Baby Holden Update

Holden had another good day. The doctor increased the amount of milk he will be fed and turned off the lights used to treat his jaundice. He made my birthday extra special when he briefly opened his eyes. It was the first time we were able to look at each other. Needless to say, he melted Mommy's heart. I was also able to hold him for nearly 40 minutes, while he was tube fed. He seemed comfortable and happy. I could have held him all day!!

Uncle Richard and Aunt Peggy came into town from Tifton and were able to meet Holden.

Mommy and Daddy visited tonight and read Holden a couple of bedtime stories. We are so thankful that our little guy is doing well. We continue to pray that he gets healthy so he can come home soon.

Love,
Christine & Reece

Baby Holden Update

No major updates today. Holden continues to show small improvements. He did well with the milk fed through the feeding tube. The doctor has increased the amount he will be fed every 3 hours. He seems to be breathing well with the support of the nasal cannula. They've moved his bed to a quietier location and he seems much more relaxed. During our visits today we were able to change his diaper, read him books and sing him some of his favorite songs. We are also getting him used to his new pacifier. He is enjoying not having the ventilator tube down his throat and loves to coo and blow bubbles!

Baby Holden Update

Holden is 1 week old today (35 weeks) and continues to get healthier every day. He has now transitioned off of the ventilator and is breathing on his own with the support of tubes that run in his nose that pump air/oxygen and pressure into his lungs, supporting his own breaths. Now that he does not have the ventilator tube in his throat, we’ve been able to hear his voice (both cries and coos). It is awesome! The doctor wants to begin a feeding tube tonight to see how his digestive system will handle milk.


Holden had his first bath last night and did very well. Now that his hair is clean, it looks light brown!


Mommy had her first chance to hold Holden this afternoon. It was an amazing feeling to have him sleep in my arms.


Love,
Christine & Reece

Baby Holden Update

We had a great "touch" session with Holden last night. He is making "baby steps" daily and we're so proud of him for remaining so strong. In addition to changing his diaper (last 2 have had a little poopy, looks like the beginning of the meconium), Reece was able to hold Holden while the nurse changed his blankets and weighed him. It was a touching moment seeing Holden so calm in Daddy's hands!

Within the next 24 hours, he will be transitioned from the ventilator to a CPAP - which basically means he is learning to breathe on his own. They will also start a feeding tube, so Holden can be fed my breast milk. We are so grateful that things are going in the right direction! Holden is definitely a fighter!

We can not thank you enough for the continued love and prayers!

Love,
Christine, Reece and Baby Holden

Baby Holden Update

Baby Holden is making progress every day. The doctors are working to wean him off of blood pressure medicine that he is being given for his low blood pressure. The short term goal is to get him off of the ventilator and breathing on his own. Once this goal is achieved, doctors can address some of Holden’s less critical issues.

He is responding well to stimulus – however, the doctors are trying to keep him as calm as possible right now. He has developed Jaundice, which is common for preemies. They currently have him under bright lights – to help treat the condition. As you can see from the picture, Holden is taking it all in stride and almost looks like he’s just tanning.

Mommy was released from the hospital yesterday. It was hard for us to leave without our little guy. But we know the day will soon come where we leave together and can bring Holden home. We got a suite at the Marriott across the street from the hospital and will probably stay here until Holden is released. We do not yet know when that will be, but our guess is around 4 weeks. Being so close will enable us to visit with Holden and his doctors several times each day.

We’ve told Holden that he has A LOT of people praying for him! We all appreciate it.

Love,
Christine & Reece

Baby Holden Update

This journey continues to have its ups and downs! Holden had a good night last night and is showing improvements. We are so proud of our little fighter.

They've moved him to a normal ventilator and have been able to take him off several medications. Now that the sedative is out of his system, he is showing good movement. During our visits to change his diapers, he was moving his little hands and feet as we sang to him. The nurse said he had his eyes open earlier and was alert.

We can not thank you enough for all of your thoughts and prayers. We'll post again as we receive more updates.

Love,
Christine & Reece