12 days old: Update and Photos

Just wanted to apologize for not having more updates for everyone.  Luke is doing great!  There haven't been any huge changes for him, so there hasn't been alot to share.  Besides, the other 3 keep me pretty busy when I am home with them.  I have held Luke every morning this week, and we both look forward to our time together.  He didn't even cry today while I was getting him ready to pick up.  It's like he knew what was going to happen, so he was being patient.  :)  The nurses agree that the boy has a temper, and a good set of lungs (yes, quite the contrast to his birth day).  He can cry loud enough for them to hear him across the room, with his isolette closed.  Here are some updates from the past week:

He is off of his blood pressure medicine; his head ultrasound was good, showing no indication of any brain bleeds, which are common in preemies; his heart valve and other minor heart issues have all resolved; he is on 3 liters of oxygen through his nose cannula, and going down on it appropriately as his lungs are able to do more of the work as they develop; he has been on and off phototherapy for high levels of bilirubin; he is getting 7 ml of breastmilk an hour through his OG tube in his mouth, which is almost a full feeding.  He needs to be able to tolerate a full feeding because they aren't able to get a PICC line in him, which is how they supplement their nutrition.  So, we thought for a day that he may have to get a central line put in, which meant surgery, but instead, the doctors decided to challenge him and see if he could handle increasing his feedings and he has!  He has an iv in his hand with fluids for now, and will be weaned off the fentanyl (pain medicine) by tomorrow.  His routine xrays, blood gases, and tests all look great also.

SO...we are thrilled, and hope and pray that his progress continues.  There is still alot he needs to get through before he is able to be home with us, but we are making great strides in the right direction.  Oh, and is his back at his birth weight of 3 lbs 5 oz, which is good.  Below are a few photos.  I will try to take more this week and post.  Each of the kids has a photo of him to share with their friends and teachers, and they are excited to show him off.  They each have decided what they want to do when he comes home.  Jordan is going to sing him a lullaby; Drew is going to rock him; and Eli is going to change his diapers!  I am feeling great, and am able to do more with them, like push them on the swings and play, so they are happy about that.  They say, "your boo boo is ALMOST better!"  They are waiting for the day that I can give them piggy back rides again....it won't be long!