This week Gabe has made a lot of progress!
1. He is off the CPAP and on the high flow full time (pray that he stays on the high flow, his CO2 is already creeping up).
2. He is taking more from the bottle and loving every sip.
3. The feeding tube is now going through his nose and into his stomach (when Mommy starts feeling better, they'll try feeding the more "natural" way).
4. Now Gabe has a team of nurses that will take care of him instead of new nurses everyday. This should help him since they know his quirks.
He had another eye exam on Thursday and the doctor determined that they need to do surgery. Not sure yet the date (probably within a week) or the type of surgery (either laser or an injection into the eyeball). This is a necessary measure to take to prevent our little man from being blind. We were reading that over 90% of preemies don't have a problem with the development of their eyes, but of course Gabe would....sigh.
I, Mom, have been sick and have not been able to see him since Wed. It is driving me a little crazy, but forced me to relax and take care of myself. I look at everything our little family has gone through with Gabe and see God working in it all. I am ashamed to say that I haven't always trusted God to take care of Gabe through this process, but was extremely humbled when I realized that God trusted US to take care of him. If He is willing to trust us to love this precious little baby, how foolish was I to not trust Him to take care of him! Thank you God for entrusting Gabe's care to measly Dan and I. We will not take your blessing for granted!
Love those cheeks! :)
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned in an earlier post, we know Joe and Melissa from the NICU at Children's Mercy. Our daughter was a 26 week preemie (born 6.12.08). She also had ROP and had laser treatment in both eyes...
If I can help at all, let me know.
Praying for you both and Gabe too!
Melissa
Incredible picture! You can tell how relaxed Gabe is without his CPAP. Dan told us that he is 7 pounds 7 ounces now, so he certainly is enjoying his bottle. We are so happy that the hospital is working hard to make him comfortable and healthy. We will continue to be praying. Take good care of yourselves especially Shannon. Your faith amazes us. All our lov, Grandpa & ma...
ReplyDeleteHey little buddy! Aunt Hilary and I are praying for you. We can't wait till we can play with you! Keep growing bigger and stronger!
ReplyDeleteHooray! Off the CPAP! :) Keep us posted about the eye surgery. We'll keep you guys in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteWill def be praying that he stays on the high flow. Awesome news that he's taking to the bottle so well and awesome that he will have his own team of nurses. I'm sure that will help a ton.
ReplyDeleteOn another note... please don't beat yourself up over letting your Faith waver. It's only natural for that to happen in what you and Dan are going thru. NO ONE is judging you and NO ONE is blaming you for letting your Faith waver. It's part of human nature to feel that way. God knows the struggles you all are going thru and is with you 100%, even when you feel like He's not. And you're right... He DOES want to prove to you both that you CAN do this! We're ALL here for you and your precious family. I cannot wait for the day that Gabe finally comes home. :o)
Yea! He looks so relaxed without that on his face! :) What a cutie. Shannon, I'm so sorry that you have to be away from him- I know how hard that is, it broke my heart to have to be away from Jackson. :( Can you email me if you have a chance? I don't know your email but I've been wanting to write you- mine is melissabeth26@yahoo.com If you have a chance, shoot me an email~ I had to stay away from the NICU for several days with Jack b/c of infections, and I'm curious if you have any of the same stuff going on or if I can help in any way, even if it's just having someone who understands. :) Take care guys!!
ReplyDeletehi! i've been following gabe's progress, glad to see he's off the cpap! our little bird was off and then on and off and then on.. i know how frustrating it gets! (but they are so much happier on cannula, hopefully the rest will give him the boost he needs to kick it for good.) i was convinced she would be lugging the cpap machine into kindergarten!
ReplyDeletenursing teams are great.. it took forever for us to finally establish one. take advantage of the continuity of care.
our experience is on the blog if you have the time. if there's anything i can do, or any questions i'm happy to help.