We couldn't end the year without mentioning some of the differences we have noticed in our caring for Sean. It's obvious that this Daddy is from Mars and this Mommy is from Venus. We are different in the way we care and interact with Sean.
Mommy is gentle, nurturing and caring. When Sean cries, she "runs" to his rescue. Sean is a mellow baby and doesn't cry or fuss very often, but when he does Mommy tries her best to figure out why Sean is crying. Is it a poopy diaper? Is he hungry? Is he tired? Does he simply want to be held and comforted?
Daddy is also caring and loving with Sean, but unlike Mommy, Sean's crying (a little) doesn't bother Daddy. And Daddy doesn't feel like he needs to "run" to Sean's rescue immediately. One huge difference between Mommy & Daddy is that Daddy loves to play with and make Sean laugh. There is no question that Sean thinks Daddy is funny and enjoys it when Daddy plays with him.
Mommy & Daddy take on different tasks in caring for Sean. Mommy (mostly) feeds Sean, but Daddy also bottle feeds him. Mommy holds Sean for endless hours. Daddy holds Sean too, but doesn't feel a need to hold him nearly as long as Mommy does. Both Daddy & Mommy gives Sean LOTS of kisses. Daddy has been great at bathing Sean and trimming his finger and toe nails.
Both Mommy & Daddy enjoy talking to and singing to Sean. Sean seems to enjoy it when we sing and talk with him.
A little humor from survival4moms.com
1. The Bathroom Break - Mom holds on until she’s about to burst, then does her business in 30 seconds with Baby watching from the bouncy chair.
- Dad settles in with magazine and is MIA for 30 minutes.
2. Visiting Friends- Mom is concious that Baby’s bedtime is approaching so suggests it’s time to get going. She gathers and packs baby paraphernalia, puts Baby in clean diaper and PJs and prepares Baby’s milk.- Dad accepts another beer and heads off to the den to admire friend’s new technical gadget acquisition.
3. Baby’s Lunchtime- Mom preps a healthy balanced meal of pasta, cheese and fruit 15 minutes in advance.
- Dad wonders why Baby is particularly cranky at 2:30pm, then remembers he hasn’t been fed. He quickly tries to remedy the situation by giving Baby a fistful of soda crackers.
4. Nighttime- Mom pops up like a jack-in-the-box as Baby lets out the first wail. She springs to the aid of the crying baby and spends 20 minutes going through the getting-back-to-sleep routine. After 5 minutes back in bed she’s worried it’s too quiet and is up again checking that the baby is still breathing.
- Dad stirs and opens one eye as Mom lowers her weary body back into the bed and mumbles something useful like “What’s the matter with him?” before resuming his snoring.
5. Going Out - Mom dresses Baby, changes his diaper when he poops 2 minutes later, changes his outfit when he spits up 3 minutes later, changes her own outfit because said spit up travelled. She sets about packing the baby bag with 2 changes of clothes, bib, soother, toys, snacks, diapers, wipes, sunhat, sunscreen, … then sits to wait for 15 minutes for Dad to be ready.
- Dad has to go back for the camera when they finally get in the car and Mom asks him if he’s got it.
We love being Sean's Mommy & Daddy!
Happy 2012!
Sean
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Happy 6 month B/day Sean!
Today Sean turned 6 months old! He is doing well. Sean is a healthy & happy baby boy.
He now weighs 12 lbs. 4oz. He's put on 10 lbs. since birth!
We love you Sean! Happy 1/2 Year Birthday!
He now weighs 12 lbs. 4oz. He's put on 10 lbs. since birth!
We love you Sean! Happy 1/2 Year Birthday!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sean's First Christmas
Sean enjoyed his first Christmas!!
On Christmas Day, we headed to Uncle Stan's for a delicious lunch made by Aunt Linda. Yummy!
Sean loved all the attention by Uncle Stan, Aunt Linda, Cousin Stephanie, Great-Grandma Fran, Grandma Paula and Grandpa Sam. Sean was held a lot and was awake for most of our visit until he peacefully fell asleep in Aunt Linda's arms.
Cousin Stephanie helped Daddy change Sean's diaper. We are looking forward to having Cousin Stephanie babysit Sean one day/evening when Mommy & Daddy want to get away for a date night. :)
After Uncle Stan's, we headed to Avó and Avô's for Christmas Dinner. Sean stayed awake for this visit too! Again...more attention and holding from Tia Maria & Paixao (a family friend).
When we arrived home, Sean was wiped out and fell asleep for most of the evening.
Christmas continued...
On December 26th, Avó and Avô celebrated their 47 year wedding anniversary and it was also Daddy's birthday! "Happy Birthday Daddy!"
We headed to Avó and Avô's to open Christmas gifts. We celebrated Christmas/Anniversary/Birthday with Tia Valeria, Uncle Steve, Cousins Derek & Bryce and of course Avó and Avô. Avó made a traditional Portuguese dish of Bacalao (a).
From there, we headed to Grandma Harriet's and Grandpa Richard's for another delicious Christmas/Birthday dinner. Thanks Grandma Harriet! Dinner was "topped off" with birthday cake for Daddy made especially by Grandma.
We opened gifts and Grandma Harriet & Grandpa Richard held Sean. Sean was awake and loved the attention.
Sean had a wonderful first Christmas and he is looking forward to 2012!
(a)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
On Christmas Day, we headed to Uncle Stan's for a delicious lunch made by Aunt Linda. Yummy!
Sean loved all the attention by Uncle Stan, Aunt Linda, Cousin Stephanie, Great-Grandma Fran, Grandma Paula and Grandpa Sam. Sean was held a lot and was awake for most of our visit until he peacefully fell asleep in Aunt Linda's arms.
Cousin Stephanie helped Daddy change Sean's diaper. We are looking forward to having Cousin Stephanie babysit Sean one day/evening when Mommy & Daddy want to get away for a date night. :)
After Uncle Stan's, we headed to Avó and Avô's for Christmas Dinner. Sean stayed awake for this visit too! Again...more attention and holding from Tia Maria & Paixao (a family friend).
When we arrived home, Sean was wiped out and fell asleep for most of the evening.
Christmas continued...
On December 26th, Avó and Avô celebrated their 47 year wedding anniversary and it was also Daddy's birthday! "Happy Birthday Daddy!"
We headed to Avó and Avô's to open Christmas gifts. We celebrated Christmas/Anniversary/Birthday with Tia Valeria, Uncle Steve, Cousins Derek & Bryce and of course Avó and Avô. Avó made a traditional Portuguese dish of Bacalao (a).
From there, we headed to Grandma Harriet's and Grandpa Richard's for another delicious Christmas/Birthday dinner. Thanks Grandma Harriet! Dinner was "topped off" with birthday cake for Daddy made especially by Grandma.
We opened gifts and Grandma Harriet & Grandpa Richard held Sean. Sean was awake and loved the attention.
Sean had a wonderful first Christmas and he is looking forward to 2012!
(a)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the phantom island. For Portuguese dish, see Bacalhau. Bacallao (or Terra do Bacalhau) was a phantom island depicted on several early 16th century maps and nautical charts. The name first appears on a chart in 1508, but there are earlier accounts of Bacalao. Bacallao literally means "cod" or "stockfish".
According to Gaspar Frutuoso in his work Saudades da Terra written in the 1570s, the Portuguese navigator João Vaz Corte-Real was in 1472 granted lands in the Azores by the king of Portugal, because of his discovery of the Terras do Bacalhau. However, the work of Frutuoso is generally seen as not very reliable as it contains a great deal of misinformation.[1] Also, Bartolomé de Las Casas wrote about Portuguese voyages of discovery to Tierra de los Bacallao. This has led some to believe that Corte-Real reached the Americas a couple of decades before Columbus.
Off the northeast tip of Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, there is a Baccalao Island; however, it was likely named after the mythical island.
According to Gaspar Frutuoso in his work Saudades da Terra written in the 1570s, the Portuguese navigator João Vaz Corte-Real was in 1472 granted lands in the Azores by the king of Portugal, because of his discovery of the Terras do Bacalhau. However, the work of Frutuoso is generally seen as not very reliable as it contains a great deal of misinformation.[1] Also, Bartolomé de Las Casas wrote about Portuguese voyages of discovery to Tierra de los Bacallao. This has led some to believe that Corte-Real reached the Americas a couple of decades before Columbus.
Off the northeast tip of Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, there is a Baccalao Island; however, it was likely named after the mythical island.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Week 2 at Avó and Avô's
This week Sean stayed at Avó and Avô's for 3 days...Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. On Monday, he slept & stayed awake for most of the day. On Tuesday, Sean slept most of the day. On Wednesday, Sean laughed and played with Avó and Avô. When Mommy arrived to pick up Sean on Wednesday, both Avó and Avô commented on what a wonderful day it was with Sean. They said he was alert, laughing, smiling, playing... It was a great day for all 3 of them.
When Mommy picks up Sean, both Avó and Avô seem to be well rested. Sean is a good baby and by Avó and Avô sharing the responsibility to take care of Sean, it helps them not to be too wiped out.
Prior to Mommy returning to work, Sean was eating every 2 hours. For the last couple of weeks, he eats more like every 3 hours. Sean is still gaining weight, but it seems likes it's taking longer. He's over 11 1/2 lbs. He is well and healthy.
We continue to be extra cautious with him, asking visitors who want to touch or hold him to wash their hands.
We are all over our cold. The Egger Family is healthy and looking forward to 2012.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
When Mommy picks up Sean, both Avó and Avô seem to be well rested. Sean is a good baby and by Avó and Avô sharing the responsibility to take care of Sean, it helps them not to be too wiped out.
Prior to Mommy returning to work, Sean was eating every 2 hours. For the last couple of weeks, he eats more like every 3 hours. Sean is still gaining weight, but it seems likes it's taking longer. He's over 11 1/2 lbs. He is well and healthy.
We continue to be extra cautious with him, asking visitors who want to touch or hold him to wash their hands.
We are all over our cold. The Egger Family is healthy and looking forward to 2012.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The End is only the Beginning
We finished reading a book written by two Pediatrician's: Laura A. Jana M.D. & Jennifer Shu M.D.
They ended their book with parting insights/thoughts about becoming a parent:
They ended their book with parting insights/thoughts about becoming a parent:
- It seems like everyone's doing it.
- It's a guaranteed adventure.
- If you're lucky you fall right into your new role, but for most of us it takes a good bit of time, effort & patience.
- It has a way of taking over your life, but your find that you wouldn't want it any other way.
- It serves as a reminder that everything is always easier said than done.
- You are bound to run into obstacles along the way. You will be the exception to the rule if you don't have days when you doubt yourself.
- Having faith & sticking with it always pay off in the end.
- People are going to judge you. Regardless of what they think, if you do your best and remain committed to learning new things along the way, you'll always have something to be proud of.
- Striving for perfection is great, but expecting to achieve it is a setup for failure.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Daddy, Mommy & Sean catch their first cold of the season
Daddy was sick with a cold last weekend. Mommy & Sean felt great until Thursday morning of this week. We caught our first cold of the season, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough...etc. Mommy & Sean stayed home Friday. Sean went to visit the Doctor. Thankfully, doctor said it was "just a cold".
Sean enjoyed himself at Avó and Avô's for 3 days this week. Avó does the diaper changing and Avô feeds Sean. They are working as a team and what a good team they are celebrating their 47 year wedding anniversary on December 26th.
Work is going well for Mommy, but I sure miss Sean, but check in a few times a day to see how he is doing.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean enjoyed himself at Avó and Avô's for 3 days this week. Avó does the diaper changing and Avô feeds Sean. They are working as a team and what a good team they are celebrating their 47 year wedding anniversary on December 26th.
Work is going well for Mommy, but I sure miss Sean, but check in a few times a day to see how he is doing.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sean receives his 2nd of 5 Synagis injections
Sean received his 2nd Synagis injection. Sean has stayed healthy through the season. Both Daddy & one of Sean's cousins were ill, but with frequent hand washing we were able to keep the germs away from baby Sean.
Mommy returns to work today. It's been an incredible experience being home with Sean these last 12 weeks. I will miss him, but I know he will be in good hands with his Avó and Avô.
Mommy returns to work today. It's been an incredible experience being home with Sean these last 12 weeks. I will miss him, but I know he will be in good hands with his Avó and Avô.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Corrected Age Two Months (Post-Term)
Sean turned 2 months (corrected) on December 3rd. Here is what we can expect developmentally in month 2.
- General Behavior: Different infants like different amounts of movement and play.
- Hearing: Infants begin to show facial gestures in response to sounds or voices.
- Vision: Infants can tell the difference between reds, oranges, blue-greens, blue-reddish purples, bluish purples, and white. At this age they cannot tell the difference between whites, yellow and greens.
