One Month Old

Happy one month birthday, Hunter!

It's hard to believe that one month ago right about now is the first time we were able to see little Hunter. Since that day there have been many ups and down and we've been through some very trying times.

Hunter is still going down the right path. It's been exciting watching him overcome all of the challenges that have come his way. Today they've been able to continue weaning him from his ventilator. He's getting to a point now where they have to slow down the weaning because it's requiring them to turn his oxygen up to compensate for the lower breathing rate. They also increased his feedings again, he is now up to 18 ml every three hours. They're both small changes, but small changes over time will get him home healthy.

Now for some real exciting news! I have an update from yesterdays report that Hunter will be off the ventilator in "several days." Doctor found Mommy and I while we were visiting Hunter today and said he should be ready to be vent-free in four to five days. Mommy and I have learned that nothing is ever for sure, but it's hard to not be excited about such a big milestone for our Hunter.

Hunter's beginning to move around (I think he knows what he's doing) and causing trouble for his nurses. He has a sensor under his arm that tracks his temperature and keeps his isolette the correct temperature. In order for it to work correctly he needs to keep his arm down, but no matter how they try to wrap his arm down he insists on lifting it up.

I'm sure everyone who has been in the NICU has noticed how loud it is. There are always beeps, babies crying, and nurses talking. Hunter is noticing too. Nurse commented today that when he hears another baby crying he makes an angry face and his oxygen destabilizes. I noticed today while visiting him that he definitely did to that and one time he even lifted his arm (the one he's not supposed to) up to cover his ear.