MONDAY MAY 25TH

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend!

Here's the scoop on Ryan:

He weighed 5 lbs. 7.5 oz. last night and he is 17 1/4" long

Also, he is not going home yet....

I "roomed in" with Ryan Friday and Saturday night. It was a completely wonderful experience. I actually got to totally take care of him (except giving meds) for almost 2 days. It really made me feel like his mommy. I can't even describe that feeling in words. I'm so happy that gave me the opportunity.

But, WOW, did I forget what it's like to be with a newborn! As great an experience as it was, it was also a VERY tiring one.

Ryan sleeps during the day and is awake at night, so I didn't get much sleep (maybe 3 broken up hours) each night. I didn't get to sleep in the day much because it was so loud and the nurses came in a lot more in the day, plus I still had to feed him every 3 hours. However, I changed him, bathed him, and most of all held and loved him. It was a great bonding experience.

What was decided is that Ryan wasn't ready to go home yet because of his feeding issues. He is not gaining weight and that's a problem. This is because he exerts so much energy during his feedings that he burns up all the calories he takes in.

We discussed it with the doctors and here's what has changed. Ryan was put back on the low flow cannula - oxygen - at the lowest setting all the time, not just for feedings. Hopefully this will give him more energy when it's time to feed. Also, they have changed his feeding schedule from every 3 hours to every 4 hours and increased the amount he takes each feeding. He has been doing this since Sunday morning.

The good news is that as of 6 p.m. this evening, it seems to be working. Joey did Ryan's feeding at 10 p.m. last night and it went well. Lisa did 2 feedings during the day today, both of which were his best so far. The nurses also have gotten better feeds out of him than in the past. It seems things may be looking up.

I'm not going to post when I think he's coming home because every time I do, it ends up not happening.

However, I will say that as soon as his feeds are going well and he is gaining weight he will come home. He will come home on oxygen, monitors and medication, but we are prepared for anything.

Ryan has made incredible progress and continues to defy our expectations and surprise us at every turn. He is such an added blessing to our family. I know your prayers have helped him through his journey so far. Please continue to pray for him.

Thanks to all of you,
Lisa