Happy 1 Month Birthday Baby Carter

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Happy 1 Month Birthday Carter.  Carter's major accomplishments in his first month of life included things like closing a patent ductus arteriosis, overcoming a decreased sodium from SIADH, respiratory distress syndrome,being on and off the ventilator 3 times, absorbing a grade I/II brain hemorrhage, and being born at 26 weeks and 4 days gestation.  This little man has shown amazing courage, strength and a will to overcome any challenge.  The prayers and support of so many family and friends have helped keep Carter healthy and strong.  For Katie and I you all have been our rock, your prayers have been our faith and your support has been our strength over this past month.  For that we are so forever gracious.  Carter will continue to get stronger and stronger by the day and although we will remain in the NICU for quite some time each day is a blessing with our beautiful little boy.

Now onto some breaking new!  With every new achievement the medical team has given Carter a gift.  For his 1 month birthday they have outdone themselves.  Today they put the CPAP machine in the closet and he is now on a high flow nasal cannula.  This is a major accomplishment considering only one week ago he was on a ventilator.  The higher flow cannula can create CPAP like pressures that is humidified without the large cannula and fixed respirations.  I am not terribly familiar with this method of oxygenation so as I learn more I will let you know.  In terms of his feedings he is doing very well.  They have increased his calories to 24 every 3 hours from 22.  This should certainly help him gain weight gradually.  He is doing some kangaroo care as I type with Katie and going on his 2nd hour and doing great.  I will post some more pictures later but for now enjoy!!