William
You can definitely tell that he is a boy!
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Saturday, September 14, 2019
William Wesley II Newborn Photography
Fabulous Newborn Photography Courtesy of our dear friend Krytondra Mamou
I am so thankful for these AMAZING moments Krytondra captured with and for us!
William was 10 days old at the time of capture.
Friday, September 13, 2019
William Wesley - First Bath
William had his first bath at home.
He is so calm and cool and collected. He didn’t cry or whine at all.
I am 99% sure that he will have curly hair, it’s so fun to see his little self unfold as we see him grow daily. I’m so thankful for this laid back 4th child. Thank you Lord for blessing us with William.
I am 99% sure that he will have curly hair, it’s so fun to see his little self unfold as we see him grow daily. I’m so thankful for this laid back 4th child. Thank you Lord for blessing us with William.
No sooner did he get out of the bath in his towel to where he was quite comfortable to have a really good bowel movement. Otherwise, his bath was very uneventful.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
William Wesley II - 1 week
Tomorrow William is one week old. Time flies! So much has happened in this week and I am still exhausted.
We went to the pediatrician this afternoon to have his bilirubin checked for jaundice and it went down a little from Sunday and is nothing to be concerned about, praise the Lord!
Sunday, September 8, 2019
William Wesley Meets the Crew
The kids were so excited to meet William today. Since he was in the NICU and they were all compromised with sickness, we did not have them come to the hospital.
They are all in love with him!
William Wesley We’re Going Home!
We are so excited to announce that we are going home from the hospital.
William Wesley NICU Update - Going Home Sunday
Sunday, September 8th - Going Home!
The doctors made rounds this morning and his bilirubin is slightly elevated at 14.2. They are discharging us and are requiring us to have his bilirubin checked tomorrow, Monday, September 8 with the pediatrician. If his numbers continue to go down there is nothing else we have to do. If his numbers continue to go up, then we have to get it checked again on Tuesday and if it reaches 17, he will need to go under the blue lights to reduce the bilirubin level. They say that on day four is when the bilirubin peaks, so this may be the high point and there will be nothing to worry about after. Otherwise, everything else that he has been dealing with has resolved on its own or has been relatively normal for a C-section baby.
The doctors made rounds this morning and his bilirubin is slightly elevated at 14.2. They are discharging us and are requiring us to have his bilirubin checked tomorrow, Monday, September 8 with the pediatrician. If his numbers continue to go down there is nothing else we have to do. If his numbers continue to go up, then we have to get it checked again on Tuesday and if it reaches 17, he will need to go under the blue lights to reduce the bilirubin level. They say that on day four is when the bilirubin peaks, so this may be the high point and there will be nothing to worry about after. Otherwise, everything else that he has been dealing with has resolved on its own or has been relatively normal for a C-section baby.
Saturday, September 7, 2019
William Wesley NICU Update- SuperDad!!
My husband is the best. Having time with him alone, no other kids except caring for William...makes me slow down and remember why we’re a really great team together. I’m captivated by his persistent support to protect me and my needs here in the hospital. It’s been tough traveling to NICU every two hours, especially after surgery. We have enjoyed the time to work together, support each other, and pray together and for our son and family. He’s a trooper and I nominate him as our Super Dad!
William Wesley NICU Update - No more tubes!!!
We came down for the 5 o’clock feeding and Williams because level measured 69 after eating exclusively breast-fed for the last several feedings. They had removed his oxygen tube a little bit earlier today and also removed the NG tube while we were here this time. Now I can finally see his little face for the first time. He is a trooper! He is eating great, sleeping great , all his bottle he functions are very much in good working order, peeing, pooping, burping, etc.
The only thing he has left on him is the oxygen monitor on his foot and his two heart monitors on his chest and belly. If he continues to have two more good glucose numbers and his oxygen levels continue to stabilize then there is a good chance that he will be discharged tomorrow with me to go home. That would be our best case scenario.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and encouragement. I have definitely felt very much peace throughout all of this and I do not doubt that is due to all of you who have lifted us up in prayer.
William Wesley NICU Update - Saturday # 3
Saturday, September 7th Update # 1:
1:30am feeding went well. William nurse for 20 minutes on the right side and a few minutes on the left side. When we got back to the room I pumped out 30 ML, 20 on the right and 10 on the left. That tells me that he ate at least 10 ounces, if not more.
