Jack continues to make huge progress each day. Last week, his heart rate was all over the board - 120, 150, 190, 100, 75, very quickly. Saturday we went to visit and were able to get a Family room, where all of the kids and my parents were able to see him at the same time. When we were in the Family room we watched his heart rate stay within a small range, 130-150, the whole time. It was amazing what a difference a day makes. Since then, he hasn't looked back.
Today we found out he 'graduated' from the teaching rounds to the regular rounds. When Jack was born, he was assigned to the teaching rotation, as Evanston is a teaching hospital. So each day, a group of 4-5 medical residents, plus a neonatologist, would assess Jack and discuss a plan for the day. He's now graduated, and is assigned to just a neonatologist and the head nurse. They stopped over today, and looked him over and said he's doing well. He was assessed and approved for circumscision, which comes near the end of their stay.
They changed his feeds from every 3 hours to every 4, and asked us when we want him to eat so that when he comes home he's on a good schedule (now only if they could potty train him while he's there, we'd be all set!).
Each day is more and more progress. He's still taking some of his feeds by nose, but at this point it is because they increased his volume today from 50 CC to 70 CC. Hopefully we're on the short track to coming home!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Day 8
Jack is still in the ISCU, though he's made great progress this week. We've had a few steps back, which we expected and were prepared for. On Wednesday he finally got to take his first feed by bottle, and I got to feed him a bottle when we got to the hospital. I didn't realize it's so tricky to feed a preemie! Since he started he hasn't really looked back, and his feeds have gone from 5 mL on Wednesday to 40 mL last night. The goal is to get him to 60, and then keep him there while he gains weight. He takes most of it by mouth, and usually needs help with the last 10 mL which goes through his nose. He has to take it all by mouth before he can leave.
He's been gaining weight as well. He was 5 lbs. 15 oz when he was born, and as of Monday he was 5 lbs. 5 oz. Today he is back up to 5 lbs. 8 oz, so we're making progress.
On Thursday with the horrible rains, we weren't able to go down in the morning like we have been as the roads were flooded. I called midday to see how he was, and they had weened him completely from his oxygen flow, and moved him to the 'big bed' - the bassinetts that the other kids were in when they were born. However, since then he's had a bit of trouble keeping his temp up, so we're watching that closely.
Thursday night Will and I went down at dinner time, and we noticed his heart rate was doing weird things. He would dip to 75 and then go right back up, or go to 200 and come right back down. He did this through the night, so yesterday morning the doctors did an EKG to check his heart. They noticed some abnormalities, but the cardiologist from Children's that read it said it is just a normal arrhythmia, nothing to worry about. We continue to watch it closely. Our pediatrician has always been good about watching heart murmurs closely with the other kids so we'll be sure to keep in contact with her about this.
We're taking the kids down to see him today and tomorrow, and they are very excited. Of course we wish he was here, but he's in great hands at Evanston, and hopefully he keeps moving in the right direction. Keep the prayers coming, they are working!
He's been gaining weight as well. He was 5 lbs. 15 oz when he was born, and as of Monday he was 5 lbs. 5 oz. Today he is back up to 5 lbs. 8 oz, so we're making progress.
On Thursday with the horrible rains, we weren't able to go down in the morning like we have been as the roads were flooded. I called midday to see how he was, and they had weened him completely from his oxygen flow, and moved him to the 'big bed' - the bassinetts that the other kids were in when they were born. However, since then he's had a bit of trouble keeping his temp up, so we're watching that closely.
Thursday night Will and I went down at dinner time, and we noticed his heart rate was doing weird things. He would dip to 75 and then go right back up, or go to 200 and come right back down. He did this through the night, so yesterday morning the doctors did an EKG to check his heart. They noticed some abnormalities, but the cardiologist from Children's that read it said it is just a normal arrhythmia, nothing to worry about. We continue to watch it closely. Our pediatrician has always been good about watching heart murmurs closely with the other kids so we'll be sure to keep in contact with her about this.
We're taking the kids down to see him today and tomorrow, and they are very excited. Of course we wish he was here, but he's in great hands at Evanston, and hopefully he keeps moving in the right direction. Keep the prayers coming, they are working!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Cha-cha-cha-changes!
So many things change so quickly in the life of a preemie. Jack has had an adventure-filled 5 days of life. He struggled to breath the first few days, and ended up on a machine called a SiPAP (similar, if not the same, as a CPAP). This breathed helped to make breathing easier so his lungs didn't collapse. This wasn't working as well as they'd hoped, so the doctors change the machine to actually give him a breath every few seconds, and this is the change he needed to get his lungs moving. By Monday night they took him off extra breath, and yesterday morning Will and I were there when they took him off the SiPAP altogether. They did put him back on oxygen, but it's just the nasal cannula, and they'll be working to wean him from that in the coming days as well.
