Updates

The echo revealed that my PDA went from "small" to "moderate" and the left ventricle was slightly enlarged. This means that the left side of my heart is having to work harder due to the PDA. As a result, the doctor is putting me on fluid restriction and starting me on diuretics to help lessen the excess strain on my heart. So, now we are just waiting to see if the PDA closes on it's own. The doctor said they will not perform another echo unless I start showing signs of respiratory distress or they notice something "off" with me. However, the doctor did order chest x-rays every Tuesday and Friday to check my progress. Friday's chest x-ray looked good and the diuretics appear to be working well.

I am holding steady at 1 liter, 21% (room air) oxygen and my saturation levels have been in the high 90's, which is great! I'm also only having 1 brady every couple of days, which the doctors say is really good. I now weigh a whopping 5lbs, 8.3 oz. I'm up to 44 cc's of food and I'm also attempting 3 nipples daily. I'm averaging 12-20 cc's when I nipple.

I get so tuckered out during my nipple feedings that I usually fall asleep before it's over...



Daddy and I hangin' out on Super Bowl Sunday...



Nap time after my dinner...


Because of the respiratory distress and oxygen, I am very tense. The developmental nurse and OT showed mommy and daddy some stretches and exercises to help me relax. We've been "working out" for about a week now. According to the developmental nurse, the stretches are working and I don't seem so tense/tight anymore. Keep up the good work, mommy and daddy!! The nurses also showed mommy and daddy some new exercises to help me get stronger for my feedings and they call it "play time". Mommy and I had "play time" for the first time today and I had so much fun! I was wide awake (and not fussy) and felt so relaxed afterwards.

After "play time" with mommy...


I grew out of my first bath tub so mommy got a new big boy bath tub and brought it to the NICU. I had my first bath in my new big boy tub on Thursday. I really like bath time!