We had a great surprise when we came to visit Jacob on Monday--he is breathing on his own! He is also back on his "feeds," meaning that he is able to digest the breastmilk we give him in that tube in his nose. This is good news. It means we are one step closer to nursing!
Other updates as of Tuesday: He will be getting a picc line tonight which is a special type of IV to keep him hydrated until he is eating all on his own. This is exciting; it means that his umbilical IV will come out and then we can hold him skin to skin. (Which we can't do yet because of the risk of infection with the umbilical IV.)
He is also off the photo-therapy because his biliruben levels are down. Translation: his liver is doing a great job keeping his blood clean, so now he doesn't have to wear his little sunglasses. Hooray!
We are just in love with this little angel. Michael took these pictures with his phone from the inside of the isolette. Jacob seemed really curious about what Dad was doing with his arm. We enjoyed seeing him so alert and cute, cute, cute!
While I (Mom) was holding him, he relaxed and fell asleep. I am so grateful and excited for that experience to repeat itself many more times.
Today Nathanael came with us to visit Jacob. We didn't take any pictures, but he (Nathanael) got to scrub in at the big sinks with Dad, ride on Mom's lap in the wheelchair, and touch Jacob's knee. He seems to be getting a firmer idea about this baby we've been talking so much about. He even said, "Jacob" at dinner time without being prompted.
He also got to play in the family room outside the NICU with Dad while Mom spent a few more minutes with Jacob. Then he was very grown-up and went out to lunch with Mom and Dad. He ordered french fries (an old favorite) and discovered ketchup (and licking instead of biting)!
We are glad that our boys got to meet today. It was great to be all together as a family! Thank you all for your love, support and prayers. I could not have made it through this week without all the food, cleaning, Nathanael-watching, hugs, phone calls, emails, and prayers. I can truly feel the hand of God through each of you.
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14 comments:
Jacob is such an incredible little boy!!! I am so glad I got to see you guys today. You all look great and I am impressed by your strength.
this post made me so happy! it's wonderful to see jacob awake and alert! what gorgeous eyes!! it reminds me very much of the time we spent in the NICU with andrew. those are happy but hard memories to look back on. you're doing great! our prayers are with you! thank you for this sweet and strengthening post!
Bethany - such great news. I'm so glad you're updating the blog - we're definitely keeping you and Jacob in our prayers.
He's looking great! So glad to hear the good news!
Isn't exciting when some of the cords and medical stuff get to come off!
Best of luck, he's so so sweet with those eyes open!
i'm so glad your little dude is getting better. he is just so precious!
Wow, I hope he keeps doing well, and we'll keep praying for you guys! We love you!
Congratulations! He looks a lot like his brother. Ivan and I wish you all the best and we'll remember you in our prayers.
Jacob is darling! We've been thinking about you and praying for all of you. I am glad to see he's doing so well. :)
He's a cutie! love, elizabeth
COngrats! I am excited that things are working well!!! We will still keep you in our prayers!
Thank you for all your complements and supportive words. We are glad that so many people agree that our son is wonderful! :)
I will update the blog again in a few days when we have some more pictures and news. Right now everything is about the same; doing slightly better each day.
Love!
Bethany
Oh Bethany! My heart goes out to you in so, so many ways. The NICU is such a blessing and a trial at the same time. Never in my life have I felt such peace in the face of such uncertainty than those days. It looks like things are going very well for Jacob. the fact that he is breathing on his own so quickly and he was born at almost 5 lbs means you will probably not have to be in the NICU long and that is great news. We will pray for you and little Jacob!
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