Ups & Downs

Today was a rough day for Drake and a scary day for me. His morning blood gas showed that his CO2 was elevated again so they increased his breathing treatments hoping that would help. When it was time for his temperature and diaper change, his nurse asked if I would like to do it. Finally feeling comfortable turning them over, I rotated him from his belly to his back so that I could get started. I had the thermometer in my hand and Drake began to Brady. Since his CO2 was already elevated, his saturation dropped instantly. One of the nurses was there in seconds bagging him as she called for a respiratory therapist. In no time at all, he had several nurses and RTs working on him while I stood out of the way. They called for the doctor and he said to put him back on CPAP. This is all part of the NICU roller coster, and I really don't see this as that big of a dip. He was struggling with his breathing on the cannula, and even though CPAP looks terrible, I know that he is more comfortable. He has been resting really well the remainder of the day, and when they checked his blood gas this afternoon, his CO2 had already come down 16 points. He just wasn't quite ready for cannula, and that is ok. They are continuing with his breathing treatments every 6 hours, and this will help with his lung development. His little lungs will be ready for his next try on cannula soon.

Kennedy and I had a great day together! We were going to bottle feed at noon, but that was right in the middle of drama with Drake so the occupational therapist rescheduled with me for 3. When it was time to get started, Kennedy was bright eyed and eager. We are working on pacing with her and everything started pretty smoothly. During this time, her OT was pulled away for a phone call; therefore, it was just the two of us. For most new moms, it's probably not a big deal, but for this mom...it was intimidating. Kennedy did great...she did better than great, she did awesome! She drank her entire bottle! She also made it through without any Bradys. Everyone was impressed with her accomplishment and they are increasing her bottle feeds to twice a day.

Pictures:
1) Kennedy crying
2) Drake back on CPAP
3) Drake this morning
4) Kennedy
5) Drake crying
6) Drake on his belly
7) Kennedy