Gus' Big Day Out

Today was Gus' day to have his isolette changed. This is the time that one of us gets to hold him a few minutes while they switch all his tubes, wires and gear from one incubator to a fresh one. This time it was Jill's turn - I got the first turn two weeks ago. When Gus had surgery last Thursday they reset his change day. The isolette change is a big deal for us as it is really the only time we get to hold Gus - other than this it is just being able to cuddle his head and feet a bit.

Jill was in heaven! There is almost more blanket than baby, but Gus a very special feel. You can see the respiratory nurse's hand with the bulb - Gus needs to be ventilated manually when the switch is being made.

Grandma Nancy got in close for a look too. Gus was sleeping through the entire change, he didn't feel like opening his eyes.

Jill stroked Gus' head and talked to him gently as the nurses were busy getting everything ready. It seems like such a short time, but time stops when you hold eternity in your arms...

Gus started feeding on mom's milk today. He is getting 1ml (1/5 of a teaspoon) every 3 hours just to see how things work. So far so good. Gus received his last dose of phenobarbital and has had his morphine reduced again - they will probably stop that in the next day or two as well. It looks like he has finally sprung back a little after his surgery. He is really sensitive to sound, light and touch - he likes to be swaddled and lay on his tummy. Anything else and he gets upset, showing the nurses and us his displeasure by dropping his heart rate and oxygen saturation levels.

Gus is feisty - that is a good sign. We continue to pray for him to gain in strength and weight, looking forward to the day when he is off the ventilator and we can hold him more regularly.

Thanks for your care,
Gregg, Jill and Gus