Day 20

Day 20

Jack is getting excited for his 3 week birthday tomorrow! He is really showing those doctors. I think he is doing so well because he is surrounded by all his furry friends in his isolette chanting him on.

He is developing quite an appetite as he is up to 15ccs of food every three hours. You can see his little tummy is full. We also changed his diaper again tonight. It seems that Jack always feels the necessity to pee at this time. We don’t care though…it’s cute!

Because Jack is always intubated, he needs to get periodically suctioned to clear the tube of fluid. They send the fluid to get tested for bacteria and yesterday a small amount was found. Today they tested his blood and found the same bacteria. Although infections can be serious, the doctors are not alarmed at the news. He started on antibiotics yesterday and they seem to be working. Jack is showing no signs of the infection like fever or respiratory problems. He’ll continue on the medicine till they no longer find the bacteria.

We found out even more good news tonight. Jack is totally off his Phenobarbital, the medicine to control his seizures. The docs really just want to know if the seizures will come back, but it has been almost 24 hours and there are no signs of them. We are very happy.

Throughout most of the day, Jack has been on only 21% oxygen, which is the same as room air. He is still on the ventilator because his lungs are not yet strong enough to get enough oxygen on their own, but he is on a lower ventilator setting.

Jack was also read, “If You Give a Pig a Pancake.” I think he liked it. I was also teaching him states and capitals…just kidding. His eyes were wide open tonight and it seemed like he was looking around. Elmo was kept away to avoid any confusion.

Make sure to wish Jack a happy three week birthday tomorrow!