Sunday, March 26, 2006

Happy Birthday!

Gus is one month old today! He was moved to the isolation room this morning - he is really sensitive to noise and light. The little guy next to him was circumcised yesterday and probably wasn't helping any. I'd be screaming too...

Gus is still on the CPAP oxygen feed. Because he had all of his regular care just before we arrived, we didn't want to get in and touch him too much. He was doing well and seemed to be adapting to life without the ventilator OK. The next 24 hours will really tell if the steroid has done the trick and he is ready to breathe on his own.

Gus is maintaining his weight just fine - he may lose a little as he transitions off of the IV feeds. His milk is being fortified with extra calories and he will remain on the caffeine to keep stimulating his breathing. It seems like he was having a better day today, fewer episodes where he forgot to breathe.

One of the cool things I heard to day was Gus' cry! He was squeaking a bit in between sleeping. I had my ear to the isolette and heard this little noise and looked at his face - it was a cry. This is the first we had ever heard from Gus - the ventilator tube kept him from making any noise at all for the first month. He is feisty and strong and we are still completely smitten. His next big leap is to stay off the ventilator and make it to the "graduate" nursery. Thanks for all the support and sustaining love - we are truly indebted.

Git 'er done, (Thanks Larry and TJR/DR!)
Gregg, Jill and Gus

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Gus!!! You have sure come a long way in a month. Just keep doing what you're doing and remember that we all love you, so very much! You are truly a gift to everyone...
Love, Aunt Melissa

Anonymous said...

Way to go Gus Happy Birthday. Keep improving everyday so you can go to graduate unit. We love you so much.
Grandpa and Grandma

Anonymous said...

What a great birthday! Love the duckies on the blanket! He is doing so great I just can't believe it!!!!

K-

Anonymous said...

Gregg-wonderful to hear the news of Gus' birthday. Leonard and Patsy saw his pictures today and were thrilled. His progress is miraculous. I have been praising God for his healing and growth! Peace to you all, Lea Ann Morris