The Cubby Chronicles XIII

Note: Jacob Raymond Walker was born 12 weeks prematurely at Duke University Hospital the morning of Monday, May 19 2008. The following are updates, notes, & observations on his growth & development.

Hey everyone, just wanted to give a quick update on little Jake. He's still doing very well overall though his blood pressure is still high & the doctors aren't quite sure why. They've scanned his kidneys three times & his heart/arteries twice and everything looks normal. His left kidney is a little smaller than the right & sits a little lower in his pelvis but the ultrasounds show its working just fine. They've also called in the endocrinologists to look at his thyroid & hormone levels but the early results show they're fairly normal.

Besides the higher blood pressure he's doing great--the ICN nurses say he's a rock star. He's still breathing on his own which is very impressive for a guy his age. His heart is also very strong and he's had minimal bouts of apnea (essentially forgetting to breathe--all preemies have this) & he quickly gets back on track with a gentle nudge. As you can see above, I got to try out the 'Kangaroo Care' yesterday and like all parents it was awesome to hold my son for the 1st time.

K & I have been at the hospital almost as much as we were when she was a patient, going to see the Cubby in the morning, then coming back in the late afternoon. The Duke ICN is actually open 24 hours but there's a shift change from 6:30 - 7:30 so in the evening we grab dinner & then head back until 9:30 or so.

A couple of non-Jake items for the Memorial Day weekend:

• My best buddy Ben passed the Georgia Bar, congrats!!!
• Our good family friend Dave is getting married tomorrow; we're very excited for him & his fiance Becky