His hands are starting to have some meat on them too, as his knuckles are dimples.  :O)    I always wanted a chubby baby.  Who would have thought it'd be my preemie?!

In other good news... he did his first window period of an hour with a nasal cannula today.  He was successful.  He required a little bit of an increase of flow (from 1 L to 1.5L *although CPap flows with 8L so 1.5 L increase is okay*and from 30% oxygen requirements to 35%).  That's okay, it was his first time.  They will do another session of only one hour tomorrow, as he had 3 dips in his HR (which is normal, he's just getting used to this change).  They will then do it twice a day for an hour each... and then 2 hours each... etc etc... until he is off the CPAP and on the cannula alone!  Here is my handsome man......

His hair is getting really light.  On top its blond in spots!!!  He was a little more awake and alert today.  That was fun!  I love him so.  I am so blessed for this experience!  GOSH, look at him.  He is GORGEOUS! 

Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers.  We will be welcoming a new family member tonight... my sister in law was induced today and will begin pushing any moment!  How exciting!!!

Christmas Cheer *photos*

Austin had a wonderful Christmas!  He was very peaceful!  They have made a few changes with Austin the past few days.  He is no longer on his caffeine doses.  He is at the gestational age (34 weeks today) at which he should not be having prematurity caused A's and B's, therefore, no longer requiring a little extra "juice" to keep things "running".  IF, perhaps, there are signs he still needs the caffeine, they can always re administer the caffeine.  Austin has also had his CPAP settings lowered to a peep of 5 (pressure blown into lungs), which is the lowest pressure setting!  As long as he does well on the peep of 5 for five to seven days (today is day five), they will then decided if he is ready for windowed nasal cannula time.  The nasal cannula is the tube that has prongs for his nose, that will blow oxygen... the exact type of tubing you see adults using while on oxygen.  He will start out doing this for 1-2 hours a day at 30 minute intervals.  They will slowly lengthen the time he is on the cannula and the amount of times a day he is on it, until he is off the CPAP and on just the nasal cannula!  This will be such a huge milestone!  I can not wait, but am okay if it takes sometime... Austin needs to be ready for this.  :o)   His FIO2's (required oxygen amounts) have been around 25%-28%... a little lower!!!  He'll go up to 30% here and there, and sometimes down to 23% - which is awesome, but he's most comfortable right around 26%-28%.  We'll take it!!!  (**reminder... 21% oxygen is open air oxygen--the air we breathe has FIO2 of 21%**)

Our sweet baby boy is GROWING like crazy, too!  He is more than double his birth weight.  As of this morning, Austin is 16 1/4 inches long and 3lbs 14oz!!!!  Can you believe it???  He is three inches longer than at birth AND two whole pounds bigger???!!!   OMGosh... Its amazing!  SO WONDERFUL!!!  1765 grams!  Up from 828 grams at birth!!!  SO COOL!!!  Oh boy, can you tell! 

My mom came to visit with Austin yesterday.  First time she's been here to hang out with little baby boy since he was first born.... she came to stay with us a little over a week after his birth.  She said that she could really tell how much bigger he is.  She was so glad that he looked so good. Good weight, color... he's filled out and grown into his skin!  She commented on his fingers.  :o)   Every aspect of him... he just looks so good!  AND his eyelashes are dark now!!! They've always been there, but were so blond for so long that the light would have to be "hitting" them just right to see them... but now they are just as dark as mine!



Sweet Grandma!!



Austin smiled at grandma and I so much yesterday.  She held him for about an hour and then passed him off to me for another 45 minutes or so.   While I had him in my arms, he kept on puckering up his lips.  I think he wanted Mommy to give him kisses!  I still am being cautious since my cold though, so no kisses yet.  :o/    He was sleeping so soundly the entire time we were there... He just would not open those eyes.  He's been so alert at night time lately  (uh oh- I might have a night owl on my hands).



Holding Grandma's hand. 
PRECIOUS!



Austin's older brother picked him out a pink pig for Christmas and wrapped it up for him.  We brought the gift to the hospital along with his stocking stuffer from Santa Claus.  Austin was so sleepy, but seemed to just LOVE the gifts!



Austin and his pink pig from his big brother!!!!




Austin loves his rattle!! 




Christmas Day




Christmas Eve... (Austin is smiling for the camera)




His Christmas socks.....



The past few days Austin had seemed a little pale.  He had a hemarocrit done yesterday (counts the red blood cells).  His number was 28, which is borderline where they want him to be.  Before they would decide if he needed a blood transfusion (**reminder: if he is not symptomatic - a lot of a's and b's, or a continual rise in FIO2's- they usually like to wait to see if he starts to develop his own cells**), they also decide to do a reticulocyte count, which counts the immature blood cells.  Anything from 2 and up is good numbers.  Anything below would mean he isn't producing blood cells very well on his own.  His number was 6.3- which is phenomenal!!!  They will not do a transfusion since his immature cells are there and will be maturing into the red blood cells, bringing his numbers up.  This is excellent!  His body is doing what it needs to be doing, and on its own!  Fantastic!! 