- Movement & Postioning: Their head control continues to improve. Infants will now hold small rattles in their hands for movement.
- Eating: Infants may only require one nightime feeding.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Sean reaches one of his first milestones!
Tummy Time - We've been putting Sean on his tummy daily when he is alert & awake. Minutes ago he rolled over for the first time from front to back! Yipeeeee!!!!! Way to go Sean! Sean it now 2 months corrected (on December 3rd), so he's right on time for rolling over!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
When Should My Baby Start Roling Over?
In order for your baby to roll over he needs to have a strong upper body, good control of his head and neck, and be able to coordinate his arm and leg movements well. Most babies learn to roll from front to back first because front to back rolling requires less strength and coordination. Your baby may learn to roll from front to back as early as age 2-3 months. Rolling from back to front is a more difficult milestone and your baby may be 5-6 months before he starts rolling from back to front.
Tummy time and rolling over
Because rolling over requires a lot of upper body strength, it is important that your baby gets daily "tummy time” to help him develop strong muscles and good control of his neck. Babies that don’t get a lot of tummy time may take longer to start rolling over. Try to place your baby on his tummy when he is awake and alert. This will help him with rolling over and other developmental milestones. Tummy time should be supervised until your baby can roll over in both directions.
Source: justmommies.com
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sean loves Daddy & Daddy loves Sean
I can't express what a blessed Wife & Mommy I am. Daddy is awesome! Sean was pampered by Daddy last night. Daddy gave Sean his bath. After his bath, Sean fell quickly asleep in Daddy's arms. While he was sleeping, Daddy gave Sean a manicure (trimmed and filed his nails). Prior to his bath, Daddy massaged Sean's legs, feet and arms.
We weighed Sean after his bath. He's at 11.5 lbs! He's getting heavier.
We had a good day with cousins Derek & Bryce yesterday. They came over for visit and then we all took a walk to the park (except for Derek, he ran - way to go Derek!)
Sean's Mommy
We weighed Sean after his bath. He's at 11.5 lbs! He's getting heavier.
We had a good day with cousins Derek & Bryce yesterday. They came over for visit and then we all took a walk to the park (except for Derek, he ran - way to go Derek!)
Sean's Mommy
Friday, December 2, 2011
Being Sean's Mommy - sharing Sean with others
It's early in the AM, but I am feeling inspired to write. I just laid Sean down in bed for his nap time. Sean woke me up for his 6AM feeding. After his feeding, I held him against my chest and he nestled his head in my neck. He contently found his "happy place". At that moment, I was filled with appreciation to God for giving us such a wonderful, beautiful and healthy baby boy.
Being Sean's Mommy has been such a blessing in my life. We have really bonded during these last several weeks at home and also when he was in the hospital. I went to visit him every day in the hospital and as soon as I was able to hold him, I held him each day. He clearly knows who his Mommy & Daddy are and I believe he feels our love. We are filled with so much love for him that it feels like it pours out from us into our sweet baby boy.
Mommy returns to work in just over a week. I have been enjoying the endless hours taking care of Sean during the days. It has been a huge joy and also hard work. I think it can be hard at times because Daddy & Mommy are growing as parents and newborns are incredibly dependent. And also because this is a new experience. Eventually, it will become second nature for us. It's already getting easier and more natural each day.
I had a thought that came to me this morning as I was holding sweet Sean in my arms (I believe it was God speaking to me). This is what He said, "I know it's difficult to know you will be leaving Sean and going back to work soon, but it's now time to share him with others (Avô, Avó, cousins Derek & Bryce) who will also love him very much and give them a chance to love Sean and get to know him." God's words gave me peace. Yes...by Mommy returning to work, this will give Sean's grandparents and cousins a chance to build a relationship with Sean. They also want to get to know Sean and a chance to shower him with their love.
Sean's Mommy
Being Sean's Mommy has been such a blessing in my life. We have really bonded during these last several weeks at home and also when he was in the hospital. I went to visit him every day in the hospital and as soon as I was able to hold him, I held him each day. He clearly knows who his Mommy & Daddy are and I believe he feels our love. We are filled with so much love for him that it feels like it pours out from us into our sweet baby boy.
Mommy returns to work in just over a week. I have been enjoying the endless hours taking care of Sean during the days. It has been a huge joy and also hard work. I think it can be hard at times because Daddy & Mommy are growing as parents and newborns are incredibly dependent. And also because this is a new experience. Eventually, it will become second nature for us. It's already getting easier and more natural each day.
I had a thought that came to me this morning as I was holding sweet Sean in my arms (I believe it was God speaking to me). This is what He said, "I know it's difficult to know you will be leaving Sean and going back to work soon, but it's now time to share him with others (Avô, Avó, cousins Derek & Bryce) who will also love him very much and give them a chance to love Sean and get to know him." God's words gave me peace. Yes...by Mommy returning to work, this will give Sean's grandparents and cousins a chance to build a relationship with Sean. They also want to get to know Sean and a chance to shower him with their love.
Sean's Mommy
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
You are my SONshine!
You Are My SONshine
My only SONshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You'll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don't take my SONshine away
This is one of my favorite songs to sing to Sean.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"You Are My Sunshine" is a popular song first recorded in 1939. It has been declared one of the state songs of Louisiana as a result of its association with former state governor and country music singer Jimmie Davis. The song is copyright 1940 Peer International Corporation, words and music by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell.[1] According to a 1990 article by Theodore Pappas, the original song was written by Oliver Hood.[2] The original tune however, is very similar to a much older Ukrainian folk song entitled "Ой, там на горі" (Oj, tam na hori - Up there, on the mountain), leading many to believe that neither Jimmie Davis nor Oliver Hood wrote the music
My only SONshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You'll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don't take my SONshine away
This is one of my favorite songs to sing to Sean.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"You Are My Sunshine" is a popular song first recorded in 1939. It has been declared one of the state songs of Louisiana as a result of its association with former state governor and country music singer Jimmie Davis. The song is copyright 1940 Peer International Corporation, words and music by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell.[1] According to a 1990 article by Theodore Pappas, the original song was written by Oliver Hood.[2] The original tune however, is very similar to a much older Ukrainian folk song entitled "Ой, там на горі" (Oj, tam na hori - Up there, on the mountain), leading many to believe that neither Jimmie Davis nor Oliver Hood wrote the music
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Happy 5 month B/day Sean!
Five months ago today...our precious baby boy came into this world at 2 lbs. 4oz. 13.5 inches long. He is now at 11.2 lbs and 21.5 inches long!
Sean had a visit with the Pediatrician yesterday. She was pleased with his weight gain and development.
Sean had a wonderful First Thanksgiving with his Portuguese side of the family.
On Saturday, Sean celebrated Thanksgiving with Grandma Harriet and Grandpa Richard.
Sean had two Thanksgiving celebrations!
Mommy would write more, but it's time for Sean to eat.
Thank you for your continued support & prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean had a visit with the Pediatrician yesterday. She was pleased with his weight gain and development.
Sean had a wonderful First Thanksgiving with his Portuguese side of the family.
On Saturday, Sean celebrated Thanksgiving with Grandma Harriet and Grandpa Richard.
Sean had two Thanksgiving celebrations!
Mommy would write more, but it's time for Sean to eat.
Thank you for your continued support & prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Sean's First Thanksgiving
We are looking forward to Sean's First Thanksgiving.
Daddy and I are Thankful for a lot...especially Sean.
Sean is getting closer and closer to 11 lbs., but he's not quite there yet.
Strangers who see Sean comment on how small he is and ask how old he is.
When they comment how small he is...we think..."if they only knew how small he was."
Sean went to physical therapy today. The appointment went well. The PT commented on how happy Sean is. He smiled a lot during his exercises.
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
Daddy and I are Thankful for a lot...especially Sean.
Sean is getting closer and closer to 11 lbs., but he's not quite there yet.
Strangers who see Sean comment on how small he is and ask how old he is.
When they comment how small he is...we think..."if they only knew how small he was."
Sean went to physical therapy today. The appointment went well. The PT commented on how happy Sean is. He smiled a lot during his exercises.
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Joy is...being Sean's Mommy
I am learning that being Sean's Mommy is a lot of work, but more so...he is a HUGE joy in my life! Now that I am experiencing Motherhood for the first time...I have a great deal more respect for Moms (& Dads) of newborn babies. Babies do require a lot of attention, but it is so worth it!
Although Sean still sleeps alot.. when he is awake it's all about him. He gets all of Mommy's care & attention. I only have 3 more weeks before returning to work. I want to make the most of these last 3 weeks because I know I won't ever have this experience and time (off) with Sean during this precious time of his life.
He is a huge joy in mine (& Daddy's) life. I always knew I wanted to be a Mom, but wasn't sure it would ever happen. I am so glad it did! What a HUGE blessing Sean is in our lives.
When I do return to work, I know I will miss holding him for hours, but I can look forward to the evenings and weekends with him. I love my baby boy and I know I will miss him.
I Thank God for my parents who will be caring for Sean when I return to work. They've done an excellent job caring for my nephews (since infancy). They are now 13 & almost 11 and doing great! So... I know Sean will be left in good hands. Another bonus is he will be learning Portuguese since that is mostly what my parents speak.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Sean (especially during this Winter season).
Although Sean still sleeps alot.. when he is awake it's all about him. He gets all of Mommy's care & attention. I only have 3 more weeks before returning to work. I want to make the most of these last 3 weeks because I know I won't ever have this experience and time (off) with Sean during this precious time of his life.
He is a huge joy in mine (& Daddy's) life. I always knew I wanted to be a Mom, but wasn't sure it would ever happen. I am so glad it did! What a HUGE blessing Sean is in our lives.
When I do return to work, I know I will miss holding him for hours, but I can look forward to the evenings and weekends with him. I love my baby boy and I know I will miss him.
I Thank God for my parents who will be caring for Sean when I return to work. They've done an excellent job caring for my nephews (since infancy). They are now 13 & almost 11 and doing great! So... I know Sean will be left in good hands. Another bonus is he will be learning Portuguese since that is mostly what my parents speak.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Sean (especially during this Winter season).
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sean receives his 1st of 5 Synagis injections
Today Sean had an appt. at the hospital to receive his first of five Synagis injections. He will be receiving one every 4 weeks until March. These injections help fight against serious symptoms of RSV.
RSV - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages, is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.
Source - Kidshealth.org:
In adults, it may only produce symptoms of a common cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, fever, and a general feeling of being ill. But in premature babies and kids with diseases that affect the lungs, heart, or immune system, RSV infections can lead to other more serious illnesses.
RSV is highly contagious and can be spread through droplets containing the virus when someone coughs or sneezes. It also can live on surfaces (such as countertops or doorknobs) and on hands and clothing, so can be easily spread when a person touches something contaminated.
RSV can spread rapidly through schools and childcare centers. Babies often get it when older kids carry the virus home from school and pass it to them. Almost all kids are infected with RSV at least once by the time they're 2 years old.
RSV infections often occur in epidemics that last from late fall through early spring. Respiratory illness caused by RSV — such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia — usually lasts about a week, but some cases may last several weeks.
Doctors typically diagnose RSV by taking a medical history and doing a physical exam. Generally, in healthy kids it's not necessary to distinguish RSV from a common cold. But if a child has other health conditions, a doctor might want to make a specific diagnosis; in that case, RSV is identified in nasal secretions collected either with a cotton swab or by suction through a bulb syringe.
To prevent serious RSV-related respiratory disease, at-risk kids can be given a monthly injection of a medication consisting of RSV antibodies during peak RSV season (roughly November to April). Because its protection is short-lived, it has to be given in subsequent years until the child is no longer at high risk for severe RSV infection. Ask the doctor if your child is considered high risk.
RSV - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages, is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.
Source - Kidshealth.org:
About RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages, is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.In adults, it may only produce symptoms of a common cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, fever, and a general feeling of being ill. But in premature babies and kids with diseases that affect the lungs, heart, or immune system, RSV infections can lead to other more serious illnesses.
RSV is highly contagious and can be spread through droplets containing the virus when someone coughs or sneezes. It also can live on surfaces (such as countertops or doorknobs) and on hands and clothing, so can be easily spread when a person touches something contaminated.
RSV can spread rapidly through schools and childcare centers. Babies often get it when older kids carry the virus home from school and pass it to them. Almost all kids are infected with RSV at least once by the time they're 2 years old.
RSV infections often occur in epidemics that last from late fall through early spring. Respiratory illness caused by RSV — such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia — usually lasts about a week, but some cases may last several weeks.
Doctors typically diagnose RSV by taking a medical history and doing a physical exam. Generally, in healthy kids it's not necessary to distinguish RSV from a common cold. But if a child has other health conditions, a doctor might want to make a specific diagnosis; in that case, RSV is identified in nasal secretions collected either with a cotton swab or by suction through a bulb syringe.
