6 LBS!

Jacob had a really good day. He's 6 lbs. 1.4 oz!!! Yay! He's packing on the weight so fast now. I can't believe it. Well, today he ate and slept very well. He didn't have any A's and/or B's since the 4th. His milk is now thickened with rice cereal to help with the reflux and he's tolerating it very well. That's a great thing!

He had his 3rd eye exam today and the doctor said he is doing well...he's progressing at the right rate. The results still showed that in one eye it was Grade I- Zone III, but that it was regressing. She won't see him until another 6 months.

I talked to Dr. Simko about discharge and he said that we're going to wait for his A's and B's to diminish. Though he's doing well during the day with me, he wants to make absolutely sure that his A's and B's don't occur as frequently or at all as it has been in the last few days during the day or night. He also said that if he goes without A's and/or B's in 5 days, that he'll circumsize Jacob. We'll see...I just hope he'll be able to come home before Thanksgiving.

Quick update

Feeding: back to every 3 hours at 55 mL, thickening milk with rice cereal
Weight: 5 lbs. 14.3 oz.
Medicine: reglan, pepcid, and possibly caffeine (long story...)
Homecoming: depends on A's and B's...if on caffeine and doing well, he might be sent home with caffeine and a monitor...we don't know yet...

First bath with mommy!

Today was an awesome day! When I arrived this morning, I found a book titled, Love you Forever by Robert Munsch in his crib. It was a present from Nurse Sharon...she is just the sweetest person ever! If I didn't visit the NICU everyday, Jacob would probably think that Nurse Sharon is his mommy! She is so great with him...words cannot describe the deep gratitude Jeremiah and I have for her. She's amazing! On top of that, I gave Jacob his first "real" tub bath with Nurse Sharon's help! I loved every minute of it...so did Jacob! After his bath, he peed on me! It was funny! I can't wait to give him baths more often when he comes home.

Jacob had a really good day with me. He fed and burped very well. However, he had another A and B with the night shift nurse this morning at 5:30 am. So, what does that mean? It means another week! I just hope he'll be able to come home before Thanksgiving. It's amazing, but a few days makes a big difference. When I was told that he was going to be discharged last Friday, I started to get really scared and ill prepared. Now, that I've had a few days to learn how to feed and burp him better, I feel totally ready to bring him home. I know I am ready.

I don't know his weight yet, but I will call in an hour!

If you haven't watched the news yet...we have a new President.

More like mommy...

I take it back...I think Jacob looks more like me nowadays...the big cheeks and all! =) He's actually a good combination of both...don't you think?

Jacob has had some really good days. He's doing so so much better with his feeding. It's been a lot easier for me. It's a great relief to know that I am prepared for his homecoming because I spend most of my day in the NICU doing just that! The nurses are so great and helpful. The NICU staff is my second family and they make me feel so welcomed and accepted. I've also made some new friends and hope I can be someone they can turn to for support.

Jacob is still working through his reflux, especially during feeding. He is on reglan twice a day, pecid , multivitamins, and iron once a day. He continues to get epo shots to stimulate the bone marrow. On Saturday, he weighed 5 lbs. 7.1, Sunday at 5 lbs. 10.2, and tonight at 5 lbs. 11.2. He's on his way to 6 lbs! As you can see in the picture, he is gaining some weight!! He gets so hungry before his actual feeding time now. He wakes up and cries. I feel bad because he sucks on his wubba hoping to get some milk and would get so frustrated! I've never seen him cry as loud and long as he did today. This is normal right?

The other day Jacob had a special treat...our friend, Aimee came to visit. She held him and rocked him. It was so nice b/c she was the first friend that ever visited him in the NICU! We hope she comes back. She's working on getting some special chairs for the NICU mommies during kangaroo care! She is sooooo sweet!

AND...Nurse Maria is back!!!! Man, we thought she was going to be gone forever! It was so nice to see her today.

All in all, Jacob is making excellent progress. There are some things that he'll have to learn how to do or outgrow. We know it will happen. We've seen so many improvements and are so grateful for him and his will to overcome his challenges. He has a lot of fans waiting for him, so he's working extra hard to make it home soon.

Like Father...Like Son...

This is a picture of Jeremiah...

This is a picture of Jacob...

DON'T THEY LOOK SO MUCH ALIKE???

Look at how much I've grown...I'm so alert now!!