I do not like to ask questions about the future.  I know that the future isn't always promised, nor in the ways in which we imagine.  HOWEVER, I do like to be prepared.  So I asked some "future" questions.  I asked, based on Austins patterns and recent progress, whether or not the doctor would predict him coming home on oxygen.  He immediately, with out thought, said "no, i don't think he'll leave here with the need of oxygen".  He said not only does he not have a severe case of CLD that would require at home, around the clock oxygen, but that the hospital works very hard and watches very closely to assure not to have to send babies home with oxygen, monitors, etc.  Obviously in some cases the babies are ready in all aspects, but just still need these things.  He said they would rather keep the babies there a few days-weeks longer and get them off of those "things", then send that stress home with the parents.  So that was nice to hear!  I also said my biggest fear is that when Austin comes home, that he will clamp down and I'll be doing CPR.  He said that they watch them so closely every day, and when its close to discharge time, they are on top of the babies "every move" to be sure that he is ready to go home and make that adjustment.  If for any reason he were to give them any sign that he were not ready, they are not going to discharge him.  He also assured me that Austin is not a baby that just has the episodes for no reason at all, that all of his episodes were "mechanical problems" on their part. 

Austins nurses and I were talking about "future" a little bit too.  They both agreed they predict him going home the last week of January.  So a little early!  As long as he is good and ready, that would be GREAT!  My husbands birthday is Jan. 29th.  That sure would be an awesome birthday present!!!!

I hope that all of you had a BLESSED and JOYOUS Christmas!  WE DEFINITELY DID!!!!  God is good... as always.  I am so happy with the life He has promised me.  I enjoy the lessons He has thrown my way.  I wouldn't change it for anything!  Thank you all for your care, concern, thoughts and prayers. 

Austin waves "BYE BYE"
L.O.V.E.

Chubby Cheeks

Its been a few days since my last post.  I was sick (head cold) and trying my best to stay in beds and take extra vitamin C and Zinc.  I felt better today and made it out to see Austin, with a face mask on, of course.   The past few days my husband has gone to visit with Austin and really enjoyed his time with his baby boy.  He changed his diaper and his outfit yesterday 12/21, for the first time!  Yay daddy!!! (Now, no excuses when he comes home! haha)

With the Christmas season here and my life at the hospital, I am busy.  All of my days have run into one another... and if it weren't for the calendar hanging to the right of me, I would know neither the day of the week nor the date of the month.  :o)  As well as loosing track of the actual date, I have to now look at my "notes" on Austin to update these past few days!  I'll start at the 20th....  Austin was up 50 g = 1443 grams which is 3 lbs 3 oz.  His required oxygen level (FIO2's) are hanging out between 25%-28%.  He is doing well.  His feeds are at 28 mls.  He is doing well, but a bit fussy.  Daddy went to visit him and held him and sang lullaby's for a few hours!  Daddy's little champ!
December 21-  Austin had his first eye exam today.  His left eye is a stage 0 (no abnormalities) and his right eye is a stage 1 (minute abnormality- usually fixes itself as eye matures).  He will be checked again in two weeks to see if his right eye has improved or progressed.  He gained 85 grams = 1528 grams = 3 lbs 5 oz.  Daddy changed his diaper and clothes for the first time today.  Austin's such a teeny tiny little guy, his legs stretched out only go to the knee of his outfits! SO FUNNY!!!  While being suctioned and messed around with, Austin had a minor A+B episode, needed a little stimulation to come out of it.  Will keep his CPAP pressure at a peep of 6.

TODAY.....  December 22, 2011.... Austin gained 16g = 1544grams = 3lbs 6oz.  (almost double his birth weight--3lbs 10oz)  He has really chubby cheeks.  He is just the sweetest!   His feeds have been increased to 30 mls and he is doing well.  His caffeine has been increased, as well, to fit his new weight gain.  His FIO2's have consistently been between 28%-30%.  The doctors kept his peep at 6, due to another A+B episode this early morning.  His nurse said its while pushing down for a bowel and said it lasted 40 seconds and he came back up on his own.  As much as I am ready for them to ween Austin off the CPAP, its okay that they are being careful.  So, as long as he doesn't have another A+B in the next 24 hours, he will be weened to a peep of 5.  If he does well at 5, and his FIO2 doesn't rise, he will soon be windowed with a cannula.  :o)  Such a big boy!  Here is a picture of him today.... he is still on the CPAP, but this was taken while his nurse was doing care... she removed CPAP for a short rest for his nose and to apply some ointment.

