The Cubby Chronicles XVI

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.

A few minor, yet exciting milestones were passed this week. First off, Jake turned 2 weeks old which is very cool in and of itself. He went back to the CPAP yesterday as he was having a few more Bradys and his lungs just need a little more help. He's since breathing better & the 'A's & B's' have dropped quite a bit. As mentioned previously, all preemies just have bouts of apnea & bradys & it can be a cycle of being on the CPAP, Nasal Cannula, or just room air (though hopefully not going back to the ventilator).

Overall though he's doing great & the doctors are pleased with his progress. His blood pressure has stabilized and his 'output' is very good. His kidneys are working fine and he's tolerating feedings (K's breast milk through a tube) well & they are upping the amount every day.

One of the benefits of him turning over two weeks is now we don't have to wear gloves when we touch or hold him. While this would seem to be a minor detail its very exciting to actually feel his skin (which not surprisingly is very soft). We've also got to kangaroo him a few more times which Kristin says she could do 'forever.'

Its interesting and perhaps a little sad how these little victories mean so much to us since there's so little we can do with him. A good example is I can count on one hand how many times we've kissed his head--every time is wonderful but the scarcity is a reminder of what it means to be the parents of a preemie.

However, we cherish all the Jake we get--we generally put in at least a full day's work at the hospital and while we're there we touch, hold, speak, & sing to him as much as we can (or as much as he puts up with as he can be overstimulated). And, as seen above, when we're not around he's got Ben & Chloe watching over him....