Jacob had a great day today. Nurse Luisa gave me some tips on how to make feeding time enjoyable and non-stressful for both Jacob and myself. Those tips really worked! She's awesome! Jacob and Nurse Luisa has some sort of connection. For a while today, he was onre and restless...every time Luisa came by to hold him, he got very quiet and his heart rate went back to the normal range. When she left him with me, he would get upset again. I think he has a crush on her!! hehee...

Jacob's appetite is bigger now...he wants MORE! We try not to give him too much b/c of his reflux and how small he is. Other than that, everything is pretty much the same. I don't know his weight yet b/c I haven't called the NICU. I hope he gains weight...I think he burned a lot of calories today when he was unhappy. He had a big...I mean "BIG" poopie diaper and it didn't cross my mind that he probably needed a diaper change until Luisa brought it up. *sigh* I some times worry about my mothering skills...poor Jacob...=)

JUST CALLED THE NICU at 10:10...he weighs 5 lbs. 6.3 oz.

Two letters...

Yes...you know what I'm talking about...the two letters that most, if not all, NICU moms hate...I'll get back to this later!

Anyway, Jacob had a wonderful day! He passed his car seat challenge and the hearing screening. Wahoo!! I'm so relieved. Now all we need to do is get past the eye exam and the circumcision (sp?). He's still on vitamins and reflux meds...eating 50 mL and weighing 5 lbs. 3 oz. Words can't describe how proud I am of Jacob...he is working soooooo hard and making huge strides.

Now going back to those two nasty letters...Jacob's discharge date has changed due to the A's and B's he had today...he had 2 during feeding. We are still in a state of mix emotions, BUT we are extremely thankful that it happened before he was discharged from the NICU. I CANNOT imagine having that happen tomorrow night at home by myself. I'd be scared to death. On my drive home I thought about how this was perfect timing. In my prayers, I always ask that Jacob communicate with his nurses and doctors for the things that he needs and that they would be attentive to his care...today's incident was an answer to my prayers. =) He needed more time.

PICTURES: Baby Jackle in an open crib (Dameron's pumpkin contest), Jacob sound asleep before hands-on, car seat challenge, and the coolest most greatest NICU nurse ever- Nurse Christine (my NICU mommy)!

All is well with Jacob. Things are pretty much the same...don't know his weight yet because I haven't called tonight. Right now, I'm just trying to figure out if Jacob is really ready to come home in 2 days...yes, in 2 days! This is according to my conversation today with Dr. Simko and Nurse Tanya. I misunderstood how they counted the A's and B's. Last one written on the chart was 10/24. If he doesn't have any in the next 2 days, there's a possibility that he might be coming home. I'm excited, happy, worried, nervous, anxious, scared...a whole bunch of mixed emotions.

Surprise!!

Surprise! I'm 5 lbs. 1.2 oz now! I made it!! By the way, can you tell what I am for Halloween? (E-Ca can take me to all of the Oakland A's games with her now!!)

Mommy...Daddy...hurry and take the picture!

My mommy and daddy bought my costume from Build-a-Bear! It fits me just right!
Oh did I tell you...that I'm 5 pounds now!!!

Quick update

Just a quick update before I leave for class tonight...

Jacob is doing very well. He can come home as soon as his A's and B's diminish. He had 2 A's and B's yesterday afternoon. Most, if not all, are due to feeding/burping.

He weighs 4 lbs. 14.4. He's back on reglan and pepcid for reflux. His feeding has also changed from every 4 hours to every 3; taking 50-55 mLs. He has received 2 immunization shots and his third will be tomorrow. He's still getting epogen shots every M, W, and F.

When I get home tonight, I'll post some new pics that are ABSOLUTELY A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E! He's all ready for Halloween! Come back and check to see what he's going to be for Halloween!

Dear Mom and Dad

Dear Mom and Dad-

Just a note about my day

Swaddled in my fabric nest

I had good rest

I drank all my milk

And you'll be so proud

I even BURPED really loud

But all the day

I looked for you

My special time to snuggle too!

Though lots of kisses came my way

It is still your touch

That makes my day!

Love- Jacob

Written by: Nurse Sharon

When we visited Jacob this morning, this poem was attached to his crib. It was written by Nurse Sharon yesterday when we were away (my first time ever going through a day without seeing him!), who is, by the way, one of the best nurses in the NICU...along with Christine, Angela, Maria, Tita, Tanya, Natalie, Luisa, Lolita, Arlyn, and many many more! It truly touched our hearts to know that Jacob will always be in good hands when we are away!