Look at my full, chubby cheeks!!!!
(He loves when they take those prongs out of his nose!!)
(Hates when they put them back!)

Again.... thank you for your continued prayers, thoughts and kind words.  I hope to update before Sunday, but if I do not.... MERRY CHRISTMAS to each and every one of you.  May the presence of the Lord, Jesus Christ, reign in you!  May your Christmas be filled with love, joy and happiness!  Many Blessings to all!!! 



3 pounds + ... and Christmas Party and SUPRISE!!!!

Friday evening, December 16, 2011...  Our first family Christmas.  We celebrated Christmas at the NICU tonight!  It was a great time.  All of the siblings ran around in the "family room", while Santa Claus snuck into the NICU to see all of the sweet babies dressed clad in tuxedo's and tu-tu's.  It was adorable!  Santa Claus left a gift for each of the babies, as us parents snapped photos!  Next, Santa Claus went to see the brothers and sisters in the family room.  It was a great night.  Austin had gained 72 grams which put him at 3 lbs 1.5 oz.   BIG BOY!!! This was so very exciting!  I never thought he'd get there... LOL.   He is still at about 28%-30% oxygen  and loving the CPAP over the ventilator!  .....   Then, SATURDAY December 17th, my husband and I walked in for a great big surprise.... and early Christmas gift.....  My baby, at 1410grams... is in an open crib now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Merry Christmas mommy and daddy!!!!!



The weight he needed to get to was 1500 grams to get out of the isolette.  BUT he is doing so very well with maintaining his own body temperature and with steadily putting on weight.  I was so happy!!!  He's getting so big!!!!! 

Daddy with Austin.... Austin's feet only go to the knees of
his preemie outfit.  Awwe!!!!
L.O.V.E.

Here are several pictures from the night of the Christmas party!  I loved it! So cute!!

Austin is ready for the Black Tie Affair!!!!!   LOL

Santa Claus is on his way!!!

Santa and Austin 2011

Christmas 2011

Austin's living quarters!

Drew talking with Santa Claus 2011

This will be one Christmas we will never forget!  Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!!!  Austin continues to do better every day!  Our main goal at this time is continual weight gain.  Next is to ween him off of the CPAP.  He is on a peep of 6....we will ween him to a peep of 5 and if he does well with that, he will have window times with the cannula... then move to the cannula and hopefully be off of that before he comes home!!!!  Once off of the CPAP... I get to begin to feed him!!!!  I love this little baby so much!  He is so AWESOME!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!  I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON AND ALWAYS SEE THE JOYS IN LIFE.... WE ARE BLESSED IN SO MANY WAYS.... XOXOXO

NICU Christmas Party

Today is the Christmas Party!  We are very excited to celebrate Christmas with Austin tonight!  His big brother Drew, myself and my husband will be attending. A family Christmas!  They are serving dinner and dessert, crafts for the siblings, massages for the parents, little presents for the preemies, Santa visits babies and siblings, and Bengals Michael Johnson is coming to visit tonight as well!  How fun!  I have The Christmas Story book to read to Austin (true story of Christmas).  Two of the nurses have made outfits for the babies.  Red and White Tu'Tu's for the girls, and vest w/ bow ties for the boys.   I cannot wait to see if little Austin (Mr. Feisty) behaves and allows them to put on his vest..... I need a lot of pictures of that!  HAHA.   Its going to be so very fun!  Drew picked out a present for his baby brother- a miniature (key chain) pillow pet identical to one he has.  Austin will get to open that gift tonight.  Although Drew does not get to see his brother tonight, he is still very excited for this NICU experience as a family!  I will be posting a lot of pictures from this event! 

Austin is really starting to up his weight!  He is 1338g=2lbs 15oz.....ONLY 23g away from 3 pounds!!!!!   YAY!!!!  He is still doing absolutely WONDERFUL!!!  Praise God!   This is going to be a GREAT Christmas!

Pictures of Austin

FINALLY!!!!  Here are some more recent pictures of Austin.  Enjoy!


A BIG YAWN!!

Close up.... the day I was singing my made up songs!

See how our eyes are locked together!
I love staring at him!!
This is my favorite!



One of my all time favorite pictures!
He looks so good!
Wide awake... he loves his mommy!

Cuddling up with Daddy!

Day of Baptism



And now, Drumroll........

AUSTIN IS OFF THE VENT AND BACK ON THE CPAP!!!!!

YAY!!! Big boy!!!

Daddy helping with care!



And now a look back to see how much he's grown!!!!

5 days old

5 weeks old




Thank you all again.  I am so thankful for so much support! 
I hope these pictures make each of you smile.... bc they totally melt my heart!

xoxo



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!