Sunday, February 28, 2010

Graduation

Graham is set to graduate from the NICU to the Infant Care floor, possibly tomorrow. He is healthy enough to move on. There are some final hurdles to get past before we can start using the H-word (home), but this move is huge.
Graham is now taking 55ml of breast milk every four hours through his NG tube. The goal is 80ml, a few steps away. The nutrition (TPN) he is receiving through his central line has been weaned down to 8ml/hr from the original 20. When he gets to zero the central line can be removed, which will lower the risk of infection.
The breathing assist that Mr. G is receiving is almost minimal...1 liter of air per minute. The plan is to go to one-half and then to zero this week. Almost there.
The new skin covering the omphalocele is nearly complete. The area still healing is about the size of a half dollar. The docs are guessing it should be completely healed in about a week.
The perfect scenario would find Graham with a completely healed omphalcele, no breathing assists, and getting all his nutrition through breast milk. All seem within reach now. In the meantime, he is a happy active baby who charms everyone in sight with his smiles and cooing. Stay tuned for a couple new pictures soon.

9 comments:

  1. It is so nice to see the great pictures of Graham, he is such a cutie pie!! Congrats on the graduation. Hats off to you G-Man!!!

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  2. Ugh, he's such a handsome little man. It's so great to see him progress and finally reach the top of this huge mountain. So happy to hear the good news - and I can't wait until you can say the "h" word without hesitation!

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  3. THAT IS AWESOME!!! Graham is going to love it over there. Much more freedom and independence :) Sorry we missed you on Friday. We had to get home so I could pump...imagine that!!

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  4. Hello Katie,
    Its Loretta Miller I had no idea any of this was going on, I stopped in at curves to see you last Friday and they told me there. I have been catching up with your blog. You, Bill and Baby Graham have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard the news. Our oldest Nate was a preemie so I can relate a little. Wishing you the best and I hope things keep improving so you can come home soon. Then maybe I'll see you at curves, yup I'm joining again.

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  5. Hey Katie,
    I haven't forgotten about you! Just had the chance to catch up on your blog. Seeing G now is such a blessing. He looks so happy and smiley. Just like his mommy! He knows he is loved and cared for! How can he not smile! I continue to lift you up in prayer! Stay strong girl. If you need anything. Let me know. Check on the house. Whatever. I am only a hop, skip, and jump away... Only six more weeks till baby Jude will be entering the world. I am sure it will be before then! I am sure that he will want to meet G.

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  6. Yay! We were thrilled to hear Graham's almost ready to move to the "big kid room". Hope it all goes smoothly. When you've being living at the hospital as long as you have, that "h" word can really sneak up and surprise you!

    Stacey

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  7. yea for you...boo for us...guess I'll be making some trips to the Infant Unit :) Glad he's doing so well. See you tonight! Pam

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  8. How awesome to see Graham smiling and being, well, a sweet happy baby boy!!!! What a miracle!! Still praying that he gets "H" soon!!! Love, John, Laura, Rachel, Ryan and Aneta

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  9. Happy to hear mr g is progressing so well. If you're still there march 10, we'll have to stop in for a visit. We bring Stuart in for a checkup that day! Congrats- Lila

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