Happy 3 Week Birthday

Austin weighed in at 700 grams after 3 weeks on this Earth...he is heading in the right direction. Earlier this evening he pulled his breathing tube out which required a new one to be inserted. Those things must be so darn uncomfortable. The results from his brain ultrasound were not available when we talked to his nurse this evening.

During Gina's visit with Austin today she met with a developmental specialist who will be involved throughout Austin's stay at the NICU and beyond. Gina has also been seeing her doctors at the hospital twice a week for her own health and to have her blood pressure checked. To date her blood pressure has been reasonable, but she is still on a heavy dose of two blood pressure medications.

Day 20

Austin had somewhat of an uneventful day which we consider a good thing. In an effort to help him grow, he is getting an additional dose of the fortifier mixed in with his breast milk. The second package of the fortifier gives him 2 additional calories totaling about 24 calories per feeding. I told Gina to start loading up on the Big Mac's and French Fries...that stuff makes it through to the breast milk doesn't it? :-)

Austin has his 3rd brain ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow. The first two taken on Day 1 and Day 7 were normal (no hemorrhaging). Praise the Lord! His nurse reported that he flips from his belly to his side all on his own. She also shared that she got a little surprise when changing his diaper...a friendly little squirt (twice!).

I have had a couple people ask how to gain access to the full blog. The blog automatically archives the posts...to view the blog from its inception, simply click on the link under Archives titled June 2006.

Day 19

A bit of a stressful day today. Austin's breathing tube became clogged this morning, so the doctor decided to take him off of the ventilator to see how he would do. He breathed on his own for about 2 hours and then "failed" (stopped breathing) and needed the tube reinserted. Needless to say we were a little anxious; however, we talked with the doctor tonight during our visit to the hospital who reassured us that he is in good hands.

Austin was zonked out tonight during our visit, his O2 levels are back to a reasonable level (33%) and was resting comfortably. We love him so much!

Day 18

Gina and I visited Austin tonight and after 12 cc's of breast milk he was all snuggled up on his tummy sleeping away. In the background of this picture, you will notice a get well card that Andrew made for his baby brother. He wanted it to be taped to Austin's isolette so he could see it.

Austin had a good day today. His O2 levels were between 26 and 32% throughout the day. The O2 levels that we have been reporting indicate the amount of oxygen that Austin is receiving from the ventilator. The target is 21% which is equivalent to room air. He weighed 695 grams this evening which is a little up from the previous couple of days. We can't thank you enough for your continued prayers.

Day 17

Austin received a positive report from his care takers today. He is still receiving 11 cc's of breast milk every 3 hours which contains about 20 calories. He is receiving a fortifier that adds 2 calories per feeding. The emphasis is currently on gaining weight. Austin did receive another blood transfusion today as his blood count was a little low. He has developed a reputation amongst his peers as being the most rambunctious...

Day 16

It is very overwhelming to visit our little guy...We want so badly to hold him and cuddle him. Austin's oxygen levels were up a little today after being off of the steroids for 24 hours (between 28% and 33% O2). It is certain that his body responded well to the steroids. We will know how well he sustains the progress gained over the next 24 - 48 hours. It is very important that Austin begins putting on weight during week 3. While the steroids help his lungs, they also prevent growth and actually result in some weight loss. We will be praying for his growth / weight gain this week and continued healing of his lungs.

Day 15

Today Austin weighed 605 grams (1 lb, 3 oz), his oxygen level has stayed consistent over the past couple days (22-25%), and he is now up to 11 cc's of breast milk every 3 hours. He has a chest x-ray and a CBC ordered for tomorrow morning. We are hoping that the chest x-ray will show some improvement in his lungs after having the steroid and breathing treatments. The CBC will determine whether or not he needs another blood transfusion.

When we called in this evening to check up on Austin, his nurse shared with us that he is "as strong as an ox for his size and age." Please pray for continued weight gain and for healing over his lungs. Thank You!

Happy 2 Week Birthday!

Here is all 12 1/4 inches of our little peanut. Austin had another good day! Today is the last day that he will receive artificial nutrients through an IV drip. Moving forward, he will be on a 100% breast milk diet with an added fortifier for extra calories and fat. Today, Austin is receiving 10 cc's of breast milk through his feeding tube.

