Andy mentioned in his post yesterday that Evan is in the NICU, and unfortunately he is still there today! When he was first born, he had trouble keeping his color and a bit of labored breathing. They took him to the nursery to do a quick check on him, and soon after brought him to the NICU to give him oxygen and do a few tests.
Tests for infection came back negative, but they put him on IV antibiotics for 48 hours as a precaution, so that will go through Thursday early morning. He was only on oxygen for a few hours, but he is still not breathing like we want him to all the time. He has had two chest x-rays, and both came back not 100% clear but also not with anything to be concerned about. He is also having trouble learning to eat, since it involves breathing and sucking all at the same time. It's hard not being able to feed him myself, although I've been able to pump some and give him a few bottles in the NICU.
This morning Andy and I were able to be in there with him while the doctors were doing rounds, and as they checked him over they heard an "extra heart sound." The doctor noticed it yesterday but thought it sounded typical for a newborn. Today, however, she thought it sounded more like a congenital heart defect, and so they have ordered an echo to be done this afternoon. She said about 50% of the time these things heal on their own, and in most other cases it is just something to monitor as opposed to something he would need surgery for. No use speculating, though, as we'll hopefully hear back from them later today with the results.
I won't say that I'm nervous, because I know he is in good hands, not just here at Vanderbilt but also because he belongs to the Lord. No mama likes to hear that something might be wrong with her baby, even if it something that might have no real effect on their long term health. I hate that he's in the NICU instead of here with me, and that there is a chance I won't get to bring him home with me tomorrow. I definitely want to ask for all of your prayers for my little guy, that the echo will either reveal nothing or something that will heal on its own. That his breathing clears and he learns how to eat better. That he will get to come home with me. We will keep you all posted!
And if you haven't seen all the pictures yet, make sure to
check them out. He is a beautiful little boy.
UPDATE
I just got off the phone with Jaime who informed me that they've decided that everything looks good and they're working on the paperwork to move him in to the regular nursery. This means quicker access to him, he can come and sleep in Jaime's room, and she can also breastfeed him herself. Thank you for all the prayers and support from all of you.
Mondays and Fridays are really hard for me, because we have no plans all day. Now that we have Evan, it's that much more challenging to figure out things we can do around the house that will keep Noelle relatively quiet while he is napping, or keep her occupied while I am nursing or taking care of Evan.
That's a fantastic picture...could her cheese get any bigger?
andy matthews - October 24, 2008 12:31 pmSo much fun. There are times when I absolutely love being the mom of a toddler!
Heather - October 24, 2008 01:49 pmyou should come over on a friday. we have nothing to do that day either. i have a little one that needs to sleep and a big one that just wants to dress up. a perfect match!!!
Poppy Driskell - October 24, 2008 03:50 pmI love it, reminds me of the times I played dress up with my cousin Stephanie!! What a great photo. Hey Noelle, Cowabunga Dude! I love you!
Grammy - October 24, 2008 05:20 pmI'm jealous. I can't get Clara Beth to even put on a tutu. She screams and says "NO TUTU!!"
Tiana - October 26, 2008 08:52 pm