Nathaniel 10/18

This morning I was able to hold our precious Nathaniel for the first time. I sang to him, recited all the books I know by heart, quoted scripture, and prayed for his good health along with the other babies in the NICU. He did very well, so I was able to hold him about an hour. What a precious time! We can hold him once per day right now. So, I offered to let Todd hold him tomorrow. Knowing a mother's heart he graciously said he would rather I take the once per day and he will hold him when he is up to twice per day.

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His billirubin number went from 4 up to 8, so he is under the lights with his "shades" on right now. Most preemies have this issue, even some term babies. It is not at all worrisome.

Yesterday he had a successful BM and another this morning while I was there. I mention that because it is a direct answer to our prayers.

His oxygen flow was at 4 last night when Todd was there. They were able to back him off to 3 early this morning and now he is at 2. He seems to be tolerating the reduction in air flow without any apnea episodes.

Also, while I was holding him he received 4cc of milk. He had no residual from that feed, so at 2:00 they will be advancing his feed to 7cc every three hours.

For some reason they are not feeding Nathaniel my milk right now. I think he has to be a bit bigger to tolerate breast milk. However, they are using my colostrum to swab in his mouth. This way he gets the benefit of the antibodies. It is believed he can absorb this through the tissue in his mouth.

We have a room to paint, clothes to wash, and a car seat to clean. We've got to get in gear. This baby will be home before we know it!



Thank you for your continued prayer for our sweet one. We are thankful he is doing well

Much love,
Andria and Todd