With the removal of the mask, I finally got to do some Kangaroo time with him. Yesterday morning Will and I both got to snuggle with him for over an hour, and it was glorious. Will had to come home for baseball with Jake, so I went back down to snuggle more with my sweet boy. When I got there the nurse said she heard a little grunt and went over and he was just laying there, wide awake, looking around. So I got to kangaroo with him for a bit. However, his body temp didn't agree with that so much, so we had to wrap him back up and put him back in the warmer when I was done. Hoping today is easier and his body temp doesn't drop.
He also got his first feed yesterday, and did really well! It was through a tube in his nose, but that's ok. He'll get to the bottle. They may try the bottle today, depending on how he did last night.
The biggest change is that I got sent home last night :( I was not happy about it, I was prepared to come home today. But the doctor felt I was ok to go, and it was nice to surprise my babies this morning before they left for school. So today we start our 'new' normal, temporarily, filled with getting kids ready in the morning (though my parents, who have been such a blessing, are still here to help get them out the door in the morning), and then heading to the hospital to spend time with the little man for a while. I can't wait to see his beautiful eyes and snuggle with him. I'll post pictures later, I'm too tired right now to try transfer them from my phone to my computer :)
With the removal of the mask, I finally got to do some Kangaroo time with him. Yesterday morning Will and I both got to snuggle with him for over an hour, and it was glorious. Will had to come home for baseball with Jake, so I went back down to snuggle more with my sweet boy. When I got there the nurse said she heard a little grunt and went over and he was just laying there, wide awake, looking around. So I got to kangaroo with him for a bit. However, his body temp didn't agree with that so much, so we had to wrap him back up and put him back in the warmer when I was done. Hoping today is easier and his body temp doesn't drop.
He also got his first feed yesterday, and did really well! It was through a tube in his nose, but that's ok. He'll get to the bottle. They may try the bottle today, depending on how he did last night.
The biggest change is that I got sent home last night :( I was not happy about it, I was prepared to come home today. But the doctor felt I was ok to go, and it was nice to surprise my babies this morning before they left for school. So today we start our 'new' normal, temporarily, filled with getting kids ready in the morning (though my parents, who have been such a blessing, are still here to help get them out the door in the morning), and then heading to the hospital to spend time with the little man for a while. I can't wait to see his beautiful eyes and snuggle with him. I'll post pictures later, I'm too tired right now to try transfer them from my phone to my computer :)
Monday, April 15, 2013
Jack, Day 4
Today started slightly better, though as of our last visit, was no better but no worse, than yesterday. When Will and I went to visit Jack this morning, his eyes were open and he was very calm, just looking around. His blood gasses through the night showed the need to change his SiPAP slightly, in essence 'giving' him a breath every so often while the oxygen was pumped into his lungs. In doing so, his oxygen levels were able to be lowered, and he calmed a bit.
We spent quite a bit of time with him, as he looked around in wonder. It was amazing. However, when we visited later in the day, he was very agitated again, and his eyes were closed. I'm glad we were there when he was calm and alert. He slept fitfully today it seems, though during our last visit before dinner, he was calmer again, and his breathes were less rushed and less dramatic.
We're headed back up there within the hour; I'm hoping they will let me 'kangaroo' with him again tonight. I was able to do so last night for an hour and when I was holding him he was very calm, snuggled in, his heart rate was down, and his pulse ox was better. There are 3 numbers they look at on a constant basis - heart rate, pulse oxygen, and heart rate. His heart rate settles and remains at a nice level when we are touching his skin or talking to him. His pulse ox, which is something we've monitored with Jake when he has his cough or pneumonia, needs to be above 85%. When we are touching his skin, or last night when he was with me, he remains about 98%, sometimes down to 95%, but always at a good level (When Jake is sick, the doctors become alarmed when he is below 93%, and we have our own pulse ox meter to keep an eye on it).
The heart rate, they want lower. I haven't figured out the 'magic' number yet, but I know that when I had him last night it was in the 90's and 80's, which is less than what he is when he is agitated - in the 130's sometimes. This means his body is working really hard, and that's not good.
Hopefully when we get up there tonight they will give us the OK to kangaroo. It will depend on how he's done in the past few hours. The nurses during the day kept telling is it depends on how he is later, but based on how he did earlier today the answer would be no. The doctor this morning wanted him to turn a corner today breathing-wise. At this point we're on a wait and see basis, but the timeline is ~72 hours after birth he should be able to regulate his breathing.
He is regulating his temp at this point, which is good. If he can keep that up, and get this breathing under control, then we have one challenge left - eating. For now, please continue to pray that he gets the breathing figured out, and we can get off of the SiPAP ASAP.
We spent quite a bit of time with him, as he looked around in wonder. It was amazing. However, when we visited later in the day, he was very agitated again, and his eyes were closed. I'm glad we were there when he was calm and alert. He slept fitfully today it seems, though during our last visit before dinner, he was calmer again, and his breathes were less rushed and less dramatic.
