Some small milestones

Bennett got his setting on his CPAP lowered today. Thats a good sign! He is still having periods where he needs a little extra oxygen, but only like 2-5% more than room air, which is not much at all. I have noticed that when he desats, if we reposition him, he does a lot better! He's also had a few bradycardias (episodes where his heart rate falls below 100 bpm) in the last few days, usually toward the end of a feeding. So, we think when his tummy is full, it makes it harder for him to take deep breaths. The episodes scare the living daylights out of me, but all he needs is a little stimulation (like rubbing his chest or back) and he comes right back up. He's just keeping us on our toes I guess.

They are getting ready to transition him to an open air bed/crib too. This means that his isolette temp is no longer controlled by his body temperature. And, it means he gets to wear CLOTHES!!! Even the preemie stuff is huge on him, but its soooo darn cute! I think he enjoys wearing clothes too!




It seems there has been a pause in his weight gaining spree. Yesterday, he lost 2 oz, down to 3 lbs 5 oz from 3 lbs 7 oz on Tuesday. Today he was still 3 lbs 5 oz. They increased his feedings to 30 mls (thats one whole ounce!) and added a fortifier that adds an additional 4 calories per ounce, plus extra protein, calcium and phosphorus. If he doesn't gain tomorrow, we'll start to get worried, but I'm sure he will. He also got his PICC line (IV for his intravenous nutrition) out yesterday!! I'm sure that little arms is much more comfy now!! Our baby is now IV free!!!

So that is the wrap-up on Bennett! Other BIG news of the day is that Arne (Ace's brother), Hazel and Charlize welcomed their new little boy Ethan into the world today! As you may recall, Hazel was due two weeks ahead of me! So, Ethan was born at 35 weeks, but weighs a hefty 6 lbs 6 oz and is doing really well! They expect him to go home with mom in the next few days! I don't get why these boys are in such a rush!! I find it ironic that they were still born 2 weeks apart! We hope to go visit our new nephew tomorrow or Saturday!

Here are some pics from tonight's visit. Here is Carter holding his baby's foot. SO precious!



And Lola holding Bennett for the first time!! She is the first person we've let hold him other than Ace and I! She kept saying she was jealous, so I indulged her and let her snuggle for a few mins. Bennett enjoyed it too!