Four Week Birthday!

Nov 22, 2011- Jacob continues to wow everyone!  He is up to full feeds of Mommy's breast milk now and no longer requires IV nutrition. He is also closing in on extubation day! His ventilation settings and morphine/ativan dosages have been significantly weaned over the past few days. He is almost at the lowest vent settings possible, and most likely tomorrow he will be extubated.  The current plan is to begin support from the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Typically, a CPAP is used for adults with sleep apnea. If it appears to be too uncomfortable for him they we move him to the nasal cannula.  As much as Jacob has been attempting to remove his ventilation tube, we're sure he won't be to fond of the CPAP.

Yesterday morning, we discovered his steri strips had been removed from his incision.  Dr. Avansino and his team not only did an amazing job with the surgery, but they left him with a beautiful scar, if there is such a thing.  Katy says his scar is aesthetically pleasing, and Andy says that his 'I got bit by a shark while surfing' story may not be as believable as thought.


Jacob has become very active since the vecuronium has worn off.  As stated above, he is fighting with his vent tube.  His little hands and fingers are very active, and his eyes are getting better tracking objects and turning towards the sound of our voices. It's hard to leave him when he is awake, and it seems as though he always is waking up when it's time for us to go.  We set up his animal friends, and play his favorite lullaby CD. He's got quite a menagerie in his room!

Today is his 4 week birthday already!  The NICU is a vortex.  Other than our drive to and from Ronald McDonald House and occasional outings, we are oblivious to day and night, hours and minutes...and the weather being that there is no window in this room (Jacob's 4th room)! It's hard to believe he's already a month old. It seems like we've been here forever, yet we were shocked that this week is already Thanksgiving!