Jacob is doing very well. He's eating and growing! He weighs 4 lbs. 11.8 oz. We don't know how much he's gained today, but we'll find out tomorrow! Right now, Jacob's goal is to outgrow his A's and B's. We are so positive that it will happen, but it still frightens us when it occurs occasionally. I should get used to it by now, but it's kinda scary! He also spits up during or after feeding. I wonder if his reflux is bugging him and causing these occasional A's and B's. I'll ask tomorrow.

Today we had a really good and spiritual Ward Conference. President Crockett said something that made me ponder about the things that are happening in my life right now. It helped me realize how blessed I am to have a loving family and a beautiful son who has shown me so much about perserverance and love. I can't quote President Crockett exactly, but he said something like, "When the greatest storm passes, it is then when we will have the greatest joy." This is so true. If we accept our trials with faith that the Lord and Savior will guide us, we will truly reap the blessings that are in store for us. I know that Jacob has a great purpose in this life. When I was in the hospital and received priesthood blessings, I had great comfort knowing that Jacob was placed on this earth at the right time. I felt so fortunate to be trusted by our Heavenly Father to bring this beautiful, innocent child into this world. He knew that it would be hard, but that it would be worth it if I endured to the end. I honestly cannot deny the happiness and warmth of the spirit that has been brought into our home and our lives. Although I have really tough days at the hospital, I come home and know in my heart that this time in my life will strengthen the bonds of my family and my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Mommy...Daddy...where are you?

Today was such a long day! I had a seminar in San Francisco from 10 am- 4pm and Jer had to work so we didn't get to be with Jacob at all! =( It was hard! Fortunately, he had a great nurse (Sharon), so it gave us a piece of mind because she looooves him so much and we knew he was in good hands.

We learned that Jacob had a brady after one of his feedings today. This means we'll have to wait another 7 days without any bradys before considering discharge. Besides that, everything went very well. When we called tonight, we learned that his temp was 36.3. We were told that this was on the cold side, but his night shift nurse said it was normal. Now we're a bit confused. Can anyone clarify? Anyway, Jacob has gained more weight! He is now 4 lbs. 11.8 oz. Hooray! Almost 5!

It was a long day and though we weren't there with him, Jacob received tons and tons of kisses from his favorite NICU nurses so he felt lots of love today!

I luv my wubbanub!

Resting after feeding...(look at his cheeks...sooooo cute!)
"My mommy bought me a wubbanub (paci)...I like it a lot!"

Jacob had a good day today. He did very well...he's such a good boy. I don't think I'm fast enough when changing his diaper and taking his temp because he cries louder and louder as I'm rushing to get it done and give him the milk. He just gets sooo hungry! I usually have drops of sweat on my forehead and nose by the time I'm through! hehehe...

Well, he did not have any A's and B's today. That's so great! He is still taking 60 mL with different vitamins and folic acid. He doesn't care too much for the multi-vitamins ...sometimes his O2 goes down. It's funny b/c it happens to most of the babies there too...it has a bad taste and smell. I don't blame them!

Before I go to bed and put my warm Alton Brown's thin & crispy chocolate chip cookies away (Soke's I know your mouth is watering), I ought to tell you that Jacob gained some more weight tonight. He's 4 lbs. 9.4 oz!!!! And...I finished most of my homework, although I didn't get to read much of Stephenie Meyer's Eclipse b/c I was too scared since Jeremiah wasn't home yet (I had a nightmare last night...I dreamt that vampires were flying around in the NICU and I couldn't get to Jacob). I had to wake Jeremiah up in the middle of the night b/c I was so scared. If I'm brave enough, maybe I'll make another attempt to read before going to bed! =)

Doing better...

Mr. Jacob was very hungry...his hands were all over the place...

This is during his blood transfusion on Monday...you can see that his face is getting pinker...

He got impatient with warming his bottle, so he decided to suck his thumb...the thumb where the IV site was for the transfusion...it was cute...but I have to admit that I was kinda scared. =)


Things are getting better for Jacob. The blood transfusion seems to be helping a lot. He's feeding better for the nurses, not quite for me yet. I never imagined feeding and burping to be so difficult.