Upon returning for the 4:30 AM feeding, his glucose had reached 58 which meant that the progress we made previously was no longer good and we had to go back up to number two on the IV fluids. Either he is not able to manage his glucose at a level one or he did not eat enough at that particular feeding. The nurse, Dan and I feel that he did not eat enough. Shortly after we had left from the 1:30 AM feeding, he began rooting again and so the nurse went ahead and gave him some of the pumped milk that I had brought down. During the 4:30 AM feeding, William nursed for 25 minutes on the right side and about 15 minutes on the left side. He was definitely what you would call “milk drunk”.
Since he ate so much on the right side, when I got back to the room I had to make sure that I pumped on the left. I’ve decided not to do a pump anymore because I will oversupply. My milk is in now And I am producing more than adequate amount, which means that either I have to pump but I have to feed, unless I want to deal with the engorgement. So I’m going to start pumping out the side that he does not finish at a feeding. I only pumping out one side, this will also allow me to get better sleep so that I am not constantly pumping and nursing every two hours.
Hopefully since he had a good feeding, he will be able to have a good glucose number at 7:30. There are several factors since we did go back up on the IV to number two, and then of course the really good feeding. At this point we’re waiting for numbers to be good to consecutive times in order to go down.
1:30am feeding went well. William nurse for 20 minutes on the right side and a few minutes on the left side. When we got back to the room I pumped out 30 ML, 20 on the right and 10 on the left. That tells me that he ate at least 10 ounces, if not more.
Upon returning for the 4:30 AM feeding, his glucose had reached 58 which meant that the progress we made previously was no longer good and we had to go back up to number two on the IV fluids. Either he is not able to manage his glucose at a level one or he did not eat enough at that particular feeding. The nurse, Dan and I feel that he did not eat enough. Shortly after we had left from the 1:30 AM feeding, he began rooting again and so the nurse went ahead and gave him some of the pumped milk that I had brought down. During the 4:30 AM feeding, William nursed for 25 minutes on the right side and about 15 minutes on the left side. He was definitely what you would call “milk drunk”.
Since he ate so much on the right side, when I got back to the room I had to make sure that I pumped on the left. I’ve decided not to do a pump anymore because I will oversupply. My milk is in now And I am producing more than adequate amount, which means that either I have to pump but I have to feed, unless I want to deal with the engorgement. So I’m going to start pumping out the side that he does not finish at a feeding. I only pumping out one side, this will also allow me to get better sleep so that I am not constantly pumping and nursing every two hours.
Hopefully since he had a good feeding, he will be able to have a good glucose number at 7:30. There are several factors since we did go back up on the IV to number two, and then of course the really good feeding. At this point we’re waiting for numbers to be good to consecutive times in order to go down.
Saturday, September 7th Update # 2
We came for the 8:00 AM feeding and his glucose test was 62. Based on that, the doctor put the IV fluid back up to 2. She did say though that on 1, that’s basically .5, so he did well for being on .5. She is going to confer with the attending g physician and see what they’d like to do.
She wants me to continue breastfeeding exclusively, and every 3 hours for the glucose tests to be run. We only need two more tests with good numbers before they will turn it off.
His oxygen breathing has also improved. He still has some intermittent breathing, but it is not as often as days before. The doctor said that hopefully we can try to remove the oxygen by the end of day.
He has only lost 4 ounces since birth, he is now 7 pounds and 10 ounces. He is holding his weight very good and is an excellent eater.
I tried to feed him and he only ate for 15 minutes on my left side before becoming “milk drunk”!
The nurse wanted to make sure that he had enough, so she pushed 7oz. of my pumped milk through his NG-tube. We will check glucose again and feed again at 11am.
William continues to be very laid back and only really cries when he is hungry or doesn’t want to eat when we offer. He loves to sleep and has absolutely no issues with peeing and pooping. He is a strong little guy and just yesterday was lifting up hoa head off my chest and shoulder.
We are so captivated by him, he is our true miracle reversal baby and we are so delighted that God chose US to be HIS parents.
Saturday, September 7th Update # 3
William is off oxygen!!
I can’t wait to kiss his face...
Saturday, September 7th Update # 4
I just woke up from a wonderful nap. My husband is fabulous!!! Meanwhile, Dans protecting me so much that he’s going to get us kicked out of the hospital 😆 Boy do we have stories to tell
Glucose IV is OFF and disconnected. He drank 40ml, almost twice his previous feedings and newest glucose numbers are good.
William Wesley NICU Update - Friday End Of Day Milestones
Tonight when went down for the 10:30 PM feeding, the main charge nurse came into the NICU. She said after evaluating all of his numbers that we could drop his IV fluid of the glucose from two down to one. She also said that she wants me to exclusively breast-feed at every feeding overnight with the hopes that his glucose will stabilize and he will be off the IV fluid by morning. His numbers have been stabilized over 60 for the last three feedings, so we shall see what the night holds.
