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Monday, September 24, 2012
Now-a-days
I'm struggling to find the time to blog about our sweet boy. He is just so incredibly precious. He has met several milestones for his corrected age of 3 months. He also turned 6 months of 9/17. Here are some pictures of my sweet boy at 4 months (adjusted age).
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Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Lately
I haven't posted in awhile and I know I'm wrong! Sorry!
Langston is home! He came home weighing 9 pounds 1 ounce. Mr. Man was welcomed home on July 4th. It has been fun having him home. I didn't realize how much having him home would change our lives, but he has truly changed our lives for the better.
I'm not sure where I left off with Langston's health, but he came home on a poly-vitamin and gas drops. He has a complete bill of health. We attended his first NICU Follow-Up visit on the 18th and Mr. Man was 10 pounds 2 ounces. His first pediatrician's appointment was July 06th and at that appointment he weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces.
Langston spent 109 days in the NICU. He received four blood transfusions, was placed on a ventilator twice, was CPAP and Vapotherm for several weeks of life. He was diagnosed with medically managed NEC, and had a ECHO and several ultrasounds. He has been through it. Throughout his stay, he has been pricked, poked, and prodded without fail. We truly believed that he is our miracle baby. We love him beyond measure.
We baptized Langston on Sunday, the 22nd. Here are some of our favorite pics:
I plan to provide more detailed posts about our wee little lad, Langston soon!
Langston is home! He came home weighing 9 pounds 1 ounce. Mr. Man was welcomed home on July 4th. It has been fun having him home. I didn't realize how much having him home would change our lives, but he has truly changed our lives for the better.
I'm not sure where I left off with Langston's health, but he came home on a poly-vitamin and gas drops. He has a complete bill of health. We attended his first NICU Follow-Up visit on the 18th and Mr. Man was 10 pounds 2 ounces. His first pediatrician's appointment was July 06th and at that appointment he weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces.
Langston spent 109 days in the NICU. He received four blood transfusions, was placed on a ventilator twice, was CPAP and Vapotherm for several weeks of life. He was diagnosed with medically managed NEC, and had a ECHO and several ultrasounds. He has been through it. Throughout his stay, he has been pricked, poked, and prodded without fail. We truly believed that he is our miracle baby. We love him beyond measure.
We baptized Langston on Sunday, the 22nd. Here are some of our favorite pics:
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| Langston's Poppi baptized him! |
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| Pre-baptism outfit! Gotta love the hat! |
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| How Sweet! |
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Winding down
I think our ride on the NICU roller coaster is approaching the end. Langston was moved to the step down unit last night, and we couldn't be more excited. The step down unit is the last stop before coming home.
Langston has made great progress and our final step is the bottle feeding. Langston's gestational age today is 36 weeks. Generally babies don't develop the "suck,swallow, and breathe" reflex until they reach 37 weeks gestationally, so Langston has a ways to go. We're pretty proud of him though because he has made great strides during his time in the NICU. Once our sweet boy is able to take all full feedings by mouth we will be getting ready to bring him home. This mommy can't wait!
Langston has made great progress and our final step is the bottle feeding. Langston's gestational age today is 36 weeks. Generally babies don't develop the "suck,swallow, and breathe" reflex until they reach 37 weeks gestationally, so Langston has a ways to go. We're pretty proud of him though because he has made great strides during his time in the NICU. Once our sweet boy is able to take all full feedings by mouth we will be getting ready to bring him home. This mommy can't wait!
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| Dreaming of coming home! |
Monday, May 21, 2012
My Pocket Full of Sunshine
Friday, May 18, 2012
NICU Roller Coaster
Langston remained on the vent for 1 week and a day. It was really comforting when he finally removed, but we remained nervous because we didn't want him extubated until he was ready. After being removed from the vent on the 30th, Langston's health remained pretty steady. He went from the vent back to his Vapotherm. He was swollen throughout his time on the vent and several weeks after. However, we hit a pretty decent peak with he was placed in an open crib on May 4th. Here's some pictures of my sweet boy his first night in his crib.
He did pretty well his first night. The main requirement for being in an open crib is not being on a ventilator and being able to keep a normal body temp. My sweet boy did fantastic and has been in an open crib ever since.
On Sunday the 6th, Langston started full feedings. He did really well. Progress was definitely being made.
Up next my second baby shower for Langston..........
On Sunday the 6th, Langston started full feedings. He did really well. Progress was definitely being made.
Up next my second baby shower for Langston..........
Thursday, May 17, 2012
First Baby Shower and Such
While the doctors dealt with Langston's infection, the hubby and I made plans for my return to work. We originally planned for me to take a semester off from work, but after Langston made his debut a little early, our plans changed. Plus it was highly recommended by my doctor for me to return to work while Langston was in the NICU. They felt that a routine was best for us, and I agreed. I needed to get my mind off of worrying about my son. Not that I didn't worry every second of the day, but having work occupy my mind helped me deal with things.