Preventing RSV
Because RSV can be easily spread by touching infected people or surfaces, frequent hand washing is key in preventing its transmission. Try to wash your hands after having any contact with someone who has cold symptoms. And keep your school-age child with a cold away from younger siblings — particularly infants — until the symptoms pass.To prevent serious RSV-related respiratory disease, at-risk kids can be given a monthly injection of a medication consisting of RSV antibodies during peak RSV season (roughly November to April). Because its protection is short-lived, it has to be given in subsequent years until the child is no longer at high risk for severe RSV infection. Ask the doctor if your child is considered high risk.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Dear Sean,
Dear Sean,
You are so special to Mommy & Daddy. We love you very much. We are so grateful to God for blessing us with you.
We love seeing you grow more and more each day. You now weigh 10.45 lbs. What a big boy you are! You are a healthy baby boy. You are smiling a lot more. You seem happy & content.
We are doing our best to be good parents to you. We love feeding you, changing your diaper, talking to you, kissing you, comforting you and responding to your cries. You cry because that is how you communicate to us and let us know what your needs are.
Today we all went to the book store. We bought you a few new books and are looking forward to reading them to you.
Thank you for being so sweet!
We love you,
Mommy & Daddy
You are so special to Mommy & Daddy. We love you very much. We are so grateful to God for blessing us with you.
We love seeing you grow more and more each day. You now weigh 10.45 lbs. What a big boy you are! You are a healthy baby boy. You are smiling a lot more. You seem happy & content.
We are doing our best to be good parents to you. We love feeding you, changing your diaper, talking to you, kissing you, comforting you and responding to your cries. You cry because that is how you communicate to us and let us know what your needs are.
Today we all went to the book store. We bought you a few new books and are looking forward to reading them to you.
Thank you for being so sweet!
We love you,
Mommy & Daddy
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
"Babymoon"
It's been a busy week. Sean and Mommy have been on a "babymoon". We have been getting more and more connected each day. Mommy spends a lot of time nursing, holding and enjoying Sean.
Mothering a newborn has absorbed all my time (in a good way). We have been spending a lot of time together getting to know eachother. Mommy falls in love with Sean more and more each day.
Sean now weighs 10.1 lbs!!
Sean's Mommy
Mothering a newborn has absorbed all my time (in a good way). We have been spending a lot of time together getting to know eachother. Mommy falls in love with Sean more and more each day.
Sean now weighs 10.1 lbs!!
Sean's Mommy
Monday, November 7, 2011
Note from Baby Sean
Dear Readers...
Thank you for continuing to read our blog. It means a lot to know there are friends and family still reading about my development even after I came home.
Thank you for your support & prayers.
Hope to meet you all soon.
Love,
Baby Sean
Thank you for continuing to read our blog. It means a lot to know there are friends and family still reading about my development even after I came home.
Thank you for your support & prayers.
Hope to meet you all soon.
Love,
Baby Sean
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Sean is right on track...Corrected Age: One Month (Post-Term)
Q: What is corrected age?
A: Corrected age of an infant is based on the expected date of birth.
Sean was born June 29th which would make him over 4 months old, but his corrected age is 1 month. He was due to be born on October 3rd.
Q: Why is corrected age important?
A: Parents need to know their infant's true age so they can better play with and care for his needs.
Sean has the skills of a 1 month old.
Sean can respond more easily to our playing and handling when activities are in keeping with his corrected age.
Q: What is meant by development?
A: Infants have different skills at different ages. Development is the process of gaining new skills as the infant grows.
Sean is right on track! (Corrected Age: One Month).
Development
General Behavior:
At this age, infants are more awake and alert. When they are active they make both their arms go in small circles like windmills. They bend and straighten their legs. Their sounds are mainly cries or small throaty noises.
We've noticed a few developmental changes in Sean the last couple of days.
He is smiling more and is more active.
Hearing:
Infants keep responding to sound with total-body movements. They are startled less by noise. Infants may turn their heads toward their parents' voices.
Sean turns his head toward us when we speak with him.
Vision:
Increasing head control allows infants to hold their heads up and look around. They begin to tell the difference between new and familiar sights.
Sean began holding his head up more so...yesterday. When on Tummy Time, he moves his head from one side to the other. His neck muscles are strengthening.
Touch:
Infants likes to be gently rocked, patted and touched.
Sean has been enjoying this for a while now.
Sucking and Feeding:
Infants still require two feedings during the night.
Sean wakes to eat during the night at 1AM and 3AM.
Source: Parent's Guide: Developmental Support for Low-Birth Weight Infants.
Susan Dockendorff Thurber, P.T. & Lynda Brookshire Armstrong, O.T.R.
A: Corrected age of an infant is based on the expected date of birth.
Sean was born June 29th which would make him over 4 months old, but his corrected age is 1 month. He was due to be born on October 3rd.
Q: Why is corrected age important?
A: Parents need to know their infant's true age so they can better play with and care for his needs.
Sean has the skills of a 1 month old.
Sean can respond more easily to our playing and handling when activities are in keeping with his corrected age.
Q: What is meant by development?
A: Infants have different skills at different ages. Development is the process of gaining new skills as the infant grows.
Sean is right on track! (Corrected Age: One Month).
Development
General Behavior:
At this age, infants are more awake and alert. When they are active they make both their arms go in small circles like windmills. They bend and straighten their legs. Their sounds are mainly cries or small throaty noises.
We've noticed a few developmental changes in Sean the last couple of days.
He is smiling more and is more active.
Hearing:
Infants keep responding to sound with total-body movements. They are startled less by noise. Infants may turn their heads toward their parents' voices.
Sean turns his head toward us when we speak with him.
Vision:
Increasing head control allows infants to hold their heads up and look around. They begin to tell the difference between new and familiar sights.
Sean began holding his head up more so...yesterday. When on Tummy Time, he moves his head from one side to the other. His neck muscles are strengthening.
Touch:
Infants likes to be gently rocked, patted and touched.
Sean has been enjoying this for a while now.
Sucking and Feeding:
Infants still require two feedings during the night.
Sean wakes to eat during the night at 1AM and 3AM.
Source: Parent's Guide: Developmental Support for Low-Birth Weight Infants.
Susan Dockendorff Thurber, P.T. & Lynda Brookshire Armstrong, O.T.R.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Sean & Mommy take a walk
We have taken quite a few walks together, but Wednesday's walk was the best.
The weather was optimum for walking. And the best part is Sean was awake for most of it.
He enjoyed it and so did Mommy.
Sean is eating well and growing. We are looking forward to his next Pediatrician appt. at the end of the month.
The weather was optimum for walking. And the best part is Sean was awake for most of it.
He enjoyed it and so did Mommy.
Sean is eating well and growing. We are looking forward to his next Pediatrician appt. at the end of the month.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Soft, Cuddly and OH SO SWEET! 11.2.11
Wow! Is it already November?! I've reached the half way mark for my time off from work. I will be returning mid-December. It's been a wonderful experience being a "stay at home Mom" for a little while.
I've been enjoying Sean. He keeps me busy, even though he sleeps a lot. He keeps me so active that I am almost back to may pre-pregnancy weight. I thought I was going to have to run to shed off the pounds, but being Sean's Mommy requires burning a lot of calories.
I wish I could say that I have been a "couch potato" for the last several weeks, but that is not the case! O.K.... so I admit I may turn on the T.V. and watch The Wheel of Fortune from time to time and old re-runs of The Waltons, but honestly that is the extent of my T.V. watching (& it's usually during the time when I am feeding or holding Sean).
I love holding Sean. He is so soft, cuddly and OH SO SWEET! He nestles his face into my neck and snuggles into his "happy place". I love having a baby. So glad to be having this experience. I am doing my best to enjoy every moment with our baby boy.
He's a good baby...he only cries when he's hungry, wants to be held or has a wet or dirty diaper. He's beginning to smile more and makes direct eye contact with us. He also coos quite a bit.
I've been enjoying Sean. He keeps me busy, even though he sleeps a lot. He keeps me so active that I am almost back to may pre-pregnancy weight. I thought I was going to have to run to shed off the pounds, but being Sean's Mommy requires burning a lot of calories.
I wish I could say that I have been a "couch potato" for the last several weeks, but that is not the case! O.K.... so I admit I may turn on the T.V. and watch The Wheel of Fortune from time to time and old re-runs of The Waltons, but honestly that is the extent of my T.V. watching (& it's usually during the time when I am feeding or holding Sean).
I love holding Sean. He is so soft, cuddly and OH SO SWEET! He nestles his face into my neck and snuggles into his "happy place". I love having a baby. So glad to be having this experience. I am doing my best to enjoy every moment with our baby boy.
He's a good baby...he only cries when he's hungry, wants to be held or has a wet or dirty diaper. He's beginning to smile more and makes direct eye contact with us. He also coos quite a bit.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
4 weeks or 4 months??
Daddy & Mommy took Sean to Downtown Saratoga yesterday to one of our favoite coffee shops. It was a beautiful day. Several children were out in their Halloween costumes going from shop to shop trick or treating.
While sitting and enjoying our lunch, a gentleman asks, "How old is your baby?" Even though Sean is sooooooooo much bigger than his 2 lbs. 4oz birth weight, he still appears to be small to most people. I answered the man honestly, "He is 4 months old, but he was premature, he only weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz at birth, he now weighs 9 lbs. 4oz." The man looked surprized at his tiny size for 4 months.
So...do we answer...Sean is 4 weeks old....or 4 months old...? If I answer his actual age (4 months), I feel like I need to explain why he is so tiny for 4 months. I don't mind sharing with complete strangers. I am proud of our baby boy and how far he has come in his journey. He is doing so good! For now, he is small for his actual age, but one day he will catch up to his peers.
We love you Sean!
Mommy & Daddy
While sitting and enjoying our lunch, a gentleman asks, "How old is your baby?" Even though Sean is sooooooooo much bigger than his 2 lbs. 4oz birth weight, he still appears to be small to most people. I answered the man honestly, "He is 4 months old, but he was premature, he only weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz at birth, he now weighs 9 lbs. 4oz." The man looked surprized at his tiny size for 4 months.
So...do we answer...Sean is 4 weeks old....or 4 months old...? If I answer his actual age (4 months), I feel like I need to explain why he is so tiny for 4 months. I don't mind sharing with complete strangers. I am proud of our baby boy and how far he has come in his journey. He is doing so good! For now, he is small for his actual age, but one day he will catch up to his peers.
We love you Sean!
Mommy & Daddy
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Happy 4 month B/day Sean!
Oh my gosh! Hard to believe that our baby boy is 4 months old today.... Time is already passing us by.
Although his actual age is 4 months, his "corrected" age is only 4 weeks.
Sean & Mommy went to see the Pediatrician yesterday. She said Sean is doing well. :)
Weight...9 lbs. 4 oz! So cool!
Daddy, Mommy & Sean plan to take a little trip today. It's beautiful outside!
Although his actual age is 4 months, his "corrected" age is only 4 weeks.
Sean & Mommy went to see the Pediatrician yesterday. She said Sean is doing well. :)
Weight...9 lbs. 4 oz! So cool!
Daddy, Mommy & Sean plan to take a little trip today. It's beautiful outside!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Mommy & Sean pick up Bryce from school
On Wednesday this week, Sean & Mommy took a walk to cousin Bryce's (10 yrs.) school. His school is about 10 minutes away from our home. It was a beautiful day. Sean enjoyed it.
Sean & Mommy have been taking quite a few walks. We are looking forward to doing so much more, but for now Sean still sleeps alot!
Bryce hung out with Sean and enjoyed holding him.
Sean & Mommy have been taking quite a few walks. We are looking forward to doing so much more, but for now Sean still sleeps alot!
Bryce hung out with Sean and enjoyed holding him.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Kangaroo Care: aka Skin to Skin 10.24.11
Wikipedia defines Kangaroo Care as:
Kangaroo care is a technique practiced on newborn, usually preterm, infants wherein the infant is held, skin-to-skin, with an adult. Kangaroo care for pre-term infants may be restricted to a few hours per day, but if they are medically stable that time may be extended. Some parents may keep their babies in-arms for many hours per day. Kangaroo care, named for the similarity to how certain marsupials carry their young, was initially developed to care for preterm infants in areas where incubators are either unavailable or unreliable.
Sean was born June 29th. I held him for the first time of July 11th.
One of my absolute favorite things to do with Sean...from that day and until now is to hold him. His chest against my chest. We love it! He can hear my heartbeat. I hold him like this every time after he is fed. I can't bare to lay him down right away. I need my time with him and he needs his time with Mommy.
Daddy also enjoys holding him this way.
On Thursday last week, the Public Health nurse visited our home. She said Sean weighs 8 lbs. 11oz!
