Thursday, November 5, 2009

The baby steps of a 31 weeker...

Yesterday was an eventful day for Cooper!

Our first action in the morning is to call the NICU to see how Cooper's night went and what a shock we got when we were told that he was moved to the stepdown unit! Our first thought was "WOW!" but then the next thought is "are they moving this little 31 weeker too fast?" As it turns out the big move to the stepdown unit was just a little too much for a 3 day old 31 weeker. Cooper is very deceiving in the fact that he doesn't look like a 31 weeker! Most 31 weekers are still intubated at this point but Cooper isn't even on a c-pap anymore. Currently, he is on a nasal cannula which is great for a baby at his gestational age. But, they had to turn his nasal cannula up to 2 liters so they decided to put him back in the regular NICU for a couple of days and then they'll look at him moving to the penthouse again :) It's like I expressed to the neonatalogist yesterday, we want Coop to be at a level that is comfortable for him and we're not in a rush for him to come home UNTIL he is completely ready to come home. We're comfortable with whatever that timetable is...The goal is somewhere around Thanksgiving. He is tolerating his feedings like a champ! They up his feedings everyday by 5 cc's and he's currently at 15 cc's. He is having some reflux which is why they think he is requiring the nasal cannula. He seems to be breathing extra hard after a feeding so they're spreading out how long he gets the feeding.

We've been told that preemie life and NICU life is this way...one step forward and one step back. He's a little fighter though and he makes mommy and daddy so proud!


Cooper eyeing his new world~ he followed us with his eyes for like 10 minutes!


My sweet boy in my arms...

Family photo! Mommy, Daddy and Coop!



9 comments:

  1. Jen, that is so good to hear that he is doing well and the docs are mindful about about his progress. I am glad to hear all is well. :)

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  2. Love the first official family photo... wonderful news! Hang in there all 3 of you! Can you send me your address if you get a chance? manzanita0802@yahoo.com. Like to send you something.

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  3. I love to hear good news! Continuing to pray fro all of you. You all are just glowing.

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  4. I'm glad to hear he is doing so well. I want to hear about you too though- email me with details if you are up to it :)

    Nichole

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  5. That first one where he's under the blanket is just too precious! Thinking of you all so much.

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  6. Jen I am so happy things are going so well for little Cooper. How are you doing? Hugs :)

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  7. You so have the right perspective on NICU life. One day at a time and one step forward sometimes one back, so keep that beautiful positive attitude. Preemie Mommy's learn how much the little things in life mean, poop is good, suck swallow and breathing with a bottle is great, and no matter how tired you are everything is perfect when you see that sweet little face. Don't worry to much my little guy had reflux too. Take care Mommy and Daddy

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  8. Glad to see Cooper is making good progress and Thanksgiving will be here before you know it!

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  9. Such adorable pictures, what a sweetheart! It sounds like he is doing just awesome, with his feedings increasing, and being so alert! I'm just so happy for you. Won't it be great if you get to post some pictures of him at the big turkey day celebration? I know you will be thankful either way, even if he celebrates in the NICU:). Congratulations again, so exciting!

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