Today was a tough day and I am exhausted. Jaxon had a lot going on. First this morning, he had a blood test to check his hemaglobin levels. They have been low and the doctors have been discussing a blood transfusion. Unfortunately, the test came back low again today, so it was decided to give him the blood. I really didn't want to this but it seems it is for the best. It just weirds me out, even though I had 4 units of blood when I was in the hospital. I just didn't want Jaxon to have to go through that. But he does look better, his fingers are pink again and his cheeks are rosey. His temperature was up to, it had been low at 97 early this morning.
During his transfusion, he also met with his physical therapist. She worked with him and put him into several different positions. She thinks he is a bit high toned, meaning his muscles stiffen up and want to stretch out all the time. So once he gets home, he will need to do his exercise to loosen up.
Immediately following the transfusion, the neonatal opthamologist, came in to do a second exam on his eyes. She wants to make sure they are developing as they should be. He is a bit immature, which is to be expected, considering he is a preemie. He has to go visit her office in a couple weeks to track his progress. He'll visit her off and on, until his eyes are completely developed.
Then, at the end of the day, he was put on a new monitor system to track any apnea spells he has. This new monitor will be able to determine if his spells are life threatening and if he'll need a monitor once he gets home. It is a great tool, but it was very annoying and kept going off every few minutes when he was eating. It shreaks very loudly.
Ok, so the Bigger news is that, his Neonatologist said he may be coming home, Sunday night or Monday morning. I am very excited and can't wait to be done with the hospital scene. However, it is a bit emotional. It seems strange to think of having Jaxon all on our own. For the past 45 days, we have had assistance with him 24/7. And these nurses have been like angels to us. They care so delicately for Jaxon, as if he were their own son or grandchild. I have to admit that I am a little sad to leave them. These ladies are so special and caring. They have eached helped me to get to know my son and to learn how to care for him. Somedays, I feel that I would not have made it through this whole experience if it weren't for their encouragement. I will always remember their strength, love, and compassion. On the other hand, I am ready to bring my baby home and be the one to make the decisions regarding his care and to be able to hold and kiss him whenever I want. Even though I appreciate all of their help and wisdom, it can sometimes be hard to think of Jaxon has MY son, with everyone else telling me how to handle him. Anyway, I got off on a little tangent, but I am very excited that he will be coming home soon. We have officially began the count down.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
BIG BIG News
I moved out of my 'ol stuffy incubator today!! Now I'm in a new open crib with lots of fresh air. If I continue to maintain my body temperature I will get to stay in my new hang-out, but if my body temp drops for a lengthy time I'll have to go back to the "box". I also, haven't had any apnea spells for almost 48 hours. That's when my heart rate drops and I forget to breathe for a brief second. These are very exciting accomplishments for me because by doing this I'm getting closer to coming home.
Mommy and Daddy learned earlier this week that I may be home in 2 weeks!! That's probably the first week of February. I'm ready to bust out of here and get home. I know my parents are ready for me to be home too.
"My Crib"
"The Box"
Mommy and Daddy learned earlier this week that I may be home in 2 weeks!! That's probably the first week of February. I'm ready to bust out of here and get home. I know my parents are ready for me to be home too.
"My Crib"
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| From Random Pics-Jaxon |
"The Box"
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| From Random Pics-Jaxon |
Friday, January 23, 2009
1st Baby Shower
Today we had our first baby shower. It was hosted at my office by my great friends, Rebekah, Amy, and Randy. I continue to be amazed by everyone's generosity. We received the preemie suitable car seat, the matching stroller, a pack n play, diaper champ, tons of cute outfits, toys, and so much more. It was a really great party.
In addition to the awesome gifts, we had a mexican taco bar and the coolest cake ever. Randy's wife, Alice, made the cake. It was a butter cream carrot cake, with cream cheese icing and butterscotch drizzle- Let me just say- it was too die for. Alice really out did herself. Not only did it taste fantastic, but it was decorated amazingly, as well. She iced the sides in a basket weave pattern, and topped it with a baby(doll) covered in a blanket surrounded by fresh flowers. My description doesn't due it justice- it was very cute. Once I get the baby shower pics from Randy I'll post a pic of it. I can't wait for you to see it.