Sean has a Pediatrician appt. this Friday. He will be weighed again. He is getting heavier each day.
Thank you for your support & prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Kangaroo care is a technique practiced on newborn, usually preterm, infants wherein the infant is held, skin-to-skin, with an adult. Kangaroo care for pre-term infants may be restricted to a few hours per day, but if they are medically stable that time may be extended. Some parents may keep their babies in-arms for many hours per day. Kangaroo care, named for the similarity to how certain marsupials carry their young, was initially developed to care for preterm infants in areas where incubators are either unavailable or unreliable.
Sean was born June 29th. I held him for the first time of July 11th.
One of my absolute favorite things to do with Sean...from that day and until now is to hold him. His chest against my chest. We love it! He can hear my heartbeat. I hold him like this every time after he is fed. I can't bare to lay him down right away. I need my time with him and he needs his time with Mommy.
Daddy also enjoys holding him this way.
On Thursday last week, the Public Health nurse visited our home. She said Sean weighs 8 lbs. 11oz!
Sean has a Pediatrician appt. this Friday. He will be weighed again. He is getting heavier each day.
Thank you for your support & prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Unconditional Love 10.22.11
I love Sean so much...I love holding him and kissing him. I don't know how many times a day I kiss his head and forehead. I ask him, if he knows how much I love him...he doesn't answer yet.
When single & childless...I felt so much love inside of me, but felt an emptiness because I didn't have a husband nor child to love. Now...I have both. I am so grateful for my husband & child. I knew God knew what my heart's desire was and hoped that one day I would be married and be blessed with a baby.
It's taken a long time...but I now have a wonderful husband and a baby who I love to hold, kiss, and comfort. What an incredible experience. I look forward to this journey of being Sean's Mommy.
Sean's Mommy
When single & childless...I felt so much love inside of me, but felt an emptiness because I didn't have a husband nor child to love. Now...I have both. I am so grateful for my husband & child. I knew God knew what my heart's desire was and hoped that one day I would be married and be blessed with a baby.
It's taken a long time...but I now have a wonderful husband and a baby who I love to hold, kiss, and comfort. What an incredible experience. I look forward to this journey of being Sean's Mommy.
Sean's Mommy
Friday, October 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Baby Portuguese 101
Both Sean & Daddy are learning Portuguese. I find it interesting that I so naturally speak Portuguese with Sean. I didn't consciously choose to speak Portuguese with him, it simply just happened. Could it be because somewhere way back in my memory that I remember my parents speaking Portuguese to me as a baby??
Baby Portuguese 101
Nana = Nap
Chupeta = Pacifier
LaLa = Bye bye
Upa = Up
Acabo? = Finished?
Mas? = More?
Leite = Milk
Abre boca = Open your mouth
Nene = baby
Espera = Wait
Beijo = Kiss
Quere comer? = Wanna eat?
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Baby Portuguese 101
Nana = Nap
Chupeta = Pacifier
LaLa = Bye bye
Upa = Up
Acabo? = Finished?
Mas? = More?
Leite = Milk
Abre boca = Open your mouth
Nene = baby
Espera = Wait
Beijo = Kiss
Quere comer? = Wanna eat?
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sean's First Pumpkin Patch 10.17.11
We had a good weekend with Sean. Sean, Mommy & Daddy went to a local pumpkin patch with Grandma Harriet. Sean slept throughout this adventure, but still enjoyed himself.
We love our little pumpkin!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
We love our little pumpkin!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Sleep, Eat & Poop 10.15.11
When the Nurse Practioner visited Sean the other day, she said, "Sean's job is to sleep, eat and poop."
That's what Sean has been up to since coming home 3 weeks ago. Time is going fast. Hard to believe he's been home for 3 weeks. He does more than just sleep, eat and poop. Sometimes he is actually awake for long periods of time. During that time, he likes to be talked to, sang to, held and cuddled.
Today, we plan to head to a local pumpkin patch. We would love to take him to Half Moon Bay, but with the Pumpkin Festival happening this weekend...there is no way! Also...with Sean wanting to eat every 2 hours, we would rather keep him close to home. We are looking forward to many future adventures with our baby boy.
Sean is doing well. Thank you for your support & prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
That's what Sean has been up to since coming home 3 weeks ago. Time is going fast. Hard to believe he's been home for 3 weeks. He does more than just sleep, eat and poop. Sometimes he is actually awake for long periods of time. During that time, he likes to be talked to, sang to, held and cuddled.
Today, we plan to head to a local pumpkin patch. We would love to take him to Half Moon Bay, but with the Pumpkin Festival happening this weekend...there is no way! Also...with Sean wanting to eat every 2 hours, we would rather keep him close to home. We are looking forward to many future adventures with our baby boy.
Sean is doing well. Thank you for your support & prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
What a big boy! 10.12.11
Today Sean & I had a visit from the Nurse Practitioner from the NICU. She was great! She checked on Sean and gave me excellent advice about a few questions I had.
I was told we can take Sean out. We don't have to be so afraid to go places with him (fear of him getting ill). She suggested we simply keep him from small children who may be ill and not let people touch him without washing their hands.
Daddy & Mommy are enjoying our baby boy. The NP weighed Sean during today's visit. Sean weighs 8 lbs. 1oz! NP said Sean looks good and said we are doing a good job with him.
Daddy went shopping yesterday and bought a cute little onesie for Halloween for Sean. On it, it says, "my first Holloween".
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
I was told we can take Sean out. We don't have to be so afraid to go places with him (fear of him getting ill). She suggested we simply keep him from small children who may be ill and not let people touch him without washing their hands.
Daddy & Mommy are enjoying our baby boy. The NP weighed Sean during today's visit. Sean weighs 8 lbs. 1oz! NP said Sean looks good and said we are doing a good job with him.
Daddy went shopping yesterday and bought a cute little onesie for Halloween for Sean. On it, it says, "my first Holloween".
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Monday, October 10, 2011
Pampers vs. Huggies 10.10.11
We've decided we like Pampers over Huggies. Huggies tend to leak and get Sean's clothes wet. We were changing his clothes several times a day.
Sean's Pediatrician appointment went well on Friday. He now weighs 7 lbs. 13 oz! Sean & Mommy stopped by the NICU to say "Hi" to some of our old friends.
Today was a good day with Sean. He stayed awake more than normal.
Mommy & Daddy have both had their shots. TDAP (Whooping cough) & Flu shot. We are doing all we can do to keep Sean from getting seriously ill. So far so good.
It's hard to believe that Sean's been home now for 3 weeks. Each week is getting better/easier. Some days we feel great! And other days we are wiped out!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean's Pediatrician appointment went well on Friday. He now weighs 7 lbs. 13 oz! Sean & Mommy stopped by the NICU to say "Hi" to some of our old friends.
Today was a good day with Sean. He stayed awake more than normal.
Mommy & Daddy have both had their shots. TDAP (Whooping cough) & Flu shot. We are doing all we can do to keep Sean from getting seriously ill. So far so good.
It's hard to believe that Sean's been home now for 3 weeks. Each week is getting better/easier. Some days we feel great! And other days we are wiped out!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, October 6, 2011
ROP & RSV 10.6.11
We have great news!...Sean had his last eye exam yesterday 10.5. The result: Both eyes are mature, no sign of ROP!
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants weighing about 2¾ pounds (1250 grams) or less that are born before 31 weeks of gestation (defined by National Eye Institute).
He will need to see the Opthalmologist again in 6 months. The Doc said that with premature babies, there is still a chance Sean may need to wear glasses. We are hoping...not.
Next month Sean begins to get Synagis shots. These shots will be given once a month from November to March. They are given to Sean to prevent RSV.
The following info provided by the March of Dimes:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly causes infection in childhood. RSV is very contagious. Almost all babies get it before the age of 2. Many babies (and most older children) get only a cold from RSV.
Some babies with RSV develop potentially serious lower respiratory infections. Examples are:
Symptoms of RSV usually last between 8-15 days. Most babies with RSV do not become seriously ill. But a few become very sick. They may need to be treated in the hospital with oxygen. In some cases, the baby will need bronchodilators (drugs that help open up breathing tubes) and antiviral drugs.
Call your baby's health care provider right away if your baby:
If your baby was born prematurely (too early), or has lung or heart disease, talk to your health care provider about ways to help prevent RSV.
Babies who are at highest risk from RSV (including babies born at or before 32 weeks of pregnancy) may benefit from medication that helps prevent the infection. This medication is called palivizumab (Synagis). It is given in monthly injections during the fall and winter months.
You can help protect your baby from RSV by:
He will need to see the Opthalmologist again in 6 months. The Doc said that with premature babies, there is still a chance Sean may need to wear glasses. We are hoping...not.
Next month Sean begins to get Synagis shots. These shots will be given once a month from November to March. They are given to Sean to prevent RSV.
The following info provided by the March of Dimes:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly causes infection in childhood. RSV is very contagious. Almost all babies get it before the age of 2. Many babies (and most older children) get only a cold from RSV.
Some babies with RSV develop potentially serious lower respiratory infections. Examples are:
- Bronchiolitis, an infection of the small breathing tubes in the lungs
- Pneumonia
Symptoms of RSV usually last between 8-15 days. Most babies with RSV do not become seriously ill. But a few become very sick. They may need to be treated in the hospital with oxygen. In some cases, the baby will need bronchodilators (drugs that help open up breathing tubes) and antiviral drugs.
Call your baby's health care provider right away if your baby:
- Develops fast breathing or breathing problems
- Wheezes (makes a whistling sound when exhaling)
- Develops a worsening cough (Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold products to infants and children younger than 4 years of age. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, these medications can have serious and life-threatening side effects.)
- Looks blue around the mouth or fingertips
- Has difficulty sucking and swallowing
- Develops any fever of more than 100.4° F in the first 3 months of life, 101° F or greater between 3 and 6 months, or 103° F after 6 months of age
If your baby was born prematurely (too early), or has lung or heart disease, talk to your health care provider about ways to help prevent RSV.
Babies who are at highest risk from RSV (including babies born at or before 32 weeks of pregnancy) may benefit from medication that helps prevent the infection. This medication is called palivizumab (Synagis). It is given in monthly injections during the fall and winter months.
You can help protect your baby from RSV by:
- Keeping him away from people who are sneezing or coughing
- Making sure everyone who touches the baby has clean hands
- Keeping your baby away from crowds of people
- Not allowing anyone to smoke near your baby
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
A day in the life of baby Sean 10.4.11
Hey Sports Fans....it's me baby Sean. I've asked my Mommy to write on my behalf since I'm still so small and not able to type yet.
Yesterday, October 3rd was Mommy's EDD (estimated due date). Yep...I was supposed to be born yesterday, but decided to come way early on June 29th instead. We haven't figured out why I was so early, but we know there is a reason for everything and believe God has a reason for my early arrival into this world.
So far this life has been quite the journey. Before my arrival, my Mommy had to lay in bed for a whole week in a hospital. She wasn't able to get out of bed at all! Mommy said it was one of the most difficult things she had ever had to do, but that I was worth each and every moment of bed rest. She would have liked for me to wait even longer, but I decided it was time to come into the world...14 weeks early!
There were several people in the delivery room when I was born...my Daddy, Doctors, Nurses and a Respitory Therapist. They were all there to make sure that I arrived safely. And I did! I was hoping to be placed on my Mommy's chest as soon as I came out, but instead the Nurses took me and placed me in a really warm bed, they cleaned me up and the RT put a mask over my mouth to help me breathe. Just before whisking me away to what they call the NICU, they wheeled me over to my Mommy, so she could get a good look at me. I would have liked to see all that was going on, but I was so little that my eyes were still fused together.
Now off to the NICU in my warm bed...my Daddy followed us there. Mommy knew she would see me again later. I was well taken care of by the Docs and super cool nurses Gloria & Erin.
When I arrived in the NICU, they took good care of me. Mommy came to visit later that night. Mommy was happy that I was alive, but was sad that I wasn't still safely in her womb. The staff in the NICU did a superb job at taking care of me and helping me grow. They kept me in an isolet to help keep me warm. They changed my diapers and fed me with Mommy's milk. Yummy! I am so grateful to the NICU staff. If it wasn't for them, I would not have made it. I'm glad I did because I've really made my Mommy & Daddy so happy.
I thought...I was only going to spend a few days in the NICU and then get to go home with Mommy & Daddy, but it turned out to be 2.5 months. The NICU became our new home. Mommy & Daddy came to visit me a lot! They talked to me through the isolet and I held their finger with my tiny hand. Eventually, Mommy & Daddy got to hold me. I loved hearing their heart beat when I laid on their chest.
When I was born, I only weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz. The NICU nurses took such good care of me and fed me every 3 hours. When I left the hospital on September 17th, I weighed 7 lbs. 1.4 oz. I was still small, but not so tiny anymore.