We're headed back up there within the hour; I'm hoping they will let me 'kangaroo' with him again tonight. I was able to do so last night for an hour and when I was holding him he was very calm, snuggled in, his heart rate was down, and his pulse ox was better. There are 3 numbers they look at on a constant basis - heart rate, pulse oxygen, and heart rate. His heart rate settles and remains at a nice level when we are touching his skin or talking to him. His pulse ox, which is something we've monitored with Jake when he has his cough or pneumonia, needs to be above 85%. When we are touching his skin, or last night when he was with me, he remains about 98%, sometimes down to 95%, but always at a good level (When Jake is sick, the doctors become alarmed when he is below 93%, and we have our own pulse ox meter to keep an eye on it).
The heart rate, they want lower. I haven't figured out the 'magic' number yet, but I know that when I had him last night it was in the 90's and 80's, which is less than what he is when he is agitated - in the 130's sometimes. This means his body is working really hard, and that's not good.
Hopefully when we get up there tonight they will give us the OK to kangaroo. It will depend on how he's done in the past few hours. The nurses during the day kept telling is it depends on how he is later, but based on how he did earlier today the answer would be no. The doctor this morning wanted him to turn a corner today breathing-wise. At this point we're on a wait and see basis, but the timeline is ~72 hours after birth he should be able to regulate his breathing.
He is regulating his temp at this point, which is good. If he can keep that up, and get this breathing under control, then we have one challenge left - eating. For now, please continue to pray that he gets the breathing figured out, and we can get off of the SiPAP ASAP.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Jackson William is here!
Jackson William Martino made his debut on Friday the 12th at 10:44 a.m. Getting him here was quite the feat, which ended up being a bit more involved, and more of a miracle, than what we even were expecting. Will and I arrived at the hospital and proceeded with everything we were told to anticipate. The Interventional Radiologist was my least favorite part, though he was one of the most important. He didn't put me under any sedation, besides a local anesthetic, so putting in the balloons was extremely painful for me, and I was thankful when it was done. I don't remember much of the day after that. Jackson was born at 10:44, and Daddy, Grandma, and Papa got a quick peek at him before they brought him up to the ISCU (Infant Special Care Unit). He was 5 lbs. 15 oz, and 18.5 inches long. Will got to see him and spend some time with him on Friday through the day.
Throughout the process, we've asked for prayers that we made it through safely and that there were no major complications, including bleeding, and that my placenta didn't go through to my uterus (percretta). When the doctors went in, they saw that my placenta was indeed through my uterus, though thankfully hadn't reached my bladder. However, it was at the most serious of the 3 levels of accrete. Yet thankfully there was no bleeding. In addition, the doctor said that my uterus was so bad - it looked so bad, and was in such bad shape - that he was shocked it hadn't just ruptured at some point during my pregnancy, just exploded. I read about this with one other case, and I am so thankful that this didn't happen, since this, as I'm sure you can imagine, would have been fatal very quickly. We are also very thankful that I only needed one unit of blood after the surgery - the balloons worked, and even that unit was a prophalactic one, just in case. It wasn't critical, but was given to be helpful.
Friday for me was a blur, but Saturday I was in much better condition. Jack, not so much. He's still struggling to breath. They say this is to be expected, though for as big as he is, they didn't expect it to be as rough on him as it has been. He is struggling to breath, is on a CPAP, and is under close watch. I finally got to hold him for the first time this morning, and tonight we'll go back up so I can do Kangaroo care with him - this is skin to skin contact. When I held him this morning it seemed to calm him down tremendously, and he tried to open his eyes a bunch of times, unlike other times Will has been up there.
The kids got to come see him yesterday. Mia was terrified. She's her mommy's daughter, such a worrier and always very concerned. The boys were fascinated. They are having fun with Grandma and papa at our house, and we are so thankful for their help. We are also so grateful for everyone's prayers. Without you, we wouldn't have made it this far. I feel fairly good today, walking much better, and most of my 'attachments' have been removed so I can move around more quickly. Please continue to pray for Jack, that his breathing recovers on his own without being intubated, and that we can move to the next level of recovery - eating. He is maintaining his temp fairly well on his own, which is a blessing in itself. Keep the prayers coming!
Throughout the process, we've asked for prayers that we made it through safely and that there were no major complications, including bleeding, and that my placenta didn't go through to my uterus (percretta). When the doctors went in, they saw that my placenta was indeed through my uterus, though thankfully hadn't reached my bladder. However, it was at the most serious of the 3 levels of accrete. Yet thankfully there was no bleeding. In addition, the doctor said that my uterus was so bad - it looked so bad, and was in such bad shape - that he was shocked it hadn't just ruptured at some point during my pregnancy, just exploded. I read about this with one other case, and I am so thankful that this didn't happen, since this, as I'm sure you can imagine, would have been fatal very quickly. We are also very thankful that I only needed one unit of blood after the surgery - the balloons worked, and even that unit was a prophalactic one, just in case. It wasn't critical, but was given to be helpful.