I am able to pump 20 mL at one time —milk is coming in—which is enough for him to have for a feeding. His oxygen level is still intermittent, but he is making very good progress. Dan and I are super excited for our little guy, he still has some healing to do, But he’s making good strides and we are proud of him. Prayerfully we will have glucose numbers over 60 and closer to 70, with the feedings overnight. This just means that Dan and I both are going to be extremely sleep deprived even more on day four, but it is worth it to test our little guy with only my milk and without the donor milk as the main sustenance.
The charge nurse wants to see if we can replicate here in the NICU, what might happen at home. She wants to make sure that we trial here to know what his glucose levels will do with only my breast milk. So here we go, it is 12:21 PM and I am headed to bed to get up at 1:20 PM and nurse every three hours...4:30... 7:30...
I sure love you, my handsome little man!!
-Mama
Friday, September 6, 2019
William Wesley NICU Update - Friday # 2
Friday, September 6th Update # 1
Yesterday was very overwhelming and an emotional day for me. After several notes placed on my door, I was able to sleep for a few hours. William is so perfect! I am still exhausted, catching up is really hard.
I slept from 3am to 5:30am today, pumped and Dan took milk down to William. His last two feedings, glucose checks were in low 70’s, so very good. (He’s been in 40-60 range) above 60 is good.
He appears to be improving, but well just have to see what the neonatologist says today. We’ve had talk about a g-tube being put in for feeding, hopefully we won’t get to that.
Jensen is getting over being sick with an antibiotic and Kathryn i think is really struggling with congestion and runny nose from allergies. Please pray for both of them to get better soon! Can’t bring William home to sick kids.
Thanks for continued prayers
Friday, September 6th Update #2
His glucose numbers were borderline low, but they did not raise any of the fluids, they kept them where they were. That is progress because typically if he did not need 60 then he would have to go back up on the fluids. He was at 58 with the last feeding.
His oxygen is still sporadic up-and-down.
He's having a hard time taking from the bottle, and he has to take the bottle in order to avoid needing a NG-tube while he is in the NICU. They have to measure everything that he eats.
I am doing well, I took a shower today for the first time and feel a bit more normal. I will be discharged on Sunday, however; there is a chance that we could be moved to a private room until he is ready to go home. If not I will have to find a place to stay nearby so that I can come and see him and stay for the day. In that case, Daniel would go home and take care of our children.
Friday, September 6th Update #3
The doctors made rounds this morning. I was able to visit with the pediatrician and the neonatologist.
After a really good 3AM and 6AM feeding, his glucose levels were really good with high numbers and the 9 AM feeding plummeted to 58,.we did not have to go down on fluids because it was borderline. Due to the drop in his numbers again, and the fact that his breathing is rapid, and to avoid aspiration, there is a chance that he would need an NG tube through the nose to get his milk. The doctors do not want to open up that route, they are really hoping that he will be able to just breathe well enough to take from a bottle.
There are 4 things the two doctors both agree on. In order to go home, MUST be able to
do the following...
1. Breathe on his own without rapid breathing and that the fluid would drain from his lungs enough that he would no longer need the assisted oxygen through his nose.
2. His glucose levels need to reach a normal range without fluctuating up and down so much.
3. His bilirubin level was borderline for jaundice and they needed to recheck the blood to see if his level has gotten better or worse.
4. He needs to drink through a bottle with milk and breathe well enough at the same time to complete a feeding without any difficulty.
The ultimate goal is for him to be well enough to do all the above and go home without any sign of complication.
Friday, September 6th Update #3
The 12 PM glucose level was 62. This means that he is borderline and that while the nurse is not going to reduce his fluid for glucose, she is going to have to put in the NG tube to ensure he is getting the correct amount of glucose from feeding. This also will ensure that his numbers are accurate when he is getting the correct amount of milk.
Around 1:30pm we left to go up to our room. I was able to pump 8ml of milk! My milk is coming i , praise the Lord! The nurse wants me to always bring milk for the start of his feeding. She also wants me to nurse initially for the first 15 minutes of the feed to get him on the breast, but also to increase my lactating. We do this every 3 hours.
We came in at 3pm to check glucose and it was 75!!! This boy is improving! I hope and pray that the numbers will continue to stay above 60, and 70’s is in the normal range. William nursed for about 20 minutes, then drank my milk and the donor milk. He drinks a total of 23ml or 0.7oz (3/4) at each feeding.