Now I'm home with Mommy & Daddy. I like it here. Mommy & Daddy take good care of me. They hold me, feed me, burp me, change my diaper, comfort me, talk to me, sing to me, read to me, do my physical therapy exercises with me, dress me, wash me, play with me, kiss me, love me and take me to my Doctor appointments. They are super sweet parents.
Life's been good so far. I can't complain. It hasn't always been easy, but I'm glad I'm here! I'm looking forward to the rest of my life. I'm also looking forward to meeting you all one day. Mommy & Daddy are keeping me away from small children. And they wash their hands a lot. They are doing their best to keep me from getting sick. I really appreciate it because I've worked really hard to get to where I am today. Bigger & Stronger. I don't want to relapse.
I miss my nurses in the NICU (Gloria, Evelyn, Cathy, Greg & more) who took such good care of me, but I don't miss the monitor alarms. It's quiter here at home. Mommy & Daddy have me listening to classical music. It's soothing and relaxing. I eat every two hours and sleep a lot. My next Pediatrician appt. is on Friday. I can't wait to find out how much I weigh!
Signing off for now Sports Fans...
Thank you for reading my Mommy & Daddy's blog and thank you for your prayers!
Love,
Baby Sean
xoxoxo
Yesterday, October 3rd was Mommy's EDD (estimated due date). Yep...I was supposed to be born yesterday, but decided to come way early on June 29th instead. We haven't figured out why I was so early, but we know there is a reason for everything and believe God has a reason for my early arrival into this world.
So far this life has been quite the journey. Before my arrival, my Mommy had to lay in bed for a whole week in a hospital. She wasn't able to get out of bed at all! Mommy said it was one of the most difficult things she had ever had to do, but that I was worth each and every moment of bed rest. She would have liked for me to wait even longer, but I decided it was time to come into the world...14 weeks early!
There were several people in the delivery room when I was born...my Daddy, Doctors, Nurses and a Respitory Therapist. They were all there to make sure that I arrived safely. And I did! I was hoping to be placed on my Mommy's chest as soon as I came out, but instead the Nurses took me and placed me in a really warm bed, they cleaned me up and the RT put a mask over my mouth to help me breathe. Just before whisking me away to what they call the NICU, they wheeled me over to my Mommy, so she could get a good look at me. I would have liked to see all that was going on, but I was so little that my eyes were still fused together.
Now off to the NICU in my warm bed...my Daddy followed us there. Mommy knew she would see me again later. I was well taken care of by the Docs and super cool nurses Gloria & Erin.
When I arrived in the NICU, they took good care of me. Mommy came to visit later that night. Mommy was happy that I was alive, but was sad that I wasn't still safely in her womb. The staff in the NICU did a superb job at taking care of me and helping me grow. They kept me in an isolet to help keep me warm. They changed my diapers and fed me with Mommy's milk. Yummy! I am so grateful to the NICU staff. If it wasn't for them, I would not have made it. I'm glad I did because I've really made my Mommy & Daddy so happy.
I thought...I was only going to spend a few days in the NICU and then get to go home with Mommy & Daddy, but it turned out to be 2.5 months. The NICU became our new home. Mommy & Daddy came to visit me a lot! They talked to me through the isolet and I held their finger with my tiny hand. Eventually, Mommy & Daddy got to hold me. I loved hearing their heart beat when I laid on their chest.
When I was born, I only weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz. The NICU nurses took such good care of me and fed me every 3 hours. When I left the hospital on September 17th, I weighed 7 lbs. 1.4 oz. I was still small, but not so tiny anymore.
Now I'm home with Mommy & Daddy. I like it here. Mommy & Daddy take good care of me. They hold me, feed me, burp me, change my diaper, comfort me, talk to me, sing to me, read to me, do my physical therapy exercises with me, dress me, wash me, play with me, kiss me, love me and take me to my Doctor appointments. They are super sweet parents.
Life's been good so far. I can't complain. It hasn't always been easy, but I'm glad I'm here! I'm looking forward to the rest of my life. I'm also looking forward to meeting you all one day. Mommy & Daddy are keeping me away from small children. And they wash their hands a lot. They are doing their best to keep me from getting sick. I really appreciate it because I've worked really hard to get to where I am today. Bigger & Stronger. I don't want to relapse.
I miss my nurses in the NICU (Gloria, Evelyn, Cathy, Greg & more) who took such good care of me, but I don't miss the monitor alarms. It's quiter here at home. Mommy & Daddy have me listening to classical music. It's soothing and relaxing. I eat every two hours and sleep a lot. My next Pediatrician appt. is on Friday. I can't wait to find out how much I weigh!
Signing off for now Sports Fans...
Thank you for reading my Mommy & Daddy's blog and thank you for your prayers!
Love,
Baby Sean
xoxoxo
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Sean's First Half Marathon! 10.2.11
This morning Sean went out on his very first adventure. Five minutes from our home was the 8 mile marker of the San Jose Rock N- Roll Half Marathon. Cousin Roger ran today's race. Roger did great for his first Half Marathon 2:10. Way to go Rog! Roger stopped to say "Hi" to Sean before he went on to finish the race! Sean enjoyed his outing and is looking forward to many more.
Sean is doing well. He's keeping Mommy & Daddy busy. He's been enjoying visits from family members and is looking forward to more visits from family & friends.
October 3rd was Mommy's original due date. It's finally here! We are enjoying our baby boy.
Being parents has been an awesome experience so far. Fun & challenging already and it's only been 2 weeks since Sean has been home.
We love our precious baby boy.
Thank you for your support & prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean is doing well. He's keeping Mommy & Daddy busy. He's been enjoying visits from family members and is looking forward to more visits from family & friends.
October 3rd was Mommy's original due date. It's finally here! We are enjoying our baby boy.
Being parents has been an awesome experience so far. Fun & challenging already and it's only been 2 weeks since Sean has been home.
We love our precious baby boy.
Thank you for your support & prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Happy 3 month B/day Sean!
Today Sean turned 3 months old. Sean now weighs 7 lbs. 6.5oz! It's hard to believe that once upon a time he only weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz. We are glad Sean is home with us, but miss our friends in the NICU who helped Sean get healthy and bigger. We don't ever want to forget Sean's journey to home. We will always be so grateful for all that was done for him in the NICU. We plan to visit our NICU friends sometime next week.
As far as his journey at home. For the most part, things are going well. Daddy & Mommy are adjusting to our new journey as Sean's parents. We are learning that babies need a lot of care and attention.
Sean had a "little procedure" done this week that had him out of sorts. He's beginning to be more like himself again.
We are enjoying parenthood, but quickly learning that it is a process to find balance between work, baby, housework, errands, quiet time and eachother.
Thank you for your support and prayers for baby Sean.
Mommy & Daddy
As far as his journey at home. For the most part, things are going well. Daddy & Mommy are adjusting to our new journey as Sean's parents. We are learning that babies need a lot of care and attention.
Sean had a "little procedure" done this week that had him out of sorts. He's beginning to be more like himself again.
We are enjoying parenthood, but quickly learning that it is a process to find balance between work, baby, housework, errands, quiet time and eachother.
Thank you for your support and prayers for baby Sean.
Mommy & Daddy
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Baby Sean 9.27.11
Sean has outgrown his newborn clothes. He is now wearing 0 - 3 months.
Daddy & Mommy gave Sean a bath tonight. He cried. He usually enjoys his baths. As soon as it was over he was relaxed and content.
Sean is doing good. His eye exam showed his eyes are still immature. Doctor said only one more test for the eyes in a couple of weeks.
Sean has a Pediatrician appointment tomorrow. Hopefully, he has put on more weight.
I'd like to write so much more, but it's late and I'm sleepy. More to come soon...
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Daddy & Mommy gave Sean a bath tonight. He cried. He usually enjoys his baths. As soon as it was over he was relaxed and content.
Sean is doing good. His eye exam showed his eyes are still immature. Doctor said only one more test for the eyes in a couple of weeks.
Sean has a Pediatrician appointment tomorrow. Hopefully, he has put on more weight.
I'd like to write so much more, but it's late and I'm sleepy. More to come soon...
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sunday, September 25, 2011
New Vocabulary 9.24.11
Since bringing Sean home, Mommy & Daddy have been speaking a "new language". Mommy has also been teaching Sean a little Portuguese. Daddy is learning along with Sean.
New Vocabulary for Mommy & Daddy since Sean's homecoming:
Baba = Bottle
Binky = Pacifier
Portuguese:
Mas? = More?
Acabo? = Finished?
Nana = Nap
We took Sean to the Pediatrician on Friday. Sean is doing well overall. He put on a couple of ounces since leaving the hospital. Sean's weight is now 7 lbs. 3.5 oz. Length is 19.5 inches.
We are enjoying our time at home with Sean. Daddy goes back to work on Monday. Mommy will be home with Sean for several weeks before returning to work.
We are trying to establish a routine. First week went well overall....
Sean has an eye exam on Monday afternoon.
Thanks for your support and prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
New Vocabulary for Mommy & Daddy since Sean's homecoming:
Baba = Bottle
Binky = Pacifier
Portuguese:
Mas? = More?
Acabo? = Finished?
Nana = Nap
We took Sean to the Pediatrician on Friday. Sean is doing well overall. He put on a couple of ounces since leaving the hospital. Sean's weight is now 7 lbs. 3.5 oz. Length is 19.5 inches.
We are enjoying our time at home with Sean. Daddy goes back to work on Monday. Mommy will be home with Sean for several weeks before returning to work.
We are trying to establish a routine. First week went well overall....
Sean has an eye exam on Monday afternoon.
Thanks for your support and prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Poopy Diaper 9.22.11
It's almost 9 PM on Thursday evening and I am wiped out! I didn't know such a little one could zap me of so much energy. Daddy had a project he was working on at home today, so Mommy took over Sean for the day. He's a good baby, but it still takes a lot of energy to feed, bathe, change his diapers, physical therapy, laundry, cleaning, and more.
The title of today's blog is referring to yesterday 9.21.11. Daddy & Mommy were so excited when Sean had a poopy diaper. Why? Because it had been 3.5 days since his last stool and Mommy was a little concerned. Sean had recently started a new formula added to breastmilk and we think that is what was causing less frequent stools. We stopped giving him the formula and sure enough Sean pooped! We were so happy! It's funny the things we get excited over now that we are parents.
Sean is doing well....eating, sleeping, observing, listening, cooing, smiling...
We are so blessed to be Sean's parents. We look forward to the next chapter in Sean's journey as he transitions from the NICU environment to the HOME environment....poopy diapers and all!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
The title of today's blog is referring to yesterday 9.21.11. Daddy & Mommy were so excited when Sean had a poopy diaper. Why? Because it had been 3.5 days since his last stool and Mommy was a little concerned. Sean had recently started a new formula added to breastmilk and we think that is what was causing less frequent stools. We stopped giving him the formula and sure enough Sean pooped! We were so happy! It's funny the things we get excited over now that we are parents.
Sean is doing well....eating, sleeping, observing, listening, cooing, smiling...
We are so blessed to be Sean's parents. We look forward to the next chapter in Sean's journey as he transitions from the NICU environment to the HOME environment....poopy diapers and all!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Parenthood 9.21.11
Wow! Are we blessed or what? Sean is a good baby. So mellow and content.
He is happy as long as he has a clean diaper, enough to eat and enough rest and sleep.
We have been enjoying our time with Sean at home. We miss our friends at the NICU, but are happy he is home with us!
Sean has taken a couple of trips in the car in his new car seat. He did really well.
Daddy is home with Mommy this week! Thanks to Daddy's awesome boss who gave him the week off! Thanks Kevin. :)
It has been such a great week. We are enjoying every moment with Sean.
This morning Daddy did physical therapy exercises with Sean. Such as Neck rotation, shoulder flexion, hamstring stretch and hip adduction. And more.... Sean loves his exercises.
Sean also had some tummy time. Tummy time strengthens his neck muscles. We purchased a couple of colorful tummy time toys. Toys are also placed in front and to the side of Sean to enocourage head lifting and looking.
Grandma & Step-Grandpa came for a visit this week and asked if we had a rocking chair for Sean. We didn't. The next day, Step-Grandpa came over with a rocking chair. The same rocking chair Grandma used for Daddy when Daddy was a baby.
Thanks for your support & prayers!
Sean's (Happy) Mommy & Daddy
He is happy as long as he has a clean diaper, enough to eat and enough rest and sleep.
We have been enjoying our time with Sean at home. We miss our friends at the NICU, but are happy he is home with us!
Sean has taken a couple of trips in the car in his new car seat. He did really well.
Daddy is home with Mommy this week! Thanks to Daddy's awesome boss who gave him the week off! Thanks Kevin. :)
It has been such a great week. We are enjoying every moment with Sean.
