Day 43

Parker had a pretty good day today. Weight is still up, but he doesn't look as swollen as he did a few days ago. Slowly weaning him down on the vent settings. They changed out his breathing tube last night, that all went well. A few more days of antibiotics and we will see how his cultures turn out after that. Moved up on his feedings to 3.5cc/hr. He was so awake and alert for a while this evening. Love watching his eyes look all around. I always wonder what he's thinking. Probably something like, "I'm still in this box", or "when is this tube coming out of my throat". Keep on keepin' on Parker (that's what daddy tells him).

Day 42

Parker did really well today. Weight is a little bit down, so we know the Lasix is helping. Doing well on the vent. They are going to change out his ET tune tonight to see if that will help him get rid of the MRSA. His head ultrasound yesterday showed that the bleeds are reabsorbing and the ventricles are getting smaller. We like good news! His feedings are at 2.5cc/hr, the highest we've ever been at!!

Day 41

Parker did pretty well today, although his weight is way up. He's almost 4 pounds. I know that sounds good, but not when it's all fluid weight. His poor feet are puffy and he just looks like a marshmallow. So, more Lasix for our little man. Had a good chat with the doctor today. Parker will most likely be on the vent for a few more weeks. His poor lungs are still premature. We have a long road ahead of us! Our hopes are high and we know Parker can overcome anything.

Day 40

40 days sure does go by quick when you're sitting in the NICU all day! Little Parker is doing well today. Lots and lots of rest (thank you morphine)! Just letting the antibiotics work through him. Letting the vent do a lot of the breathing for him. Watching him today all I could think about was how big he is getting! He's starting to get rolls on his legs! He's now 3 lbs 10 oz! I think some of that weight might be extra fluid, but still, he sure is growing!! Check out his cleavage on this pic!

Day 39

A very restful day for Parker. Started him on a low dose of morphine to help keep him calm and relaxed. That did the trick cuz he was out all day except for when we would do his cares. We're glad he's able to rest so that he can fight this infection. He got another blood transfusion today too. Doing ok on the vent. Wish we could get him off, but clearly he's not ready. Appreciate all the prayers for our little guy!

Day 38

Another step back today. Parker's cultures from his ET tube aspirate came back with MRSA (a staph infection). He's already on antibiotics for it. We are still waiting for some other lab cultures to come back too. So yet another obstacle for him to overcome. Still having apnea episodes with some desats. Not as bad as days past. Up on the vent settings for support. He is more alert and active today though. This kid just keeps on pushing along. Keep fighting little mister!

Day 37

Parker is doing a little bit better today. Still having episodes of apnea, but he recovers from them more quickly and is needing less oxygen support than yesterday. Had a bunch of tests that aren't showing anything significant. His lungs are a little wet today so most likely will get Lasix. He was awake for John during his cares. Been giving this boy lots of pep talks. We've decided that his first word will be breathe because that is what we are always telling him to do.