Rebekah and Amy, also out did themselves. They decorated the conference room splendidly. It looked like a wedding reception. They had cloth tablecloths with baby's breath centerpieces and tull tied around each chair. Very fancy! Hopefully, we got great pics of the decorations too.
It was a great day and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and co-workers. I don't know if I posted this in the past, but not only did these guys put together a wonder baby shower, but they also took care of me and my family during my hospital stay. Amy and Rebekah brought me food and kept me company during my first days in the hospital. And then after that they organized meals for my family with Randy, Jay, and Wendy (two other co-workers). In addition, Jay came over one night, during our worst snow storm yet, and SHOVELED our entire 3 car driveway. I can't say enough wonderful things about my office friends.
In addition to the awesome gifts, we had a mexican taco bar and the coolest cake ever. Randy's wife, Alice, made the cake. It was a butter cream carrot cake, with cream cheese icing and butterscotch drizzle- Let me just say- it was too die for. Alice really out did herself. Not only did it taste fantastic, but it was decorated amazingly, as well. She iced the sides in a basket weave pattern, and topped it with a baby(doll) covered in a blanket surrounded by fresh flowers. My description doesn't due it justice- it was very cute. Once I get the baby shower pics from Randy I'll post a pic of it. I can't wait for you to see it.
Rebekah and Amy, also out did themselves. They decorated the conference room splendidly. It looked like a wedding reception. They had cloth tablecloths with baby's breath centerpieces and tull tied around each chair. Very fancy! Hopefully, we got great pics of the decorations too.
It was a great day and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and co-workers. I don't know if I posted this in the past, but not only did these guys put together a wonder baby shower, but they also took care of me and my family during my hospital stay. Amy and Rebekah brought me food and kept me company during my first days in the hospital. And then after that they organized meals for my family with Randy, Jay, and Wendy (two other co-workers). In addition, Jay came over one night, during our worst snow storm yet, and SHOVELED our entire 3 car driveway. I can't say enough wonderful things about my office friends.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Nursing Success
Just a quick note... tonight Jaxon was able to nurse successfully. It's been a work in progress, because the activity wears him out and he's so small he can't be pushed if he's not ready.
Yesterday I met with Karen, the lactation consultant, and (sorry for the TMI) she gave me a nipple shield. It's a plastic nipple extender that makes it easier for him to latch on. I call it my magic nipple!! As soon as, we started using it it was like we flipped a switch. Jaxon thought it was the best thing ever. Anyway, tonight I wanted to keep practicing with our magic nipple, so at his 4:30 feeding session we broke it out. He latched on and nursed for 30 minutes and was able to take 30mL. That's almost his entire feeding by breast. He needs 35mL for it to count as a full feeding. But for our first attempt to really breastfeed it was a HUGE success. The nurses were floored by how much he took. His nurse, Jodi, said it is awesome when a full term baby takes 30mL and she also said, they almost never send a preemie home who is nursing. I think we have a very strong willed boy on our hands!! He must know that, as soon as, he can eat all his meals on his own he can come home.
On a personal note, it was the most amazing experience for me. I can't even begin to explain it.
Yesterday I met with Karen, the lactation consultant, and (sorry for the TMI) she gave me a nipple shield. It's a plastic nipple extender that makes it easier for him to latch on. I call it my magic nipple!! As soon as, we started using it it was like we flipped a switch. Jaxon thought it was the best thing ever. Anyway, tonight I wanted to keep practicing with our magic nipple, so at his 4:30 feeding session we broke it out. He latched on and nursed for 30 minutes and was able to take 30mL. That's almost his entire feeding by breast. He needs 35mL for it to count as a full feeding. But for our first attempt to really breastfeed it was a HUGE success. The nurses were floored by how much he took. His nurse, Jodi, said it is awesome when a full term baby takes 30mL and she also said, they almost never send a preemie home who is nursing. I think we have a very strong willed boy on our hands!! He must know that, as soon as, he can eat all his meals on his own he can come home.
On a personal note, it was the most amazing experience for me. I can't even begin to explain it.
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