This morning Daddy did physical therapy exercises with Sean. Such as Neck rotation, shoulder flexion, hamstring stretch and hip adduction. And more.... Sean loves his exercises.
Sean also had some tummy time. Tummy time strengthens his neck muscles. We purchased a couple of colorful tummy time toys. Toys are also placed in front and to the side of Sean to enocourage head lifting and looking.
Grandma & Step-Grandpa came for a visit this week and asked if we had a rocking chair for Sean. We didn't. The next day, Step-Grandpa came over with a rocking chair. The same rocking chair Grandma used for Daddy when Daddy was a baby.
Thanks for your support & prayers!
Sean's (Happy) Mommy & Daddy
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sean's Journey Home 9.19.11
So much has changed since our last posting. Sean is home! He came home on Saturday! He left the hospital weighing 7 lbs. 1.4 oz.
Daddy & Mommy are so happy (and tired). Sean is so worth it! He's a mellow baby. Sean only cries when he is hungry (usually around 2AM in the morning). Daddy & Mommy are learning how to work as a team...now more than ever.
We are enjoying our time with our sweet baby boy. Sean is doing well. We just need to be super careful to keep him out of "germs way". His lungs are good, but if he becomes ill, it can turn into something very serious like RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus), which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages. It is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.
Today Daddy & Mommy took Sean to his first Pediatric appt. Sean is doing well so far.
We will do our best to keep the blog updated.
Thank YOU for your prayers and support!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Daddy & Mommy are so happy (and tired). Sean is so worth it! He's a mellow baby. Sean only cries when he is hungry (usually around 2AM in the morning). Daddy & Mommy are learning how to work as a team...now more than ever.
We are enjoying our time with our sweet baby boy. Sean is doing well. We just need to be super careful to keep him out of "germs way". His lungs are good, but if he becomes ill, it can turn into something very serious like RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus), which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages. It is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.
Today Daddy & Mommy took Sean to his first Pediatric appt. Sean is doing well so far.
We will do our best to keep the blog updated.
Thank YOU for your prayers and support!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Friday, September 16, 2011
Goodbye CPAP...Goodbye feeding tube...Goodbye nasal cannula....Goodbye NICU Staff...9.16.11
Daddy & Mommy spent the night at the hospital last night. We roomed in with Sean. He's off all equipment! We can finally see his sweet little face....all of it! We fed him, burped him, changed his diapers, held him, sang to him.... Our first sleepless night! We slept a little, but not much. We are headed back to the hospital to room in with our baby again tonight.
Sean now weighs 7 lbs! We fed him last night and watched closely for any change in his color. He did great! No color change....we took our time feeding him, so he didn't choke. He sucked, swallowed and remembered to pause and breathe! We could sense that he loved having us with him all night. He was so content hanging out with Mommy & Daddy.
Sean's eye test was good. His vision is good.
We love our sweet little baby! We are so happy to be bringing our baby home soon. We will miss our new friends in the NICU. The staff has been incredible! The Doctors, RNs, Respitory Therapists, Lactation Consultants, other Preemie parents and their babies. Sean has received excellent care and we are grateful! We will always remember Sean's Journey to home. The NICU experience is coming to an end. On to the next chapter of our lives...being Sean's Mommy & Daddy. Our lives are forever changed. We are blessed to be Sean's parents. We are looking forward to this journey with our precious baby boy.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. God is so good to us!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean now weighs 7 lbs! We fed him last night and watched closely for any change in his color. He did great! No color change....we took our time feeding him, so he didn't choke. He sucked, swallowed and remembered to pause and breathe! We could sense that he loved having us with him all night. He was so content hanging out with Mommy & Daddy.
Sean's eye test was good. His vision is good.
We love our sweet little baby! We are so happy to be bringing our baby home soon. We will miss our new friends in the NICU. The staff has been incredible! The Doctors, RNs, Respitory Therapists, Lactation Consultants, other Preemie parents and their babies. Sean has received excellent care and we are grateful! We will always remember Sean's Journey to home. The NICU experience is coming to an end. On to the next chapter of our lives...being Sean's Mommy & Daddy. Our lives are forever changed. We are blessed to be Sean's parents. We are looking forward to this journey with our precious baby boy.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. God is so good to us!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The countdown is on! 9.15.11
Sean is getting bigger & better! So much better that they want to send him home! Daddy & Mommy will be spending a lot of time at the hospital the next few days. We'll do our best to keep you posted.
Pray that Sean learns how to feed without any episodes (Apnea/Brady/DSATs). The episodes only happen when he is sleepy while eating. Other than that he is doing great!
We don't have the results back yet from Sean's Tuesday's eye exam.
Thanks for your support & prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Pray that Sean learns how to feed without any episodes (Apnea/Brady/DSATs). The episodes only happen when he is sleepy while eating. Other than that he is doing great!
We don't have the results back yet from Sean's Tuesday's eye exam.
Thanks for your support & prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Our little miracle is coming home!...soon 9.13.11
I don't have long to write because we are headed to the hospital to feed Sean. We are taking Sean's car seat along with us....why? Because we were asked to bring it to see if Sean can tolerate sitting in it. They want to make sure he doesn't have any Apnea/Brady/DSATs while sitting in it for a long period of time.
Today was a big day for our little miracle. The feeding tube has been removed. This means that Sean is now nippling all meals. They are giving him 60 cc's of breast milk + 24 calories of formula. Sean weighs 6 lbs. 13.01 oz!
Suck, swallow....suck, swallow....suck, swallow....pause....breathe....etc. This is what Sean does when he drinks from the bottle. The important part is that he remembers to pause and breathe. If he doesn't, he may begin to lose oxygen and begin to turn blue. This is what he needs to outgrow. He may outgrow it at the hospital or at home. Sean DSATs only during feedings. And it happens when he is sleepy. They will discharge Sean when Daddy & Mommy are comfortable. We need to be comfortable enough to know what to do. We help Sean clear his airway by turning him on his tummy and patting his back. We then let him catch his breath and begin to feed him again.
Most full term babies are born knowing how to suck, swallow and breathe. Preemies need to learn how.
Daddy & Mommy will be spending a lot of time at the hospital the next few days. We'll try to write, but if we don't, it's because we are busy preparing for Sean's homecoming.
Stay tuned....we will provide an update when we can.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Today was a big day for our little miracle. The feeding tube has been removed. This means that Sean is now nippling all meals. They are giving him 60 cc's of breast milk + 24 calories of formula. Sean weighs 6 lbs. 13.01 oz!
Suck, swallow....suck, swallow....suck, swallow....pause....breathe....etc. This is what Sean does when he drinks from the bottle. The important part is that he remembers to pause and breathe. If he doesn't, he may begin to lose oxygen and begin to turn blue. This is what he needs to outgrow. He may outgrow it at the hospital or at home. Sean DSATs only during feedings. And it happens when he is sleepy. They will discharge Sean when Daddy & Mommy are comfortable. We need to be comfortable enough to know what to do. We help Sean clear his airway by turning him on his tummy and patting his back. We then let him catch his breath and begin to feed him again.
Most full term babies are born knowing how to suck, swallow and breathe. Preemies need to learn how.
Daddy & Mommy will be spending a lot of time at the hospital the next few days. We'll try to write, but if we don't, it's because we are busy preparing for Sean's homecoming.
Stay tuned....we will provide an update when we can.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sean's Journey 9.12.11
Sean is doing good, but he is not quite ready to come home just yet...
He is nippling all meals. In other words, the RNs are now feeding him by bottle. If he doesn't finish his bottle, they are feeding him via feeding tube. He will soon get the feeding tube removed. Stay tuned...
Sean weighs 6 lbs. 12oz.!
He is doing so much better with his breathing. He only DSATs during meals now. Sean will need to outgrow the DSATs before he is discharged.
Daddy gave Sean a bath on Sunday night. Mommy helped.
Tomorrow (Tuesday 9/13) Sean gets his eyes tested.
Thank you for your prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
He is nippling all meals. In other words, the RNs are now feeding him by bottle. If he doesn't finish his bottle, they are feeding him via feeding tube. He will soon get the feeding tube removed. Stay tuned...
Sean weighs 6 lbs. 12oz.!
He is doing so much better with his breathing. He only DSATs during meals now. Sean will need to outgrow the DSATs before he is discharged.
Daddy gave Sean a bath on Sunday night. Mommy helped.
Tomorrow (Tuesday 9/13) Sean gets his eyes tested.
Thank you for your prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Sean's Journey 9.10.11
Sean has been doing so much better. From Thursday night to Friday night, he had only ONE Brady/DSAT. And the reason for the one was because the RN fed him with too big of a nipple and the milk came out too fast and Sean choked a little. Sean can only handle the "slow flow" nipple. He can not keep up with anything faster.
Sean is being fed 52 cc's of milk + 24 calories of formula (to help him put on weight) every 3 hours. Today Sean weighs a whapping 6 lbs. 8.8oz! It's amazing to watch him grow into a regular size baby. The RNs & Docs at the hospital have done a great job of taking care of Sean. We are incredibly grateful!
Correction from the prior posting: Sean is still in newborn diapers. Wishful thinking on Mommy's part that he actually out grew them already. He outgrew the Preemie diapers. The #1 diapers are actually the newborn diapers. These are the biggest diapers they have in the NICU.
Sean smiles and loves being held. He is a mellow baby. His personality is already developing. We love our baby boy!
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean is being fed 52 cc's of milk + 24 calories of formula (to help him put on weight) every 3 hours. Today Sean weighs a whapping 6 lbs. 8.8oz! It's amazing to watch him grow into a regular size baby. The RNs & Docs at the hospital have done a great job of taking care of Sean. We are incredibly grateful!
Correction from the prior posting: Sean is still in newborn diapers. Wishful thinking on Mommy's part that he actually out grew them already. He outgrew the Preemie diapers. The #1 diapers are actually the newborn diapers. These are the biggest diapers they have in the NICU.
Sean smiles and loves being held. He is a mellow baby. His personality is already developing. We love our baby boy!
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Sean's Journey 9.8.11
Sean is doing well. :) He is now nippling 6 of 8 feedings. The other two are tube feedings. Sean is getting bigger! He now weighs 6 lbs. 4.3oz. He has outgrow the newborn diapers at the hospital and he is now in #1 diapers. Not sure what the #1 stands for, I just know they are bigger than the newborn.
He is having very few DSATs/Brady. He is outgrowing these episodes. It's so much more peaceful to go in and visit without the alarms sounding whenever he has an episode.
Sean's eye exam results came back. His vision is still immature. No sign of ROP. Thank God.
Daddy had a lot of one on one time with Sean last night. Daddy burped Sean & changed his diaper. Great job! No one would know he is a new Daddy!
Daddy, Mommy & Avo (Grandma) took a infant CPR class last night at the hospital. It was good and informative. We plan on taking a refresher course just before Sean is discharged. Avô (Grandpa) will join us for the next class.
We are enjoying our time with Sean. He is a good baby. He will be home with us soon.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
He is having very few DSATs/Brady. He is outgrowing these episodes. It's so much more peaceful to go in and visit without the alarms sounding whenever he has an episode.
Sean's eye exam results came back. His vision is still immature. No sign of ROP. Thank God.
Daddy had a lot of one on one time with Sean last night. Daddy burped Sean & changed his diaper. Great job! No one would know he is a new Daddy!
Daddy, Mommy & Avo (Grandma) took a infant CPR class last night at the hospital. It was good and informative. We plan on taking a refresher course just before Sean is discharged. Avô (Grandpa) will join us for the next class.
We are enjoying our time with Sean. He is a good baby. He will be home with us soon.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Dear Sean 9.6.11
Dear Sean,
Mommy & Daddy love you and look forward to getting you home! We are so happy and excited to be your parents. We know you are trying your best. We will keep praying for you.
You had your eye exam today, but we don't have the results just yet. The results will be back in a couple of days.
Your feedings have been increased to 52 cc's every 3 hours. You are growing more and more each day. It's hard to believe you weigh 6 lbs!
The nurses are bottle feeding you and you are doing a great job! You will soon be nippling all meals and then you will be ready to come with Mommy & Daddy.
God bless you our son....
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
xoxoxoxo
Mommy & Daddy love you and look forward to getting you home! We are so happy and excited to be your parents. We know you are trying your best. We will keep praying for you.
You had your eye exam today, but we don't have the results just yet. The results will be back in a couple of days.
Your feedings have been increased to 52 cc's every 3 hours. You are growing more and more each day. It's hard to believe you weigh 6 lbs!
The nurses are bottle feeding you and you are doing a great job! You will soon be nippling all meals and then you will be ready to come with Mommy & Daddy.
God bless you our son....