While I was work, Langston was on antibiotics for 10 days while fighting the infection and had to be taken off his feedings. During this time, Langston received his nutrition thru his IV. He did gain some weight, but not as much as he would have if his feedings weren't stopped.
To celebrate my return to work (not really), my co-workers and friends threw me a fantastic work shower. It was scheduled for the Wednesday, the 11th, before I returned to work. It was held in the school library and it was really nice. I got several items for Langston including his high chair. I was so overwhelmed by the love of my co-workers. Their constant prayers, thoughts, and emails were so nice and encouraging.
It was beautifully done and was inspired by the elephant theme of Langston's nursery. I am so thankful to Mary, Tara, Liz, and Kirsten for hosting my work shower.
My return to work was on April 16th. I had a difficult time coming back to work, but it was truly for the best. It was a little stressful but I made it work, and I was still able to see my sweet boy each day. I was even able to be at the hospital when Langston was transported to the NICU at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. I was told very suddenly while holding Langston that he and a few of his friends at Stalhman were being moved to Children's. I was assured that this move was a good thing, as Children's is the final stop before coming home. We were so excited about this peak on the roller coaster.
Between the move to Children's and my return to work, my sweet precious boy celebrated his 1 month birthday. The hubby and I wanted to celebrate our sweet boy and honor the nurses that take such good care of our sweet boy. We purchased cupcakes from Sam's (I don't bake very well), and placed a sweet poem written by my friend and co-worker Mary in honor of Langston's 1 month birthday.
On the 21st, Langston had his 2nd transfusion. He was having severe apneic spells, and was not wanting to breath. His blood count was low as well. He handled his tranfusion well, but Mama and Daddy worry so about him. We hit a another dip when Langston had to be placed on a ventilator on Sunday, the 22nd. We called several times on Sunday to find out how Langston was doing, and were waiting on my parents to visit so that we could visit him together. As we arrived at the hospital, we find Langston's doctors and nursers in his room to inform us that he was placed on a ventilator. Our sweet boy took several steps back on our path home, and we were so upset. My sweet boy was tired, and didn't want to breathe anymore. The doctors were comforting and chose their words wisely while speaking to us. I asked my parents to step out because I didn't want them to hear things that might upset them. During this whole ordeal, all I could think about was losing my son. I prayed without ceasing that God wouldn't take my son. I even went to the nurses and doctors and asked if my son was in a life or death situation. Upset doesn't even begin to describe how I was feeling as my son was placed on the ventilator and I watched a machine breathe for my son.
While I was work, Langston was on antibiotics for 10 days while fighting the infection and had to be taken off his feedings. During this time, Langston received his nutrition thru his IV. He did gain some weight, but not as much as he would have if his feedings weren't stopped.
To celebrate my return to work (not really), my co-workers and friends threw me a fantastic work shower. It was scheduled for the Wednesday, the 11th, before I returned to work. It was held in the school library and it was really nice. I got several items for Langston including his high chair. I was so overwhelmed by the love of my co-workers. Their constant prayers, thoughts, and emails were so nice and encouraging.
My return to work was on April 16th. I had a difficult time coming back to work, but it was truly for the best. It was a little stressful but I made it work, and I was still able to see my sweet boy each day. I was even able to be at the hospital when Langston was transported to the NICU at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. I was told very suddenly while holding Langston that he and a few of his friends at Stalhman were being moved to Children's. I was assured that this move was a good thing, as Children's is the final stop before coming home. We were so excited about this peak on the roller coaster.
Between the move to Children's and my return to work, my sweet precious boy celebrated his 1 month birthday. The hubby and I wanted to celebrate our sweet boy and honor the nurses that take such good care of our sweet boy. We purchased cupcakes from Sam's (I don't bake very well), and placed a sweet poem written by my friend and co-worker Mary in honor of Langston's 1 month birthday.
On the 21st, Langston had his 2nd transfusion. He was having severe apneic spells, and was not wanting to breath. His blood count was low as well. He handled his tranfusion well, but Mama and Daddy worry so about him. We hit a another dip when Langston had to be placed on a ventilator on Sunday, the 22nd. We called several times on Sunday to find out how Langston was doing, and were waiting on my parents to visit so that we could visit him together. As we arrived at the hospital, we find Langston's doctors and nursers in his room to inform us that he was placed on a ventilator. Our sweet boy took several steps back on our path home, and we were so upset. My sweet boy was tired, and didn't want to breathe anymore. The doctors were comforting and chose their words wisely while speaking to us. I asked my parents to step out because I didn't want them to hear things that might upset them. During this whole ordeal, all I could think about was losing my son. I prayed without ceasing that God wouldn't take my son. I even went to the nurses and doctors and asked if my son was in a life or death situation. Upset doesn't even begin to describe how I was feeling as my son was placed on the ventilator and I watched a machine breathe for my son.
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| My sweet boy, swollen, on the ventilator, and an IV in his head. |
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Journery So Far...
