It's hard to believe it's been two weeks already. Jackson gets stronger everyday and has already overcome so many hurdles. Heart murmur is under control; bilirubin is down and lights are off for now; brain bleed has improved on right and remained stable on the left side; had two arterial lines put in; had PICC line put in; received 2 blood transfusions; gained 5 oz since initial drop from birth weight; another week older and getting cuter everyday.
His next biggest hurdle is coming off the ventilator. When he was first born they thought he would be off in a day or two. When I asked how long before I could hold him, they didn't want to give me a date. They reluctantly, after some prying, told me likely a week. I see why they were reluctant. His two week birthday is a bit of a painful reminder I have not been able to hold him yet. As other new babies have come into the NICU it has been painful watching their mothers get to hold them right away. But as the nurses remind us all the time, our day will come too. All Jackson needs is time. And he has done that. Another week closer.
Day 16
Jax day 16: 1000 grams or 2lbs 3oz. They are going to start steroids today. It will be two doses of dexamethasone a day for three days. Then they will look at weaning him off of the vent depending on how he is doing. Still no bowel sounds or signs of bowels functioning. His bilirubin has gone up so they will likely start lights again tomorrow. The doctor cannot hear a heart murmur at all anymore. They are going to check blood hematocrit levels and likely do another transfusion tomorrow. His blood gas numbers at noon showed high CO2 and low acidity so they increased his vent rate to counteract. Hopefully this will get better soon. He was all smiles again this morning as mom sung to him. He is definitely a morning baby, I don't know where he gets it... FOJSP!
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