Baby Holden Update

Today was a pretty big day for Holden. First, he had a nice visit with Grandpa. He was awake and alert and thought Grandpa would enjoy hearing him cry while Mommy changed his diaper.

Although the little munchkin continues to go at his own pace, he is slowly improving on his bottle feedings. They've also moved his nasal cannula down to 3/4 liter to slowly wean him off of it.

And the little guy finally graduated to the 7th Floor Special Care Unit. They call this the floor for the "growers and feeders" who are one step closer to going home. Holden has his own room/space and it will be much more comfortable for him, Mommy, Daddy and visitors. Please say an extra prayer that Holden masters his "suck, swallow, breathing" skill and learns to take 8 bottle/breast feedings, so we can bring our son home.

I thank God every day for Holden and the strength God has given him to fight through this - his first life challenge. I also thank him for all of you. We've been so touched by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and people we barely even know. Holden, Reece and I thank each and every one of you. We also wanted to say a special thank you to Ellen Cuomo, the author of the poem "Faith Is" that we included under the inspiration section of this web page. Ellen happened upon our blog and has left us a couple of inspiring comments. Her poem was on a greeting card I received after my Dad passed away years ago. I kept it all this time because the saying truly inspired me and reminded me of the importance of finding the "light in the midst of darkness". We are all going to deal with challenges in our life. I believe the one thing we can control is ourselves and how we handle these challenges. For me, it is my FAITH that gets me through.

God Bless,
Christine AKA "Mommy"

Baby Holden Update

No major updates today. Holden is going at his own pace, but continues to make progress daily. Doctors have increased the amount of milk he gets at each feeding to help him put on weight faster.

Our smart little guy continues to try to pull the tubes out of his nose. His nurse put the mittens you see on him in this photo to make him behave!

Baby Holden Update

Doctors have increased Holden to 2 bottles and 1 breast feeding a day. This is in addition to the 5 tube feedings he also receives. He did great with his bottle feeding, taking in over 21 ccs (based on a goal of 39 ccs). They tried weaning him down to .5 liters on his nasal cannula, but he was not quite ready yet. He'll get there before we know it!!

Grandma Rosanne came by for a visit today. She sang to the little munchkin while she rocked him to sleep.

Baby Holden Update

Doctors are weaning Holden off of the nasal cannula. He is down to 1 liter today and will hopefully be completely off of it soon! The physical therapist worked with Holden again this afternoon on drinking from a bottle and we worked with him this evening on breast feeding. He continues to make great progress and we're proud of our little guy.

Mommy went home for a couple of hours today, as Holden's nursery furniture was delivered. We are finally able to get his room pulled together!! Mommy and Daddy visited again this evening. It was hard to leave, but his belly was full and he drifted off to sleep.

Baby Holden Update

We continue to work with Holden on his feedings. He is slowly warming up to the idea of having to work for his food. Yesterday, he drank 10 ccs from the bottle and today 12 ccs and then fell asleep!! But the good news is that he is learning to suck, swallow and breathe - so it is just a matter of time and he'll be a pro at this whole milk thing!! We will continue to try the bottle/breast two times a day and the rest of his feedings will be through the feeding tube, until he is fully comfortable with the bottle.

Holden was moved into a regular bed (crib). Mommy and Daddy came to visit last night and again today. It is great to be able to hold the little munchkin without so many tubes and wires getting in the way. Holden is already a little flirt and has several of the nurses eating out of the palm of his hand!

Baby Holden Update

Daddy joined Mommy and Holden at the hospital last night for some family time.

As you can see, the little guy is completely comfortable in Daddy's arms and fell fast asleep!

Today, doctors will move Holden down to just a nasal cannula. This provides minimal support and is one step closer to completely breathing on his own. A physical therapist will work with Holden on his sucking, swallowing, breathing coordination as we continue to offer him the bottle/breast.

We feel so blessed that the little munchkin is getting stronger and stronger each day. Our prayers are being answered!

Baby Holden Update

Mommy thinks Holden looks adorable in his little sleeper today!

He is doing great. He continues to maintain his body temperature without any support from the warmers. His vitals remain strong, even as the doctors slowly wean him off of the high pressure nasal cannula. The little booger likes to pull the prongs out of his nose - as if he wants to show us he can do this on his own! Mommy and Daddy are very proud!!

He is handling his feedings very well and is beginning to show interest in the bottle/breast. He is slowing putting on weight, now weighing nearly 4 lbs. 10 oz. (compared to 4 lb. 3 oz. at birth).

The doctors say once they wean him off the high flow nasal cannula, he will either go on a regular nasal cannula or nothing, depending on how he is doing. If things continue to go well, they will likely soon move Holden to the 7th Floor NICU, which is one step closer to home! We all can't wait!!