Yesterday (24th) was a bit boring baby-wise. . . Joel was on the breathing machine until 9pm, so all we could do was go visit him and pump some goodies for him to eat. They let me do one skin to skin session with him and he zonked out for 3 hours. 🙂 We did have some visitors come through and got some little presents. We also enjoyed all of your encouraging notes and prayers. Thanks for giving us something to do while we waited! Pictures are here.
Joel was finally able to come off the c-pap last night at 9, so I was able to nurse him every three hours or so. We had a great night nurse and by this morning’s 6am feeding, he was completely weaned from oxygen. Nate got in for the morning meeting and was able to hold him for the first time. They got the bloodwork results back this afternoon, no infections, so they are starting to wean him off the IV. This will take awhile as they want to go slowly. He is also borderline jaundiced, so he’ll be staying another night in order to spend some time under the billi lights. My OB put in orders for me to stay another night too since I’m feeding him. We hope to head home tomorrow, it will depend on his bilirubin levels.
Today’s photos are here.
Some fun events today included Nate and I getting to eat our ‘celebration’ meal complete with sparkling Martinelli’s and little cakes. Also, since Joel doesn’t have so many things attached anymore, we were able to bring him to the window of the NICU so the kiddo’s could ‘meet’ him. They really enjoyed that a lot!
I’m doing well. Mostly just taking Motrin for the uterine cramping. I have a little bit of fluid retention and some hot/cold flashes. I have a feeling I’ll be hurting more later, especially with the stairs, but I have two little go-fers to help get things for me. We’re thankful for Gram and PawPaw being here to keep the kids occupied through this transition!
We know this kid has been supernaturally protected and will continue to be, just have to have a little more patience before we get him home safe and sound.
We are so happy for y’all! God bless Joel always and we pray God will use him in a mighty way. Love you all!
Denis D Good news.. One more night wont hurt…..
Belinda V glad to hear this. Thanks for the report. Keep us updated so we know how to Pray
Jackie P Wonderful.
Deborah N Thank you for sharing. Continued prayers for both baby Joel and family.
Betsy M I just read an article this morning at dr office that said newborns with jaundice that are breastfed take a little longer for levels to go down. It said since waiting for moms milk to come in baby is getting lower caloric intake that from formula. One more day under the light and I bet he will be ready to go!
Amy H Great news!! Continuing the prayers!!
Denise G So glad he will be home soon!
Erin H Praying for all of you! He’ll be home in no time!!
Lynda B Sounds like he is on the right tract. BTW…he is a cutie.
Cassie W One more night is better than taking him home early and worrying alone. Sounds like all the progress is in the right direction
Emily G Prayers continue to go for complete recovery.
Mary B can’t wait to see him. I know God will let him come home with you soon
CharLee Christian <3
Julie M He'll improve like crazy now that you're holding him. William did; he came off the vent at 10 days and it was skin to skin as often as possible.
Blair O Yay! I know how awesome it is to finally get to hold your baby!
Bob S Great news.
Rebecca Betsy, my others were jaundiced too. It's the combination of my blood type and Nate's. He's doing good.
Cally D Congrats! Just keep nursing and he will be home in no time!
Taylor S He's such a cutie! Glad to see that he is doing well, what a blessing!
Sherrie S Glad to hear that he is doing better. We will continue to pray.
Linda V How precious! Congrats, I'm so happy for you!
OneandonlyTerah Lee Precious Joel
Judy B he is beautiful
Samantha L Oh my gosh he is simply beautiful!
Amy M So cute!
Leah G Glad things are going well. Becca, praying for quick healing for you! Baby Joel is adorable! Hope everyone gets to go home soon in great health!
Cassie W Love the pic with both the big kids in the window. He’s adorable
SjaakGinny V Glad to see all the big smiles & hear good news. Miss you all!!! XOXO
Leslie H Congrats!!!!!
Barbara S Little Joel isn’t so liitle! What a precious and blessed little guy, surrounded by such a special family. Love and prayers are with you all!