Wednesday, August 12

33 weeks, 4 days

I'm so sorry I haven't updated sooner! I've had my hands full these last couple of days holding tight to my baby boy. Oh, and we went home on Saturday night and spent our longest time away from Bryce so far - almost 24 hours. It was good to get away but we were ready to be back.

Well, Bryce's second CPAP trial didn't last long but he gave it a fighting chance. We're working toward a more reasonable goal of weaning his vent settings as low as possible before trying again.

Of course, that'll also depend on surgery.

A follow up ultrasound on Monday showed a shift of excess fluid from the side that had a new shunt placed last week to the other. The "plan" is to wait and watch. As long as the fluid doesn't build then they'll leave him alone but if it does than they'll likely place one more of these temporary shunts before finally doing the permanent, VP, shunt. A baby like Bryce, though, cannot go to surgery without being on a ventilator so it's hard to get excited about extubating him to CPAP only to put him back on the vent at least once for a surgery.

Otherwise Bryce is doing great. He's still on full feeds and tolerating them very well. He's been on a 24 calorie milk mixture but today they went up to 27. Since he is still on his pain medication they can't go up on his amount because it would over hydrate him. But the plan is to have him off of his pain med. on Saturday and then they'll probably go up on the amount then.

Gain, gain, gain - weight and strength - that's the goal.

Weight wise Bryce was up to 3.99018 pounds two nights ago (I prefer to be exact, if you couldn't tell) but is down a little over the last couple of nights. I suspect he'll hit the four pound mark any day now though. Very exciting!

He's also on a trial of maintaning his own body temperature. They started him by turning his bed on just fan a few days ago. That went well so last night they opened his bed and bundled him up to see if he can handle being in an open crib. We're working our way toward a real crib. Once we do that and get him on CPAP we'll be able to just reach in and pick him up pretty much anytime. That will be a great day.

Lastly, the eye doctor came by for his second exam yesterday morning. He seemed shocked and said that it was amazing that this former 24 weeker doesn't have any signs of eye disease. He'll continue to check him every two weeks until 45 weeks just to be sure though.

Bryce is 33 weeks and 4 days now. He still has six weeks and a few days until his due date.

13 comments :

  1. I am so excited about my precious baby Bryce's eyes, I told Caleb yesterday, that I think he knows me when I talk to him and follows with his eyes. We have got to get skike, or whatever that is so Bryce and i can see each other everyday. Love MeMa

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  2. That's just awesome! I hope that the third time on CPAP is a charm for little Bryce. almost four pounds!!! Wow!

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  3. YAY Bryce. I am so excited for all you guys and it is so great to hear all that good news. I will stop by again this week hope to see you there if not I will just peek in on him.:)

    Candi

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  4. Sounds like little Bryce will quickly be BIG Bryce! It's so great to hear that he is doing well and what wonderful news about his eyes! Take care of yourselves and eachother!

    Bristelle and Joel

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  5. I'm so excited about his eyes, weight, and being able to maintain his own body temperture! Each a huge accomplishment. As far as the CPAP trial, give it a bit more time and he'll be ready. Lastly, the shifting fluid. Let's just pray that it doesn't get any worse and they can just leave him alone. If not let's just pray for a speedy recovery. Like you said before, his due date is just over 6 weeks away. This little man is an overachiever in my book. He's done a fantastic job coming into this world as early as he did. He's a miracle and an inspiration!

    All my love,

    Jen

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  6. I'm really happy to hear that your hands were too busy holding Bryce!! That is wonderful news about his baby blues and his caloric intake. He'll be a feeder and grower in no time!

    Love ya,
    Mary

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  7. Way to go Bryce, mommy & daddy. All of you keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!! In our prayers and thoughts always,

    Shawna & Rickey

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  8. Mommy and Daddy,

    ooohhhhh I feel so big I feel so big. Yay I feel so big!!!!!!!!

    Love,

    Bryce

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  9. Holy Crow!!! I am so happy for him!! That is fantastic!!! Love, love and tons of kisses!!

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  10. Bryce,

    Great news about how big you've grown. Soon you will be playing with Timmy. He is so excited. We love you and miss you.

    Love, Aunt Gene

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  11. Thinking of and praying for you! So good to hear your news and happy you are getting to hold him so much!

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  12. So glad that you were too busy to update because you were holding on to that baby of yours! Such good news about his eyes too.

    You all remain in my thoughts and prayers!

    Take care,
    Weslea

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  13. That is great about his eyes. Don't feel bad if the next time his ROP changes bc it will change again and again. Blakes went from a 1 to a 2 to a 3 back to a 2 and 1 and then 0. As he grows so will everything else along with him. We are so glad to see how wonderful Bryce is doing.

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