March 2004

March 1, 2004:

They finally got Christian's PICC line in last night.  They will use this for everything but blood and blood products (so for IV's, feeding and meds).  They took out the umbilical line.  They keep that in as long as possible because it's very easy to place and it's very safe. I was able to change Christian's diaper for the first time.  I was also able to kiss him for the first time.  They are mixing Nitric Oxide with Christian's o2 to help his lungs expand more.  Great day!

March 7, 2004:

Grandma Cooper and Aunt Kim arrived for the weekend.

March 11, 2004:

Christian came off the Nitric Oxide today.

March 14, 2004:

Christian came off the oscillator, he's back on a regular vent.  His umbilical cord also fell off.  It is so little that it looks like a dead fly!  Christian also came off his antibiotic for infections.  They will try and feed him within the next couple of days!  But, he'll have to come off his morphine more before they'll try.  Today's weight was 1lb 12 1/2oz.  Christian is 4 weeks old on the 15th.

March 15, 2004:

They started feedings again today.  1cc every 12 hours.  Christian is 12 1/2" long.  They put Christian back in an isollete from the open warmer (this is a good thing.  The open warmer means that he needs more care.).

March 17, 2004:

Christian will be having surgery tomorrow to close his PDA.  This should make him more stable.  It will be at 1pm by Dr. Cleveland.  The doctors had to stop feedings.  Christian's tummy doesn't know what to do with the milk.  They will give it awhile and will start again.  He may have to go on the suction machine to get all the yuckies out.

March 19, 2004:

Christian had surgery yesterday to close his PDA.  They started around 2:15-2:30 and it was done by 3pm (record time).  No complications.  Christian reached 1000 grams today.  That is 2lb 2-3oz!!

March 24, 2004:

Well, we finally got to hold Christian today.  5 1/2 weeks after he was born.  It was amazing!!!  Christian was sooo light, even with all his tubes, wires and blankets!  Like a feather!

March 30, 2004:

Well, Christian was down to 30 BPM (Breaths Per Minute) and 18 on pressure (that is the "forcefullness" that the o2 goes in), but he didn't like it, so he's back upto 40BPM and 19 on pressure.  They also had to stop the feeding and put Christian on the suction machine.  I got to hold Christian again today (sure is addicting!).  Christian is upto 2lb 3oz and 14 1/4" long.  Christian grew out of his first blood pressure cuff.  Now he's in a size 2.

3/15

3/19

3/23

3/22

3/30