Jude's First Month
Our boy is a month old and I've had a good cry over it. He's growing up so fast. Some days fly by while others drag on like tar on a cold day. Jude has had more good than bad days and we're so grateful for his strength and perseverance. I definitely couldn't do what he has had to with half the patience and courage he has.
Jude is described by the doctors and nurses as "feisty" and "sassy," and usually lands some punches to whoever is listening to his lungs or palpating his belly. He is an expert at working his way out of a tight swaddle with his aggressive kicks and big stretches. He loves being sung to and knows and follows our voices. He enjoys chewing on his breathing tube and has a pretty good latch on his pacifier. We all live for our skin-to-skin snuggles twice a day and it's usually after these that we see Jude's sweet little smiles sneak around the tape on his face.
He's just the cutest, strongest little boy I've ever known. It is getting harder and harder to leave the hospital every night.
In case you're interested, here's what his month has looked like, medically speaking. If you're curious about what goes on in a NICU (I don't recommend a first hand experience) here is a little peak. Everyday is a challenge and a blessing.
2/19: Placed on oscillator, arterial/venous lines placed in umbilicus, photo therapy started.
2/20: Trophic feedings started, Darbepoetin given. 25 weeks.
2/21: Large PDA found, LR bolus given, surfactant given, discontinued phototherapy.
2/22: Indocin given to close PDA, feedings stopped, normal head ultrasound.
2/23: Photo therapy restarted for increased bilirubin.
2/24: Discontinued phototherapy, echocardiogram, PDA closed.
2/25: NIPPV trial, feedings restarted.
2/26: Reintubated, back on oscillator, PICC line placed.
2/27: Blood transfusion, LR bolus, discontinued arterial line, Synthroid and Hydrocortisone started. 26 weeks.
3/02: Discontinued antibiotics, second head ultrasound normal.
3/03: Renal ultrasound to rule out a blood clot.
3/04: Placed on Drager vent, small PFO found, held for the first time by Mom, left eye open.
3/05: Urine culture from straight cath positive for e-coli, suprapubic tap sample normal.
3/06: 27 weeks.
3/07: Held by Dad for the first time.
3/08: PICC discontinued, right eye open, first bath.
3/10: Fortified feedings to 24 calorie, Decadron (DART) protocol started.
3/11: Self extubated, NIPPV trial.
3/12: Reintubated for apneic and bradycardic episodes.
3/13: 28 weeks.
3/14: NIPPV trial, inguinal hernias found, reintubated and back on vent.
3/17: Septic work up, Hydrocortisone re-started, Darbepoetin given.
3/18: Blood transfusion, vent settings weaned.
Only two more months (ish) until we can bring him home!
Jude is described by the doctors and nurses as "feisty" and "sassy," and usually lands some punches to whoever is listening to his lungs or palpating his belly. He is an expert at working his way out of a tight swaddle with his aggressive kicks and big stretches. He loves being sung to and knows and follows our voices. He enjoys chewing on his breathing tube and has a pretty good latch on his pacifier. We all live for our skin-to-skin snuggles twice a day and it's usually after these that we see Jude's sweet little smiles sneak around the tape on his face.
He's just the cutest, strongest little boy I've ever known. It is getting harder and harder to leave the hospital every night.
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| This is the first time Jude opened both eyes. It was two am and he decided to look around as his nurse and respiratory therapist sang a moving version of "Hey, Jude" while dancing and doing his cares. |
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| Who do you think he looks like? |
2/19: Placed on oscillator, arterial/venous lines placed in umbilicus, photo therapy started.
2/20: Trophic feedings started, Darbepoetin given. 25 weeks.
2/21: Large PDA found, LR bolus given, surfactant given, discontinued phototherapy.
2/22: Indocin given to close PDA, feedings stopped, normal head ultrasound.
2/23: Photo therapy restarted for increased bilirubin.
2/24: Discontinued phototherapy, echocardiogram, PDA closed.
2/25: NIPPV trial, feedings restarted.
2/26: Reintubated, back on oscillator, PICC line placed.
2/27: Blood transfusion, LR bolus, discontinued arterial line, Synthroid and Hydrocortisone started. 26 weeks.
3/02: Discontinued antibiotics, second head ultrasound normal.
3/03: Renal ultrasound to rule out a blood clot.
3/04: Placed on Drager vent, small PFO found, held for the first time by Mom, left eye open.
3/05: Urine culture from straight cath positive for e-coli, suprapubic tap sample normal.
3/06: 27 weeks.
3/07: Held by Dad for the first time.
3/08: PICC discontinued, right eye open, first bath.
3/10: Fortified feedings to 24 calorie, Decadron (DART) protocol started.
3/11: Self extubated, NIPPV trial.
3/12: Reintubated for apneic and bradycardic episodes.
3/13: 28 weeks.
3/14: NIPPV trial, inguinal hernias found, reintubated and back on vent.
3/17: Septic work up, Hydrocortisone re-started, Darbepoetin given.
3/18: Blood transfusion, vent settings weaned.
Only two more months (ish) until we can bring him home!
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