Friday, September 6th Update #4
Getting breathing, feeding and oxygen ready is the main goal. They doctors think based on everything they see, he most likely will be here until next week. Especially with nursing, they want him to be able to mimic here what he will have at home, maintaining the same glucose and oxygen levels.
The neonatologist told us to let our discharge nurse know that when I am discharged, we need to be put on the waiting list for the Ronald McDonald house so that I can stay close by to nurse and go back and sleep and do that every three hours while he is still in the NICU.
Friday, September 6th Update #5
Hallelujah!! Glucose was 75!!!!
Yesterday was very overwhelming and an emotional day for me. After several notes placed on my door, I was able to sleep for a few hours. William is so perfect! I am still exhausted, catching up is really hard.
I slept from 3am to 5:30am today, pumped and Dan took milk down to William. His last two feedings, glucose checks were in low 70’s, so very good. (He’s been in 40-60 range) above 60 is good.
He appears to be improving, but well just have to see what the neonatologist says today. We’ve had talk about a g-tube being put in for feeding, hopefully we won’t get to that.
Jensen is getting over being sick with an antibiotic and Kathryn i think is really struggling with congestion and runny nose from allergies. Please pray for both of them to get better soon! Can’t bring William home to sick kids.
Thanks for continued prayers
Friday, September 6th Update #2
His glucose numbers were borderline low, but they did not raise any of the fluids, they kept them where they were. That is progress because typically if he did not need 60 then he would have to go back up on the fluids. He was at 58 with the last feeding.
His oxygen is still sporadic up-and-down.
He's having a hard time taking from the bottle, and he has to take the bottle in order to avoid needing a NG-tube while he is in the NICU. They have to measure everything that he eats.
I am doing well, I took a shower today for the first time and feel a bit more normal. I will be discharged on Sunday, however; there is a chance that we could be moved to a private room until he is ready to go home. If not I will have to find a place to stay nearby so that I can come and see him and stay for the day. In that case, Daniel would go home and take care of our children.
The doctors made rounds this morning. I was able to visit with the pediatrician and the neonatologist.
After a really good 3AM and 6AM feeding, his glucose levels were really good with high numbers and the 9 AM feeding plummeted to 58,.we did not have to go down on fluids because it was borderline. Due to the drop in his numbers again, and the fact that his breathing is rapid, and to avoid aspiration, there is a chance that he would need an NG tube through the nose to get his milk. The doctors do not want to open up that route, they are really hoping that he will be able to just breathe well enough to take from a bottle.
There are 4 things the two doctors both agree on. In order to go home, MUST be able to
do the following...
1. Breathe on his own without rapid breathing and that the fluid would drain from his lungs enough that he would no longer need the assisted oxygen through his nose.
2. His glucose levels need to reach a normal range without fluctuating up and down so much.
3. His bilirubin level was borderline for jaundice and they needed to recheck the blood to see if his level has gotten better or worse.
4. He needs to drink through a bottle with milk and breathe well enough at the same time to complete a feeding without any difficulty.
The ultimate goal is for him to be well enough to do all the above and go home without any sign of complication.
Friday, September 6th Update #3
The 12 PM glucose level was 62. This means that he is borderline and that while the nurse is not going to reduce his fluid for glucose, she is going to have to put in the NG tube to ensure he is getting the correct amount of glucose from feeding. This also will ensure that his numbers are accurate when he is getting the correct amount of milk.
Around 1:30pm we left to go up to our room. I was able to pump 8ml of milk! My milk is coming i , praise the Lord! The nurse wants me to always bring milk for the start of his feeding. She also wants me to nurse initially for the first 15 minutes of the feed to get him on the breast, but also to increase my lactating. We do this every 3 hours.
We came in at 3pm to check glucose and it was 75!!! This boy is improving! I hope and pray that the numbers will continue to stay above 60, and 70’s is in the normal range. William nursed for about 20 minutes, then drank my milk and the donor milk. He drinks a total of 23ml or 0.7oz (3/4) at each feeding.
Friday, September 6th Update #4
Getting breathing, feeding and oxygen ready is the main goal. They doctors think based on everything they see, he most likely will be here until next week. Especially with nursing, they want him to be able to mimic here what he will have at home, maintaining the same glucose and oxygen levels.
The neonatologist told us to let our discharge nurse know that when I am discharged, we need to be put on the waiting list for the Ronald McDonald house so that I can stay close by to nurse and go back and sleep and do that every three hours while he is still in the NICU.
Friday, September 6th Update #5
Hallelujah!! Glucose was 75!!!!
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