Today was a great day. Matt and I met up at the hospital around 1030am to spend time with Caelan and get reports from the doctor- Dr. Sciamano is on right now for a couple of days. The biliruben light for his jaundice is GONE- all done with that; IV nutrition (TPN/Fat)-DONE; central lines in his belly button- GONE; two of the four antibiotics- GONE! They have started increasing his feeding by 3cc each time instead of just 1... and he is hungry and ready to 'eat' between feedings. These are great things... progress. And praise be to GOD for these things!
Caelan is still quite sick- it is so deceiving because he doesn't look like it. He is still working to breathe and his respiratory rate is still high and inconsistent- but he is maintaining his oxygen levels which is the important thing. Because of this, he is still not able to be held or attempt a bottle- it requires too much energy; in time though.
The one thing they have figured out is the reason for all of his complications. Although premature babies often have respiratory problems, it is not as common in 'big' premies or in those that are as far along as Caelan was. There are two different infections that are the culprit.... candida and euro-something or other, which affects the lungs. The remaining antibiotics are for these two things and one of those will continue for 10 days or so.... this alone is a reason to keep him for that long.
Mary is so awesome in encouraging us to help out with Caelan and his care. Today I got to help rotate him onto his stomach and I changed a wet diaper.... but the greatest moment was that I got to bathe him. Sorta... they are just doing parts at a time so I washed his face and head. He did so well.... it was his first one. I just used a soft gauze in some warm water and wiped his face and then wet his head with it. Then put a little shampoo on my fingers and stroked his beautiful head with my fingertips... in downward massaging motions. I used a comb to clean out some of the dried blood on his crown and then rinsed him all off with warm water. This is all done in the incubator- after he was on his stomach, Mary had put some cloths under his head to catch the water. After I finished rinsing, I used a soft cloth to dry him off... just rubbing with gentle downward strokes again. He looks so pretty with his hair all clean! Mary let me do everything myself- she gave some encouragement and sweet guidance. I must say though... this had to be one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Being a part of his birth was amazing and a blessing. But there was something about our little moment today that I am unable to express in words. It was peaceful and intimate. Just... beautiful. I thanked Mary with tears in my eyes before I left. That moment meant so much to me.
Caelan is one strong little guy. Thanks to everyone for the prayers that have given all three of us strength.
(sorry no pictures right now.... Matt is taking a nap and I don't know how to download them off the camera yet; he looks great though!)
2 comments:
Some things about 'motherhood' just can't be expressed--Karen and I talked about that once..there is just no way to describe it..you just..see it, feel it as it comes..so much more..patience
understanding and love than you will ever imagine.
Much love to you all, he is so beautiful, a beautiful gift mm
Hebrews11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
God is the creator. Creation is what he does best. Caelan is still being “created” - fearfully and wonderfully made. Nothing can stop His creation. No matter what the report is when you see him in this current state know that God has made him whole.
Proverbs 18:21a
The tongue has the power of life and death…
Speak life into his body each time you see him. Those words will not fall to the ground void of power. Friend
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