Day 6

We're still in the NICU here in Denver.  Brendan gets a little better everyday, but he is still having some trouble eating and breathing at the same time--just too much for the little guy still.  He was placed back on oxygen about 24 hours after we tried him off, because his heart rate was elevated and his sats were mediocre.  I keep forgetting that we are at such high altitude--it's pretty common here that babies with respiratory infections need some oxygen at home while their lungs recover (even if there is just minor lung injury).  Looks like Brendan's going to be one of those little ones.  And we (including Meme, who is coming on Friday!!) will all have to learn how to work his oxygen at home.  It's a little bit of a bummer, but it's only temporary.

Steph came by to visit yesterday--it was really nice having her.  She held Brendan for a while before she had to return to her own little munchkin. 

Mike is now sick with an upper respiratory infection, so it's just me today at the hospital.  I slipped away a little earlier to get ready for this week...the spring semester starts tomorrow, I have my first clinic in 3 months tomorrow, and we have a busy week ahead of us.  Brendan will obviously be home with us (at least until Meme gets here) for a little while before starting daycare again.  (which I'm not entirely excited about, but we don't, unfortunately, have much choice...I'm not allowed to quit my job :) )

I hope Brendan will be home either tomorrow or Tuesday, but he has to make it 24 hours without wall suction to clear his secretions or gavage (feeding tube) feeds.  So, his discharge will happen when he's ready...hopefully that's soon.

Keep sending prayers and good thoughts our way......