His body continues to respond well to the steroids which he will receive for 1 more day. In addition, he is being given caffeine to help avoid apnea & bradycardia. Austin's oxygen level remains at 21%. Another chest x-ray this morning showed that his lungs are still filled with fluid.

Gina and I covet your prayers and are overwhelmed as we watch God's work in progress.

Day 13

Today, Austin was positioned on his belly for the first time which he seemed to enjoy. His oxygen level was 21% (room air) which is a signifcant improvement over the last few days. His body is responding well to the steroid treatments and as a result the doctors have been able to make several positive adjustments to his ventilator. Today, Austin was chugging 9 cc's of breast milk every 3 hours. I know Austin appreciates your prayers ;-) Thank you!

Day 12

Gina and I visited Austin this morning as he was resting in fetal position after receiving a bath. We spent some time talking with the neonatologist who indicated that Austin's lungs are not looking good and suggested treating him with steroids to help his lungs mature. In addition to the steroids, he also received breathing treatments. Austin weighed 680 grams (1 pound, 8 ounces) the last time he was weighed and is receiving 8 cc's of breast milk. We love our little guy and can't wait to hold him and snuggle him. We are praying that his little body witll respond well to the treatment he is receiving for his lungs.

Day 11

Today was a busy day for Austin. This morning he was moved from the oscillator to a more conventional ventilator. When Gina and I visited him earlier this evening, his oxgyen level was 40% and he was resting comfortably. In addition, the line to his belly button which was primarily used for providing nutrition/fluid was replaced with an IV into his wrist. Lastly, an x-ray of his chest still shows quite a bit of fluid on his lungs. Please continue to pray for healing to Austin's lungs and continued development. We appreciate all of your support and prayers.

Day 10

Austin seemed to have a good day today. He is now receiving 7 cc's of breast milk every 3 hours which is excellent news. As a result, he is needing his little diaper changed on a regular basis :-) The doctors are hoping to migrate Austin from the oscillator (type of ventilator) to a more conventional ventilator. The oscillator constantly vibrates his tiny chest and is more intense than the conventional ventilator. Needless to say, it is a little more uncomfortable for Austin but is necessary for his survival. His current oxygen level is 38% and is weighing 645 grams.

Day 9 - Fathers Day

Father's Day 2006 will always be a memorable one for me. Austin is now receiving 5 cc's of breast milk every 3 hours through a feeding tube. He started with no breast milk at birth and has gradually worked his way up to 5 cc's. He was given 6 cc's this morning, but spit up a little as his digestive system just couldn't handle quite that much.

Gina just saw the doctor this afternoon (2 PM) who has agreed to send her home from the hospital. YIPPY! Gina's blood pressure has been "stable" over the last couple days. The Labetalol (BP medicine) is helping keep her blood pressure in check.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Day 8

Gina is still in the hospital recovering from her bout with pre-eclampsia. It has been a very challenging week for Gina as her high blood pressure / pre-eclampsia has kept her from being released from the hospital. She has been in the hospital for 9 days and has been a part from Andrew, Abbie and Audrey which has been difficult. MiMi Kura has been graciously taking care of the kids while I have tended to Gina and Austin in the hospital.

Austin's biggest battle right now is with his under-developed lungs as he is struggling with pneumonia and pulmonary edema (fluid on his lungs). He is being cared for by the best Intensive Care Nursery in the region and has an excellent team of nurses and doctors. Please pray for healing over Austin's lungs as he moves into his second week of life.

Special Moment

On Austin's 6th day here on Earth, Dad was priveledged to hold our little peanut inside of his isolette for the very first time. This brief moment will be cherished forever.

So Tiny

Austin begins his life in the NICU. This picuture was taken during his first hours of life prior to making his way into his isolette.

Austin James on his birthday - June 9

Austin arrived 15 weeks early on June 9, 2006. His scheduled arrival date was September 20, 2006. Gina developed severe pre-eclampsia which required an emergency c-section. Austin weighed 1 pound 6 ounces (630 grams) at birth.