At the end of the day Gus had an x-ray that showed his lungs and stomach were OK - two concerns with the discomfort. At this point, it looks like he is just having a difficult time recovering from Thursday's surgery. Everyone is so concerned and caring, really wanting Gus to turn the corner so he can begin receiving more nutrition. We have been assured that each baby recovers differently and in their own time.
 Don and Jen F. gave us this bear for Gus and we thought it would be great to use as his "compare bear." Here is the bear in Gus' isolette today. You can see that Gus is sleeping. He seemed to be doing better and acting more predictably - best when sleeping, poorer when being fussed with. Again, he enjoyed being cuddled. |
 I have mentioned many nurses and wanted to point out one of the fine doctors caring for Gus. Marc has been on duty at the NICU all week and has been wonderful, taking an interest in Gus as well as Jill and me. Some doctors are purely scientists and others are truly caregivers - Marc is a caregiver while always assuring us with his medical knowledge. Today he even asked if he could pray for Gus and us while we were there. We said "of course" and Marc put his hands in the isolette and on Gus to pray. That was a very powerful time. We are so blessed to have a doctor and nurses who are keenly skilled in their profession yet still acknowledge the mystery beyond science that can only be explained as God's creative and healing power. |
We received a call this evening and Gus had been weaned back to room oxygen at 21% and his dopamine dose, to increase blood pressure, was also being reduced. These are good signs of progress for recovery along with the great x-ray results. Gus will have an ultrasound of his brain tomorrow to ensure there hasn't been any bleeding - yet one more things that is a threat to preterm babies.
Caring friends have given us several preemie and NICU books - all of which do their best to scare the crap out of you with worst case scenarios. (If you are one of those friends, thanks - we will read them later.) At this point, we want to keep focusing on the positives and progress. After dropping a few ounces of fluid weight, Gus is back up to 1 lb 15.25 oz, he is on room oxygen and his x-ray results are great. These steps, the wonderful care and many prayers are what we are going to put our energy into right now...
In God's Grace,
Gregg, Jill and Gus
4 comments:
Geez! He is almost TWO pounds! That is great! Glad to hear prayers are working. As always, sending our thoughts and good karma, your CA cheering team,
Anne Marie, Jon and Eclaire
Gus - Consider yourself cuddled across the miles...Mom and Dad, too! Barb
Writing to you from Connecticut to say that beautiful Gus was brought to our attention by my sister Pam Linderson and that our church, the UCC of Tolland and especially the Board of Deacons have added our prayers to yours. He is such a beautiful baby and, obviously, touched by God and the love of everyone. Many blessings to your family.
UCC of Tolland
I've been ill for days and couldn't wait to have another update. I see there is much to celebrate here! Dr. Marc offered counsel to us during our stay in the NICU too. LOVE HIM! Rachel, Gus's nurse for his surgery is my next door neighbor. I recognize the faces of several others too. You'll never forget them (although I seem to forget their names..) Anyway, GO GUS! K-
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