This one shows you how we take naps together. I have to be careful not to fall out of my chair, but Ethan looks pretty comfy, huh? The one below shows how they have us "hold" him while he's in the incubator. The idea is that by securing his feet/legs and placing my hand over his head, I'm mimicking some of the security that the womb offered. Ethan really likes this, or also a variation of this where I hold his legs and he holds my pinkie.
The reason that these pictures are all blue is from the light they are using for his phototherapy. He's been responding really well! After the first day, his billirubin levels plateaued, and then today they were down to 7.8 from 11.2. Our hope is that he will be off the treatment within 24 hours or so.
This picture above is from Kangaroo Care time with Katie and Ethan. He LOOoooves his mommy... This look is the reason that he has his nurses wrapped around his finger. He really does, every time I go in there, the nurses go on about how he looks at them so cute when they change his sunglasses!
Today Ethan was bumped up to the next level on NICU. This is a great sign! Kimberly (his nurse today) told us that he's what they call a feeder/grower, that all he has to do is eat and grow, and he'll be coming home in no time! This is great news for Katie and I, we were really encouraged by our visits today. So far we've been holding our breath, waiting for something to go wrong, but day by day, as he gets stronger and stronger, we're getting more and more excited!
I am running to head back up to the hospital. More to come tomorrow,
- Ken
He is SOOO cute! In that picture where you comment about his "look" he looks a lot like you, kenneth. :) I'm so glad he's doing better. You all look much better in the pictures too. I love you all!!!
ReplyDeleteKen & Katie.. I love the pictures.. and I have to admit.. I was bummed when I check for an update from yesterday... but figured you would catch up! This is such great news, Ethan's progress is wonderful.. I love the pictures!! Continue to pray for all.. Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteKeep those pics coming. We love reading your blog! Read this in Isaiah and thought of you. "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." This probably wasn't the way you pictured things happening, but how awesome that God is walking wtih you. And what a testimony you can share with others. Blessings!! Aunt Barb
ReplyDeleteThis is so precious I love the vedio ! How this takes me back , he is so alert ! WOW ! he is in the eat & Grow unit , he has really improved .. I knew he just couldn't wait to get out of the tummy , and see what was going on ... he really enjoys those cuddles I can tell ... Thank you God ! you guys are doing great ... hang in there ... now if you can get some poundege on him , that would be great ... heehheheheheh EAT SLEEP AND GROW ! :}
ReplyDeleteSo... 4 diapers but only twice you've changed him? You need to bring that batting average up. Diapers don't grow on trees you know.
ReplyDeleteYour bro.
Chris