Lungs

Gabe's lungs are causing all kinds of problems. His CO2 level was up again, and on an xray they could see signs of stress on the lungs. They're not sure if it is an infection of the lungs or the PDA medicine is causing problems. The doctor decided to put Gabe on a different ventilation machine called an oscillator. This gives him short fast breaths (Dan says it sounds like a train) to keep his lungs open. There can be side effects for using this so they said they may have to switch him back and forth between the two types of ventilators. He told us that Gabe isn't unstable, but he's not stable like he was. They are keeping a very close eye on him. So close, that one of the nurses was camped outside of his door all night monitoring him. It's good to know she's there, but bad to know that she needs to be there.

Pray that his lungs heal and mature into healthy lungs, and the PDA will close VERY soon. It seems like the PDA keeps causing problems.

By the way... the blue light is back on. Gabe was concerned he was still too pale for summer;)

Everyday Brings Something New

On Friday, when we got there, they still hadn't started his 3rd blood transfusion yet. Since the UA in his belly button was taken out, they have to start an IV for these and poke him to draw blood now (poor baby). They kept poking him different places and were unsuccessful, so lastly they put the needle in the TOP OF HIS HEAD! Talk about tearing a mom's heart out! They said that unfortunately the best veins on preemies are in their heads. So now he has a little IV poking out (don't know how long that will be there).

His PDA (tube that bypasses lungs) did not close with the first round of medicine, so they decided to try it again with the same medicine (ibprofen), but double the doses and extent it over 5 days instead of just 3. Pray that this works, because if not, he'll have to have surgery to close it.

Now for the good news!

1. His white blood cell count keeps going up! I got to change his diaper and take his temperature again, but didn't have to where gloves this time.

2. He has gained 4 oz. since he was born! He is now 1 lb. 15 oz.

3. Lastly, only parents will understand... when I was talking to him, he was working so hard to open his tiny eyes (he opened them 3 times). I think he recognized my voice.

I was supposed to hold him, but the nurses thought that since he is so sensitive to touch which make his levels drop, that we should hold off on this. Obviously, I want what is best for him and will wait patiently. I also want it to be a positive experience for both of us.

Bye bye blue light

Yesterday they shut off the blue light. Gabe was so excited and Mom even saw him raise his eyebrows several times :)

Progress!

I just got an update from the nurse over the phone on his progress.
1. They got the picc line in last night and everything went smoothly with that.
2. His white blood count doubled!!! He is still on reverse contamination though since it is still low.
3. They have to gradually take out the tubes that were in his umbilical cord and keep him on his back for 4 hours to make sure everything closes today. The nurse said that he has not liked being on his back today, so they're going to have to sedate him a little and give him more support through today.

Overall, he is doing good though for everything that happened this last day. Praise God!

We are learning that everyday there is something new that they inform us about. Today was the picc line. So far he has had tubes in his umbilical cord so they don't have to break skin, but we were informed they only keep these for 7-10 days. So the picc line is when they put an iv through his arm or leg and thread it all the way to the heart. This will provide a way to get nutrition in him and take blood samples from him so he's not being poked all the time.
There are some risks involved and getting it in may be difficult. Please pray for it to go in easily the first time, and that they don't have to replace it during treatment. They are going to try to insert the line probably Thursday sometime.

time with dad

It hasn't been easy. All the equipment, all the alarms, all the sensors and wires are unnerving. Gabe's white cell count has been low ever since day two and his room has a sign that reads "Reverse Contamination". Gloves and gowns are required for everyone that reaches into his incubator. He gets upset with the nurses when they mess with him. His % O2 reading alarm sounds and readings usually drop some.

I think I got about a minute of time holding his hand before his readings started to drop.

Did you say needles?????

Just Relaxing with Gabe

Shannon was able to start relaxing today with Gabe. Well until the nursing staff started talking needles...

They are going to take the line out of his umbilical cord and place it into his arm or leg. Normal proceedure from what we understand.

Gabe had his breathing tube changed out last night and his air leakage is almost gone altogether. Yeah!!

update

Gabe's mom and dad got the boot from the hospital today :( Apparently there are other people that plan on being born today.

Gabe has the following prayer requests:

1) That he takes his 2nd blood transfusion well.
2) That the medication they are starting closes his PDA
Medication is administered over 3 days (google: infant PDA)
3) That the change out of his air tube goes well
4) Overall health and well being - including his Mom.

Diaper Duty

There are some things that mom just does better!

High Tech Equipment

Gabe is all about his tech!

Head Over Heels

Wow! Never thought I could love anything so much! Gabe has completely captured our hearts!
I got to touch him for the first time today and it was exactly what a concerned Mom needed.
He has some tests coming up that you can be praying for. Dan and I decided to stay in the hospital boarding to be close to the little guy through these uncertain times. I think being close to him is more theraputic for us than him.
I am looking forward to getting to change his ultra little diaper at 6:00 pm tonight. :) Funny how that can be something to look forward to right now!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Gabe has been our little miracle ever since conception, and we know God is holding him tight and taking care of him even now when we can't.

Roll Over

Quality Time with Gabe

Mom says it's hot in there!!

Here I am!

Ready or Not - Here I Come!

Shannon's routine baby checkup scheduled for 4:15 PM on 5/21/o9 quickly changed from ordinary to extraordinary.

Not long into the visit Shannon was transfered to Overland Park Regional Hospital for a 24 hour observation that within an hour was changed to an Emergency C Section.

Gabe arrived at 7:54 PM on 5/21/09 weighing in at 1 lb 11 oz and 13.5" long.