Jacob had another A and B today while I was at the hospital. He didn't turn dusky. The machine rang twice and then we noticed his oxygen and heart rate going down at the same time. He is feeding between 55-60 mL, still getting extra vitamins. His temperature has been steady. He's located in one of the coldest parts of the room, so they've been double wrapping/swaddling him to make sure he stays warm. And, after 3 days of no weight gain, he has finally gain some weight tonight. He is 4 lbs. 7.1...almost 4 1/2 pounds.

I forgot to mention that Jacob loves the water. Nurse Arlyn gave him a bath last Tuesday and she said he LOVED it and cried when she took him out. Nurse Siji told me the same thing tonight...I hope he continues to love the water b/c I think it's one of the hardest things to do besides feeding, burping, and clipping nails. =)

I have class tonight, so my chances of updating the blog when I get home is slim to none!

Yesterday was an extremely difficult day for me. It was so overwhelming. I kept reminding myself of the "Cobblestone Road" to make it through the day. I think the nurses sensed that I was ready to break down and cry any second. It was hard to keep up with Jacob's schedule...I think he was overstimulated as well. He didn't have a good day either. I was happy to come home to Jeremiah who consoled me and...cooked one of my favorite dinners!

First thing in the morning yesterday, he had a head ultrasound. Before that could even happen, Dr. Hipolito told me that he was going to have a blood transfusion because his hematocrit level went up from 24 to 27. The normal range is 36-48...I think. Anyway, that would start at 11 and end at 3. During the transfusion, I learned that he was going to have his eye exam for retinophathy. *sigh* Oh, I forgot to mention that he also got his epogen (sp?) shot earlier that morning. All the while during his feedings, he would desat VERY BADLY which required MANY MANY blow-bys. He even had A's and B's. One nurse even mentioned putting the nasal cannula back to assist him with breathing...my jaw nearly dropped and I almost passed out! All of a sudden, I began picturing the gavage, the isolette, etc. This couldn't be happening...not now. AND...he didn't gain any weight. After all of this, as stressful as it was, we felt so blessed to know that his head ultrasound came back normal, his blood transfusion went very well, and his eye exam results showed that he had a mild case of retinopathy...Stage 1-Zone III. "ROP that is stage 1 Zone 3 will almost always disappear on its own." (Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies)

Today his day was more relaxed, though we stumbled across similar challenges yesterday. He nippled without desatting and was awake for the duration of his feeding. However, during burping time, he'd hold his breath and turn pale. Hopefully, once his RBC oxygenates, he'll do better. As of right now, I'm unsure about the next step. Would he need caffeine? Pepcid and/or reglan? Put him back on the cannula? Give him the gavage? We'll have to trust the doctors' and nurses' decisions to help Jacob get better.

I forgot to mention that last night when we returned to visit Jacob in the hospital, Jeremiah gave him a priesthood blessing. After that, we tucked him into bed and before we left his bedside, his oxygen saturation went to 100. It was the first 100 all day! The Lord heard our prayers and knew we needed comfort at that moment. He also blessed Jacob with the comfort of the Spirit.

I'll try to upload pictures when I get back from school...if not, you'll have to wait until tomorrow! =)

I'm (NOT) ready!!

Do you like this outfit?
this one?
or this one?

Yikes...where do I start? I haven't updated the blog for a couple of days b/c I've been so busy with school and my exhaustion is not leaving me with any time to do anything! Jacob has been doing okay. We are learning that he is not quite ready to come home. He has been desatting a few times during feeding; requiring blow-bys (oxygen). This happened last Thursday and today. As a matter of fact, he had an A and B today when I was holding him. I notice his color change and started to stimulate him. Before I knew it, the machine began to go off. It was kind of sad, but again, it's his way of letting us know that he's not ready. It's good b/c I would be scared to death if that were to happen at home!

Nurse Sharon is absoultely great! She goes the extra mile with Jacob and with us too! She placed his crib flat (he's going to have to sleep flat on his back when he comes home) and he didn't respond very well. Again, his signal of saying..."I'm not ready!" We also planned on watching the CPR video (required before hospital discharge) this evening, but his machine kept alarming and we had to pause several times resulting in not watching at all. THEN...our plan was to give him a bath, but his temperature was low...so, we didn't do that either. Our visit ended with his A and B. Poor little guy...but, I think it was harder for us than it was for him! Jeremiah and I felt so stressed out!

Tomorrow, Jacob will get a head ultrasound so please pray for him! He will also get an eye exam this week...a possible blood transfusion tomorrow.