The Cubby Chronicles XX

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.

Welcome to the 20th installment of the Cubby Chronicles and once again thanks for everyone's support as we witness Jake grow into a 'real boy.' We're (once again) here at the hospital & I'm trying to keep the promise of more frequent posting. Jake's heading into the weekend looking very good. As you can see above, he's already demonstrating his strength while cheering for Michigan in the hat his Gamma B made for him.

He's had an excellent week and as mentioned in the last post he seems to be figuring out the whole 'digest food while still breathing' routine. Last night they put him back on the Nasal Cannula and he's been on it without any real incidents for about 24 hours. This is huge because while we were excited that he strung together some strong days on the CPAP, doing the same on the NC requires him exerting a little more effort breathing. So far he's taken the challenge well.

Other recent highlights include him now up to the big 2 and a half pounds (which sounds more exciting than 2 pounds, 8 ounces). He's been doing well on the growing front; even after yesterday's 'big poop incident.' Jake hadn't had a a large stool yesterday even though the nurse (Annette, one of our favorites) sensed that he'd been trying for awhile. After examining his belly it was determined that he should have a little glycerin to help move things along.

Well, right as Annette was placing a tiny sliver, the poop started coming--the best way to describe it is 'explosive.' It was all over the diaper, on him, on the nurse, and on his snuggly (the little bed that wraps around him). It took her an extra 20 minutes during the assessment to clean him up & replace everything. Jake isn't afraid to prove that it's a one way street down there.....