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
xoxoxoxo
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sean's Journey 9.5.11
Our baby boy now weighs 6 lbs! He is drinking 50 cc's of breast milk + 24 calories of formula every 3 hours. The RNs are now feeding him 6 bottles a day. He is doing well with remembering to suck...swallow & breathe.
Today Daddy bottle fed Sean for the first time. Daddy did great at feeding Sean. We have to watch closely as he drinks from the bottle. Full term babies know how to suck, swallow & breathe. Preemies need to learn how to do this. We watch Sean carefully to make sure he remembers to breathe.
Sean continues at 21% oxygen (room air). The nasal cannula was removed today! Sean seldomly has a Apnea/Brady episode. He rarely DSATs anymore...he does sometimes during feedings.
He will be ready to come home after he nipples all meals and when Apnea/Brady/DSAT episodes stop completely. We think he may be ready in a couple of weeks.
Daddy & Mommy helped Sean with his physical therapy exercises today. He did neck, shoulder, hip and ankle exercises. These exercises will continue after Sean comes home.
The Docs stopped giving Sean his water pills today. We are hoping that he has stopped retaining water.
We enjoyed our time with Sean this weekend! We are looking forward to his homecoming!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Today Daddy bottle fed Sean for the first time. Daddy did great at feeding Sean. We have to watch closely as he drinks from the bottle. Full term babies know how to suck, swallow & breathe. Preemies need to learn how to do this. We watch Sean carefully to make sure he remembers to breathe.
Sean continues at 21% oxygen (room air). The nasal cannula was removed today! Sean seldomly has a Apnea/Brady episode. He rarely DSATs anymore...he does sometimes during feedings.
He will be ready to come home after he nipples all meals and when Apnea/Brady/DSAT episodes stop completely. We think he may be ready in a couple of weeks.
Daddy & Mommy helped Sean with his physical therapy exercises today. He did neck, shoulder, hip and ankle exercises. These exercises will continue after Sean comes home.
The Docs stopped giving Sean his water pills today. We are hoping that he has stopped retaining water.
We enjoyed our time with Sean this weekend! We are looking forward to his homecoming!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Sean's Journey 9.3.11
Sean weighs 5 lbs. 14.5oz! He eats a total of 8 times in 24 hours. Four of the feedings are now bottle fed, the others are tube fed.
He continues at 21% oxygen (room air), but did need to be placed back on the nasal cannula yesterday because he was DSATing during and after some of his feedings. The nasal cannula helps get a little extra air into Sean's lungs.
Today when Daddy & Mommy arrived at the hospital, Sean was awake and active. He was hungry. After he was fed, he slept for a long time. He looked very content.
Daddy & Mommy are busy preparing for Sean's homecoming. We are waiting patiently for the day when we are told..."Sean is ready to come home. Bring his car seat!"
Thank your for your continued prayers & support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
He continues at 21% oxygen (room air), but did need to be placed back on the nasal cannula yesterday because he was DSATing during and after some of his feedings. The nasal cannula helps get a little extra air into Sean's lungs.
Today when Daddy & Mommy arrived at the hospital, Sean was awake and active. He was hungry. After he was fed, he slept for a long time. He looked very content.
Daddy & Mommy are busy preparing for Sean's homecoming. We are waiting patiently for the day when we are told..."Sean is ready to come home. Bring his car seat!"
Thank your for your continued prayers & support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, September 1, 2011
What a way to start the month! - 9.1.11
Go Sean Go! We are so proud of our baby boy. Today Sean was taken off the nasal cannula! They said one week, instead it turned out to be only a couple of days! Sean is breathing all on his own. He still has an occasional Brady and some DSATs. One of the nurses said she thinks he may be ready to come home in a couple of weeks. We will wait and see. He will let us know when he's ready.
Sean weighs 5 lbs. 13.01oz! He continues to tolerate his feedings. He is nippling three times a day. The goal is to get him to nipple all his meals before being released to go home.
The results from his eye test came back. We received good news. His eyes are immature and there is no sign of ROP.
Daddy held Sean tonight. Sean smiles when he hears Daddy's voice.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean weighs 5 lbs. 13.01oz! He continues to tolerate his feedings. He is nippling three times a day. The goal is to get him to nipple all his meals before being released to go home.
The results from his eye test came back. We received good news. His eyes are immature and there is no sign of ROP.
Daddy held Sean tonight. Sean smiles when he hears Daddy's voice.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sean's Journey 8.31.11
Oh my gosh! Sean will be coming home...soon! September begins tomorrow. He will be coming home sometime in September. We are not sure when exactly, but it will be in September! We are excited and nervous. God has blessed me with a wonderful and supportive husband and now a baby! Life doesn't get any better than this! It has been great becoming a Mom. I feel like a Mom....but I know I will really feel like a Mom when Sean comes home. I have heard about the sleepless nights.... and now we get to experience them! I never thought I would be excited about sleepless nights, but sleepless nights mean our Sean is home with us where he belongs. Awesome!
Sean is doing good. He is still on the nasal cannula, (21% oxygen), but they are already beginning to wean him from it. He went from 2 liters to 1 liter today. The next step is taking him off the nasal cannula completely, sometime next week they say. Hopefully, he will succeed. Please pray that he does.
After he is off the nasal cannula, the next step is that he will have to nipple all meals. In other words, they will take him off the feeding tube.
Then he will be ready to come home! Wow! A baby in our home. How exciting is that?!
Sean continues to tolerate his feedings. He now weighs 5 lbs. 10.4 oz.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support,
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean is doing good. He is still on the nasal cannula, (21% oxygen), but they are already beginning to wean him from it. He went from 2 liters to 1 liter today. The next step is taking him off the nasal cannula completely, sometime next week they say. Hopefully, he will succeed. Please pray that he does.
After he is off the nasal cannula, the next step is that he will have to nipple all meals. In other words, they will take him off the feeding tube.
Then he will be ready to come home! Wow! A baby in our home. How exciting is that?!
Sean continues to tolerate his feedings. He now weighs 5 lbs. 10.4 oz.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support,
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sean's Journey 8.30.11
Sean is getting closer and closer to being ready to come home. We are only weeks away from his homecoming. I spoke with his primary RN today and she said that sometimes they can tell parents a few days in advance when their baby is coming home....sometimes it can be one or two days notice. She said "get ready"... That's what we are doing...getting ready for our Sean's homecoming. Daddy has been busy straightening and organizing the room for Sean.
Sean continues to tolerate his feedings. He's up to 3 bottles a day + being fed through the feeding tube. He now weighs 5 lbs. 8.8oz.
He continues on 21% room air. This morning he had a few DSATs and had a Brady/Apnea episode. But overall, he had a good day. The RNs say Sean will outgrow these episodes and they will not send him home until he is ready.
Sean is becoming more aware of familiar voices. He is wanting to interact.
He had another eye exam today. These take place every Tuesday. We will have the results back in a couple of days.
Thank you for your prayers & support,
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean continues to tolerate his feedings. He's up to 3 bottles a day + being fed through the feeding tube. He now weighs 5 lbs. 8.8oz.
He continues on 21% room air. This morning he had a few DSATs and had a Brady/Apnea episode. But overall, he had a good day. The RNs say Sean will outgrow these episodes and they will not send him home until he is ready.
Sean is becoming more aware of familiar voices. He is wanting to interact.
He had another eye exam today. These take place every Tuesday. We will have the results back in a couple of days.
Thank you for your prayers & support,
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Monday, August 29, 2011
Happy 2 month B/day Sean!
Today Sean turned 2 months old! If he was still in the womb, I'd be 35 weeks pregnant which means he would be born in 5 weeks on October 3rd. The reason I mention this is because Sean's "corrected age" is 35 weeks, not two months. When he comes home next month, he will be like a newborn baby.
Sean's feedings were increased today to 46 cc's of milk every three hour. He is being bottle fed 3 times a day. His weight is 5 lbs. 8.5oz!
Today they stopped giving Sean caffeine. The caffeine was given to him after he was first born to help remind him to breathe. He is doing so much better with his breathing that he no longer needs caffeine.
Sean continues at 21% room air. He is not requiring any extra oxygen. The nasal cannula blows air into his nasal passage to his lungs, but does not provide additional oxygen. Docs are talking about removing the nasal cannula in about 1 week. We will have to wait and see how Sean does and if he is ready.
Now that Sean is getting bigger and so much more alert, we are enjoying our time with him even more than before! We love being Sean's parents.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean's feedings were increased today to 46 cc's of milk every three hour. He is being bottle fed 3 times a day. His weight is 5 lbs. 8.5oz!
Today they stopped giving Sean caffeine. The caffeine was given to him after he was first born to help remind him to breathe. He is doing so much better with his breathing that he no longer needs caffeine.
Sean continues at 21% room air. He is not requiring any extra oxygen. The nasal cannula blows air into his nasal passage to his lungs, but does not provide additional oxygen. Docs are talking about removing the nasal cannula in about 1 week. We will have to wait and see how Sean does and if he is ready.
Now that Sean is getting bigger and so much more alert, we are enjoying our time with him even more than before! We love being Sean's parents.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sean's Journey 8.28.11
Sean had a good weekend. He continues to tolerate his feedings. 44 cc's of milk every 3 hours.
He got a bath last night and loved it! Sean likes to splash in the water.
Sean is doing better with his breathing. He continues on the nasal cannula and is at 21% oxygen. Thank God he's getting there. Slowly, but surely. He rarely has a Apnea/Brady episode anymore and he DSATs occasionally.
He continues to take water pills to help with water retention. This seems to be helping with his breathing. Sean may have had a little water in his lungs, so the water pills help flush out the water.
Mommy & Daddy spent a lot of time at the hospital this weekend. We had great bonding time with Sean!
We are looking forward to his home coming next month.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
He got a bath last night and loved it! Sean likes to splash in the water.
Sean is doing better with his breathing. He continues on the nasal cannula and is at 21% oxygen. Thank God he's getting there. Slowly, but surely. He rarely has a Apnea/Brady episode anymore and he DSATs occasionally.
He continues to take water pills to help with water retention. This seems to be helping with his breathing. Sean may have had a little water in his lungs, so the water pills help flush out the water.
Mommy & Daddy spent a lot of time at the hospital this weekend. We had great bonding time with Sean!
We are looking forward to his home coming next month.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A Preemie’s Bill of Rights
By: READ MCCARTY
I DESERVE…to be understood and treated as the individual I am. I deserve to have my language of cues and signals understood by you, my caregiver. My grimaces, hand stretches, frowns and hiccups are as meaningful as any words, but delivered in the only language I know.
I DESERVE…your recognition that I may be completing many months of my physical
and neurological development outside the protection of my mother’s womb. Even as you
give me the life sustaining care I so badly need, as much as possible I deserve to have
the boundaries, quiet, warmth, gentle stimulation, dim lighting and fetal positioning
I would have in my mother’s womb.
I DESERVE…periods of uninterrupted quiet so I can use my energy to grow and not
hopelessly trying to overcome excess light, noise and over stimulation.
I DESERVE…the warmth, tenderness and comfort of being held by my parents as soon as they feel comfortable and when my medical condition allows.
I DESERVE…the positive energy of love…your kind thoughts and words as you care for me…my father’s soft touch…my mother’s gentle words…a volunteer’s quiet rocking. I deserve these things because in your heart you know their worth even though their absolute clinical value may never be proven.
I DESERVE…your understanding that what is normal and routine for you, as my caregiver, is abnormal and frightening for my mom and dad. So please answer kindly no matter how many times they ask the same question. They deserve your support and understanding and the support of other families as they go through the roller coaster experience of the NICU.
I DESERVE…your recognition that my parents are an integral part of my caregiving team and should be allowed and encouraged to the best of their ability to help care for me during my stay in your hospital.
I DESERVE…your understanding that part of your job is to help my family bond with me
as we learn to trust each other in preparation for my homecoming.
I DESERVE…continuity of care from the NICU to my home… from my neonatologist to my
primary care giver… so together my family and I can reach our full potential.
YOU DESERVE MY THANKS AND RECOGNITION – I AM HERE BECAUSE OF YOU!
Sean's Journey 8.25.11
Sean had a great night and a great day! He is still on the nasal cannula. His oxygen has been at 21%.
He is still drinking 44 cc's of milk every 3 hours. He's drinking 2 bottles a day, but is getting most of his nutrition from the feeding tube.
The Docs gave him 2 more doses of Lasix (water pills) because he was still retaining water. They are hoping that the Lasix will help him not to DSAT too low. So far it appears to be helping.
We have not received the results from his eye exam, but if anything was wrong we would have heard by now.
Sean had another session of physical therapy today. Mommy learned how to do infant massage on Sean. It was fun! Sean enjoyed his massage! He loves being pampered.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
He is still drinking 44 cc's of milk every 3 hours. He's drinking 2 bottles a day, but is getting most of his nutrition from the feeding tube.
