Sunday, March 19, 2006

Eating it up!

Gus is three weeks old today! He is gaining weight and eating well - up to 2 lb 3.5 oz and has doubled his milk intake from yesterday, now getting 6ml every three hours. He may have had a little bit of a stomach ache because of the increased volume, but tilting him up in his bed seemed to help.

Gus' new macro lens is really nice! He was comfortable and comforting himself by playing with his fingers. I caught this picture of those tiny fingers discovering what it feels like to clasp his own hands together.
It also felt good to have a pacifier with the increased volume of milk. Even though the milk goes straight to his tummy via the line in his nose, Gus still enjoys making sucking motions with his mouth.

We heard that Gus had a difficult evening last night. His respirator tube was pulled up again or misplaced and it caused his left lung to shut down for a bit. They seemed to have it under control really quickly but were watching closely today and doing chest x-rays to make sure everything was back to normal. This afternoon when we were at the NICU they did another x-ray and found his left lung was fine but that he needed to be repositioned to help his right lung. He is such a trooper to put up with all of that.

It is such a miracle to watch Gus develop. Looking back on the pictures from three weeks ago it doesn't seem real. He is so much bigger than he was at that time but he is still so small. God has surely given us a great gift - both in Gus and in the abiding presence of grace that helps to sustain us each day. Each minute for Gus is still a wonder, and we are thankful for each one.

Shalom
,
Gregg, Jill and Gus

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Every morning Kiera and I log on to see new pictures of Baby Gus and see how he is doing. She can even say Gus. Of course, she can't say "Mommy" yet, but we're not talking about that!
I am amazed at your feisty little guy. I can't wait to meet him. I think about and pray for him many times each day.
We love you Gus!
Danita (and Kiera)

Anonymous said...

I've been away this weekend and was "disconnected". I couldn't wait to see how Gus was and WOW! It's so great to see how much he's eating. Good boy. There is something so nice about knowing that we're providing basic nutrition to our children. It's an innate need and when it's being fulfilled, it helps the soul.

Praying for you daily.

K-

Anonymous said...

We thank God every day for the progress Gus is making and for the doctor and nurses taking care of him. We are also praying for him and his parents, also, his Grandma. It is such a miracle to be watching as he grows and changes. Looking forward to the day that we see him running and playing - - and taking pictures?? We love all of you and will keep on praying. Uncle Lyle and Aunt Eloise

Anonymous said...

Gus Grandma really misses coming to see you everyday but know you are in good hands. We pray for your progress and you keep eating like that you are going to grow fast. Be good for your nurses and don't give them any more scares like you have.
Love you so much Grandpa and Grandma

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Jill and Greg, for sharing this amazing baby's every day progress with us. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Gus' courage and strength mirror those qualities in his wonderful parents! You are all so special! Bob and Simone Engelhardt

Anonymous said...

Wow Gus - if you like your mommy's milk as much as Braden likes his your weight is just going to sky rocket. We love looking at your pictures every day. We especially like the picture of your hands clasped--we took a picture just like that of Braden's hands. So tiny, so perfect!

Anonymous said...

First thing I did last Saturday night when I got back from Florida (work, not pleasure)was turn on my computer and go to your website. It was SOOOO good to see that you are doing so wonderfully well. My boys (Nico, Alan, and Lucas) did not like those tubes up their noses either. Nico used to pull his out all the time.

Keep up the good work, Gus. I can't wait to meet you in person. Lots and lots of love and hugs.

Karin

Anonymous said...

Over 2 pounds again, way to go Gus! With the increase in his food consumption, I'm sure that number will start going up very quickly! I'll bet we've all even had experience with that! Thanks for sharing, Jill & Gregg.

Jill, Chuck & Brandon