The journey so far has been comparable to that of a rollercoaster. Throughout this experience, the doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt have informed us that a preemie baby in the NICU is a rollercoaster. There are ups and downs, and things can go really well and then sometimes not so much. The hubby and I have definitely ridden this rollercoaster and still are. We aren't enjoying the dips so much, but we also look forward to the peaks.
Our first peak with Langston was when he started his feedings. I began pumping shortly after giving birth, and was so excited to know that I was provided the necessary food for my child. The doctors made the call to start Langston on breast milk on the 20th of March. He was doing really well, and tolerated his feedings well.
Our second peak was on the 28th of March, when I got to hold my sweet boy for the first time. Naturally, I cried when Langston was removed from his oselette. He was so tiny at 2 lbs 2 ounces. While I held our sweet son for the first time, I cried softly and watched his put his fingers in his mouth to suck gently. I held my son for the very first time and it was magical, truly magical.
On March 30th, Langston was put on Vapotherm and removed from the CPAP machine. Our little guy is feisty and he was determined to get off the Vapotherm machine. We hated the CPAP machine because his cap so tight on his little head, and you couldn't see his precious face. We were so excited when he was put on the Vapotherm machine, and Langston was a happier baby with Vapotherm.
Our peaks were a bit short lived, because on the 31st, we had our first dip. On March 31st, we received a call that our son needed a blood transfusion. I had returned to school after having Langston, and my husband called to inform me of the news. I cried while I rushed to the hospital to be by his side. Our good friends, the Adcocks, and my husband's parents came to the hospital to be with us while Langston received the blood he needed. I was not in a good spot mentally or emotionally during this time, and was not prepared for this dip. However, the doctors continued to warn us that this was normal.
On April 4th, we purchased the Langston mobile. I drove a Pontiac G6, and the hubby and I discussed that my car was not conducive to a newborn or growing child. My daddy, the car expert, gladly tagged along while we car shopped. We left the lot with this sweet girl. Meet the Langston Mobile:
She's adorable and we love her. We can't wait to bring him home in his new car!
We hit a another valley on April 5th, when Langston was diagnosed with an infection. I held him on both the 6th and and 7th to help me deal with the fact that he was sick. It was later determined that our sweet boy had medically managed NEC, an infection that is common to preemie babies.
Our dip hit a peak, when I was able to give our sweet baby a bath on the April 9th. He loved having his hair and face washed, but he hated getting the rest of his body washed. It is going to be fun bathing him at home. I heard his cries very clearly for the firs time, and they were perfect. I had never heard a sweeter cry than the cries of my sweet boy.
My first shower and return to work are up next.......
Our first peak with Langston was when he started his feedings. I began pumping shortly after giving birth, and was so excited to know that I was provided the necessary food for my child. The doctors made the call to start Langston on breast milk on the 20th of March. He was doing really well, and tolerated his feedings well.
Our second peak was on the 28th of March, when I got to hold my sweet boy for the first time. Naturally, I cried when Langston was removed from his oselette. He was so tiny at 2 lbs 2 ounces. While I held our sweet son for the first time, I cried softly and watched his put his fingers in his mouth to suck gently. I held my son for the very first time and it was magical, truly magical.
On March 30th, Langston was put on Vapotherm and removed from the CPAP machine. Our little guy is feisty and he was determined to get off the Vapotherm machine. We hated the CPAP machine because his cap so tight on his little head, and you couldn't see his precious face. We were so excited when he was put on the Vapotherm machine, and Langston was a happier baby with Vapotherm.
Our peaks were a bit short lived, because on the 31st, we had our first dip. On March 31st, we received a call that our son needed a blood transfusion. I had returned to school after having Langston, and my husband called to inform me of the news. I cried while I rushed to the hospital to be by his side. Our good friends, the Adcocks, and my husband's parents came to the hospital to be with us while Langston received the blood he needed. I was not in a good spot mentally or emotionally during this time, and was not prepared for this dip. However, the doctors continued to warn us that this was normal.
On April 4th, we purchased the Langston mobile. I drove a Pontiac G6, and the hubby and I discussed that my car was not conducive to a newborn or growing child. My daddy, the car expert, gladly tagged along while we car shopped. We left the lot with this sweet girl. Meet the Langston Mobile:
We hit a another valley on April 5th, when Langston was diagnosed with an infection. I held him on both the 6th and and 7th to help me deal with the fact that he was sick. It was later determined that our sweet boy had medically managed NEC, an infection that is common to preemie babies.
Our dip hit a peak, when I was able to give our sweet baby a bath on the April 9th. He loved having his hair and face washed, but he hated getting the rest of his body washed. It is going to be fun bathing him at home. I heard his cries very clearly for the firs time, and they were perfect. I had never heard a sweeter cry than the cries of my sweet boy.
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| Our sweet boy after his first bath from Mommy! |
My first shower and return to work are up next.......
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