The Docs gave him 2 more doses of Lasix (water pills) because he was still retaining water. They are hoping that the Lasix will help him not to DSAT too low. So far it appears to be helping.
We have not received the results from his eye exam, but if anything was wrong we would have heard by now.
Sean had another session of physical therapy today. Mommy learned how to do infant massage on Sean. It was fun! Sean enjoyed his massage! He loves being pampered.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Sean's Journey 8.24.11
Sean had a good night and a good day.
He weighs 5 lbs. 4oz!
Sean had more physical therapy today. He did great! Mommy learned what exercises to do with him for when he gets home.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy and Daddy
He weighs 5 lbs. 4oz!
Sean had more physical therapy today. He did great! Mommy learned what exercises to do with him for when he gets home.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy and Daddy
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Sean's Journey 8.23.11
Sean had a great night last night. He was at 21% oxygen (room air) all night! He had only one DSAT. No Apnea/Brady episodes. He did so well that they placed him back on the nasal cannula. The regular nasal cannula (2 liters), not the High Flow nasal cannula (4 to 6 liters). Once again he is off the CPAP! We are excited! All day today, he was at 21% oxygen. He did great! We are hoping he continues on this good course with no setbacks.
Sean now weighs 5 lbs. 1.7oz! He continues to tolerate his feedings. Today they went up to 44 cc's every 3 hours. Mommy & Sean spent some really good bonding time together today. It was so good to see him off the bubble CPAP. He was bottle fed twice today. He drank 5 cc's of breastmilk each time. Now that he is back on the nasal cannula, the RNs are hoping he begins to drink more from the bottle. Sean continues on tube feeding.
Sean has outgrown his tiny preemie clothes. He's getting so much bigger.
Today he had physical therapy. Mommy received lessons on what kind of exercises to help Sean with when he comes home.
Sean also had eye exam number three today. We won't have the results back for 48 hours. The RN said that the dangerous time is over and if anything was wrong we would have heard sometime by now. These eye exams take place every Tuesday and will continue when Sean gets released from the hospital. They place drops into Sean's eyes and check the retinal blood vessels for ROP (eye disease that affects prematurely born babies).
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean now weighs 5 lbs. 1.7oz! He continues to tolerate his feedings. Today they went up to 44 cc's every 3 hours. Mommy & Sean spent some really good bonding time together today. It was so good to see him off the bubble CPAP. He was bottle fed twice today. He drank 5 cc's of breastmilk each time. Now that he is back on the nasal cannula, the RNs are hoping he begins to drink more from the bottle. Sean continues on tube feeding.
Sean has outgrown his tiny preemie clothes. He's getting so much bigger.
Today he had physical therapy. Mommy received lessons on what kind of exercises to help Sean with when he comes home.
Sean also had eye exam number three today. We won't have the results back for 48 hours. The RN said that the dangerous time is over and if anything was wrong we would have heard sometime by now. These eye exams take place every Tuesday and will continue when Sean gets released from the hospital. They place drops into Sean's eyes and check the retinal blood vessels for ROP (eye disease that affects prematurely born babies).
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Monday, August 22, 2011
Whoo-Hoo! Sean weighs 5 lbs. 0.6oz! - Sean's Journey 8.22.11
Sean's weighs 5 lbs. 0.6oz.! He continues to tolerate his feedings. He's drinking 42 cc's of breastmilk every 3 hours. Today the RNs began giving him 2 bottles a day. One of the criteria for him going home is that he must be able to nipple all meals (no more feeding tube). From the bottle, he drank only 2 cc's each time. He got tired. Sucking is hard work for small infants. The rest of his feedings are via a feeding tube that goes through his mouth directly to his stomach.
Sean had another chest x-ray this morning, it looked better than yesterday's. The bubble CPAP is helping his lungs expand. Last night he was at 25% oxygen and 28% during feedings. He tends to DSAT during feedings due to acid reflux, so the RNs give him a little more oxygen.
Today he was a lot more stable. He's been at 21 - 25% oxygen. Sean will be placed back on the nasal cannula when his oxygen is at room air...21%. The way I understand is...when Sean is at 21% room air for over 24 hours without any A,B, D's (Apnea/Brady/DSATs), he will be placed back on the nasal cannula.
Sean will soon outgrow his Preemie clothes. Today Daddy & Mommy took Daddy's favorite Preemie outfit to the hospital and took some pictures of Sean in it. He looked really cute...CPAP & all.
We are learning a lot about Sean. He's a good baby. The RNs describe him as mellow (like his Daddy!). He doesn't fuss alot unless he is tired, has a dirty diaper or is hungry. He loves sucking on his pacifier. And enjoys music from his music mobile. Sean has began to smile especially when Mommy & Daddy visit and he hears our voice.
We are enjoying our baby boy and look forward to getting him home some time in September.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean had another chest x-ray this morning, it looked better than yesterday's. The bubble CPAP is helping his lungs expand. Last night he was at 25% oxygen and 28% during feedings. He tends to DSAT during feedings due to acid reflux, so the RNs give him a little more oxygen.
Today he was a lot more stable. He's been at 21 - 25% oxygen. Sean will be placed back on the nasal cannula when his oxygen is at room air...21%. The way I understand is...when Sean is at 21% room air for over 24 hours without any A,B, D's (Apnea/Brady/DSATs), he will be placed back on the nasal cannula.
Sean will soon outgrow his Preemie clothes. Today Daddy & Mommy took Daddy's favorite Preemie outfit to the hospital and took some pictures of Sean in it. He looked really cute...CPAP & all.
We are learning a lot about Sean. He's a good baby. The RNs describe him as mellow (like his Daddy!). He doesn't fuss alot unless he is tired, has a dirty diaper or is hungry. He loves sucking on his pacifier. And enjoys music from his music mobile. Sean has began to smile especially when Mommy & Daddy visit and he hears our voice.
We are enjoying our baby boy and look forward to getting him home some time in September.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sean's Journey 8.21.11
Sean continues to tolerate his feedings. He now weighs 4 lbs. 13.8oz! He is being bottle fed once a day. He gets most of his nutrition via the feeding tube.
After being placed back on the bubble CPAP, PEEP 6 (positive end-expiratory pressure), he is DSATing a lot less. His oxygen level has been at 23 - 25%. This is better than where it was on the nasal cannula 28 - 30%.
Mommy held him for over 2 hours today. It was wonderful!
We love our baby boy!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
After being placed back on the bubble CPAP, PEEP 6 (positive end-expiratory pressure), he is DSATing a lot less. His oxygen level has been at 23 - 25%. This is better than where it was on the nasal cannula 28 - 30%.
Mommy held him for over 2 hours today. It was wonderful!
We love our baby boy!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Ups & Downs in the NICU 8.21.11
Today has been an emotional roller coaster for Mom. When NICU experiences go up and down, so do Mommy's emotions. Today, I have felt joy, hope, excitement, anger, frustration, dissapointment and sadness. (Sean is O.K....please read on).
The morning began with joy, hope and excitement because Sean was doing well on the nasal cannula with High Flow and High Humitity. As I mentioned in my previous entry there had been some discussion about Sean being placed back on the bubble CPAP. The reason for this was because Sean was beginning to DSAT a little more than normal. And when he did DSAT, he was dipping down into into the low teens. This was not good.
Yesterday to help resolve this issue, Docs decided to go higher on the nasal cannula pressure. A week ago when Sean was first placed on the nasal cannula, he was at 2 liters of pressure. He needed more help, so they went up to 4 liters and then finally 6 liters yesterday. He did really good last night and this morning on the 6 liters of pressure. I received a great report from the RN this morning and was hoping and praying that Sean would continue to do well and not need to go back to the bubble CPAP. I was told that Sean was comfortable the entire night and he was doing very well. No DSATs or Brady's! He was alert and looking around. The RN said, "he is a totally different baby" (in reference to his breathing).
After hearing such wonderful news from the RN this morning, I was hopeful and excited that maybe.... just maybe....our baby boy would succeed and wouldn't need to go back on the bubble CPAP. Just before the RN and I ended our conversation, she said that sometimes it is a battle of will/personalities & different ways of thinking regarding what is best...bubble CPAP vs. High Flow High Humitity Nasal Cannula.
How quickly things change...several hours later we received a call from the hospital telling us that they took an xray of Sean's lungs and his lungs looked a little hazy compared to the last xray earlier in the week. Instead of seeing 8 ribs they could only see 7. This can be the beginning of Atelectasis (collapsed lung). This is nothing that can't be resolved. As a matter of fact, Sean has already had Atelectasis during his hospital stay and it has been resolved. It can be resolved again and of course we want it to be resolved. We were just hoping it would be resolved by the nasal cannula and not the bubble CPAP. Sean is simply not ready for the nasal cannula. This after noon at about 1 PM, our baby boy was placed back on the CPAP. We understand this is what is best for Sean and we want what is best for Sean. We were just hoping he would be able to stay on the nasal cannula.
The reason Docs decided to go back to the CPAP was because it is more reliable. They know how much pressure Sean is getting. Whereas with the High Flow High Humitity nasal cannula, even though it is at 6 liters of pressure....it can actually be at 5 or 4. And there may be a chance Sean's lungs are not getting enough pressure.
I understand that this is best for Sean, but I still felt anger, sadness and frustration after he was placed back on the bubble CPAP. I am over it now, but wanted to share. I will miss seeing our baby boy's face. With the CPAP equipment it makes it difficult to see his entire face. With the CPAP equipment and now the feeding tube back in his mouth (instead of his nose), this may get in the way of his development to suck and make it harder for him. Sean likes to lift and turn his head from side to side...with the CPAP equipment on his head he will have a harder time doing this. Again, I understand why, but I couldn't help, but feel dissapointment and sadness.
Sean will be off the CPAP again when he is ready. Please keep him in prayer.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
The morning began with joy, hope and excitement because Sean was doing well on the nasal cannula with High Flow and High Humitity. As I mentioned in my previous entry there had been some discussion about Sean being placed back on the bubble CPAP. The reason for this was because Sean was beginning to DSAT a little more than normal. And when he did DSAT, he was dipping down into into the low teens. This was not good.
Yesterday to help resolve this issue, Docs decided to go higher on the nasal cannula pressure. A week ago when Sean was first placed on the nasal cannula, he was at 2 liters of pressure. He needed more help, so they went up to 4 liters and then finally 6 liters yesterday. He did really good last night and this morning on the 6 liters of pressure. I received a great report from the RN this morning and was hoping and praying that Sean would continue to do well and not need to go back to the bubble CPAP. I was told that Sean was comfortable the entire night and he was doing very well. No DSATs or Brady's! He was alert and looking around. The RN said, "he is a totally different baby" (in reference to his breathing).
After hearing such wonderful news from the RN this morning, I was hopeful and excited that maybe.... just maybe....our baby boy would succeed and wouldn't need to go back on the bubble CPAP. Just before the RN and I ended our conversation, she said that sometimes it is a battle of will/personalities & different ways of thinking regarding what is best...bubble CPAP vs. High Flow High Humitity Nasal Cannula.
How quickly things change...several hours later we received a call from the hospital telling us that they took an xray of Sean's lungs and his lungs looked a little hazy compared to the last xray earlier in the week. Instead of seeing 8 ribs they could only see 7. This can be the beginning of Atelectasis (collapsed lung). This is nothing that can't be resolved. As a matter of fact, Sean has already had Atelectasis during his hospital stay and it has been resolved. It can be resolved again and of course we want it to be resolved. We were just hoping it would be resolved by the nasal cannula and not the bubble CPAP. Sean is simply not ready for the nasal cannula. This after noon at about 1 PM, our baby boy was placed back on the CPAP. We understand this is what is best for Sean and we want what is best for Sean. We were just hoping he would be able to stay on the nasal cannula.
The reason Docs decided to go back to the CPAP was because it is more reliable. They know how much pressure Sean is getting. Whereas with the High Flow High Humitity nasal cannula, even though it is at 6 liters of pressure....it can actually be at 5 or 4. And there may be a chance Sean's lungs are not getting enough pressure.
I understand that this is best for Sean, but I still felt anger, sadness and frustration after he was placed back on the bubble CPAP. I am over it now, but wanted to share. I will miss seeing our baby boy's face. With the CPAP equipment it makes it difficult to see his entire face. With the CPAP equipment and now the feeding tube back in his mouth (instead of his nose), this may get in the way of his development to suck and make it harder for him. Sean likes to lift and turn his head from side to side...with the CPAP equipment on his head he will have a harder time doing this. Again, I understand why, but I couldn't help, but feel dissapointment and sadness.
Sean will be off the CPAP again when he is ready. Please keep him in prayer.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
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