Friday for me was a blur, but Saturday I was in much better condition. Jack, not so much. He's still struggling to breath. They say this is to be expected, though for as big as he is, they didn't expect it to be as rough on him as it has been. He is struggling to breath, is on a CPAP, and is under close watch. I finally got to hold him for the first time this morning, and tonight we'll go back up so I can do Kangaroo care with him - this is skin to skin contact. When I held him this morning it seemed to calm him down tremendously, and he tried to open his eyes a bunch of times, unlike other times Will has been up there.
The kids got to come see him yesterday. Mia was terrified. She's her mommy's daughter, such a worrier and always very concerned. The boys were fascinated. They are having fun with Grandma and papa at our house, and we are so thankful for their help. We are also so grateful for everyone's prayers. Without you, we wouldn't have made it this far. I feel fairly good today, walking much better, and most of my 'attachments' have been removed so I can move around more quickly. Please continue to pray for Jack, that his breathing recovers on his own without being intubated, and that we can move to the next level of recovery - eating. He is maintaining his temp fairly well on his own, which is a blessing in itself. Keep the prayers coming!
Monday, April 8, 2013
34 weeks
It's hard to believe we made it to 34 weeks, and even harder to believe the baby will be here in less than 4 days. We had our last ultrasound on Friday, and it was the best one I think we've ever had. It's amazing what you can see in ultrasound; I was able to see him stick his tongue out, make faces, and even open his eyes! It was incredible. Below are some pictures from the ultrasound.
Even harder to believe was that Chunky Monkey baby gained 2 lbs in 2 weeks. He was weighing in at 5 lbs 14 oz. So theoretically, by the time he comes, this premature little guy will be almost 7 lbs - less than a pound less than what his brothers and sister weighed. We won't know until he gets here, but hopefully this will help to put him in the best possible situation to fight and get out of the NICU.
We met with the last specialist last week, gynecological oncologist. Though this is not cancer, not even close, the oncologist are the most highly experienced surgeons within the hospital, having dealt with the most complex cases possible. The doctor we met with was extremely reassuring, and gave us a lot of really good information. He also shared that they had done an emergency case just that morning, with a woman whose water broke and she was bleeding and it was an emergency. Thankfully, we are not in that scenario, and hopefully will not be.
So barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will arrive at the hospital Friday morning. My surgery is scheduled to start at 9, and hopefully won't last more than a few hours. Mr. Jack should be in the NICU and evaluated by early afternoon, and hopefully WIll gets to get a quick peek right after he is born. We'll share pictures as soon as we are able to. Based on my poor response to anesthesia, I am certain I won't be up for visitors on Friday. Saturday is a possibility, but it depends on my pain level and how Friday went. Remember that no one can see the baby without Will or I, and no one can see him without a whooping cough shot. I'm hoping I get to see him on Saturday. Please pray that all goes well, and that Jack comes out and gets it all figured out quickly. If he doesn't, we're prepared for that too, but he's done everything his own way, so we're hoping that trend continues.
Even harder to believe was that Chunky Monkey baby gained 2 lbs in 2 weeks. He was weighing in at 5 lbs 14 oz. So theoretically, by the time he comes, this premature little guy will be almost 7 lbs - less than a pound less than what his brothers and sister weighed. We won't know until he gets here, but hopefully this will help to put him in the best possible situation to fight and get out of the NICU.
We met with the last specialist last week, gynecological oncologist. Though this is not cancer, not even close, the oncologist are the most highly experienced surgeons within the hospital, having dealt with the most complex cases possible. The doctor we met with was extremely reassuring, and gave us a lot of really good information. He also shared that they had done an emergency case just that morning, with a woman whose water broke and she was bleeding and it was an emergency. Thankfully, we are not in that scenario, and hopefully will not be.
So barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will arrive at the hospital Friday morning. My surgery is scheduled to start at 9, and hopefully won't last more than a few hours. Mr. Jack should be in the NICU and evaluated by early afternoon, and hopefully WIll gets to get a quick peek right after he is born. We'll share pictures as soon as we are able to. Based on my poor response to anesthesia, I am certain I won't be up for visitors on Friday. Saturday is a possibility, but it depends on my pain level and how Friday went. Remember that no one can see the baby without Will or I, and no one can see him without a whooping cough shot. I'm hoping I get to see him on Saturday. Please pray that all goes well, and that Jack comes out and gets it all figured out quickly. If he doesn't, we're prepared for that too, but he's done everything his own way, so we're hoping that trend continues.
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