Life on the B Side

On Sunday evening we received the much anticipated news that Joshua was moving back to the B side of the NICU.  I was able to select our room out of the available three and chose our old room #2240.  This is the same private room we have been our two previous stays on the B side.  I was ecstatic to be back in the room with Joshua!  I sure have missed our cuddle time and we are definitely making up for all the lost opportunities to snuggle during the last two weeks.

David installed a 32" flat screen TV and I decorated the room for Halloween to make it feel more like home.  We have a stocked "pantry", a handmade afghan on my sleep chair courtesy of MawMaw, and original artwork from my nieces on the wall.  Josh now has the best looking, most inviting room in the NICU!

Joshua had a few mediocre days at the beginning of the week because of his tender belly and bad diaper rash.  Every diaper change was a very stressful event, but a strict diaper care regimen and oxygen therapy have helped his rash tremendously.  His "oxygen therapy" consists of having an oxygen mask blow air on his bare bum for an hour or so.  It has worked wonders and Josh is so much more comfortable now.

The MRSA infection is responding well to the vancomycin antibiotic, thank heavens.  The infection is in the wound only and is not systemic - another piece of good news.  Our surgeon had to reopen his wound on Wednesday (again with no pain killers) to squeeze out more pus.  We were pretty concerned, but the wound looks much better today and the doctor even ordered for Josh to come off the antibiotics tomorrow so she must be confident the infection is under control.

Joshua is up to 8 lbs. 12 oz. and 22.5" long.  He is stretching out like his daddy!

I finally heard the comment I have been waiting to hear from the doctor - they are talking about increasing his feeds in the next few days.  I am SO ready for Josh to receive more than 5 cc's of milk and I know he is, too.  He cries every time you take the bottle out of his mouth after his paltry ration.

Now that we have the infection under control, we need to get his diarrhea in check.  I am quite sure it is due to the antibiotics he's on and very hopeful once he gets off these his poops will be back to normal.  Then we can show these doctors what a good little eater he is and work our way back up to full feeds so we can go HOME!

Two very important people in Joshua's life are celebrating birthdays this week.  A very big Happy Birthday to Oma & Uncle Wes!!