Had a good day today with William. Arrived in the NICU this morning to learn that not much had changed overnight--he was still receiving IV nutrition and antibiotics, hadn't pooped, and still had a belly full of gas that was causing issues. His docs ordered another belly x-ray and determined that he does NOT have a perforated or obstructed bowel (praise God!) and said that we could try oral feedings again.
My mom brought Jack and Ben up to the hospital so that they could visit with Daddy while I took her to meet William. She got to feed him and enjoy a good cuddle. Jack and Ben were bummed that they couldn't see their brother but thrilled by my hospital room's view and plethora of buttons to push. One of the advantages to being here at Texas Children's is that there are plenty of activities to do with kids--but I think the boys wore Bryant out! We both enjoyed their visit but needed a good nap after they went home.
Went back to the NICU after dinner. William continues to improve, although he has a big aversion to bottle feeding--probably because he threw up his first two feedings yesterday. The nurses had to give some of his feedings through his ng tube because he would gag when they put the bottle in his mouth. I was able to kangaroo hold him for about an hour, then coaxed him into taking a bottle. He wouldn't actually suck on it but would allow me to manipulate it in his mouth to let the milk drip down his throat.
So we have some work to do before he can move to Level II. Bryant will be home with the boys tomorrow, so I'm going to spend as much time with William as possible to teach him how to eat.
On a very positive note, Will's blood cultures came back showing no sign of infection, so he's off antibiotics. Also, his nurse was able to "stimulate" him to poop, so things are moving in the right direction. :)
Prayer Requests:
--Please pray that William will pick up on eating quickly so that he can move to the Level II NICU.
--Pray that he can tolerate formula since I can't make nearly enough milk to feed him.
--Pray that I'll heal quickly so that I can get back up here to spend time with William after I go home from the hospital on Wednesday.
--Please pray for stamina for Bryant as he balances caring for our family, keeping up with his job, etc.
Also, thank you SO much to everyone who has supported us with visits, phone calls, emails, meals, house cleaning, child care, and all the other ways you've blessed us. We really appreciate and love each of you!
A verse about Will's middle name, Samuel:
"So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him." --1 Samuel 1:20
Samuel means "God has heard," and we chose this for William's middle name because God heard our request for a healthy baby and keeps on blessing us through our children! We pray that William will grow in stature and in favor with God and men and will learn to listen to God's voice, just like Samuel did in the Bible.
That's all for today! Stay tuned for more pics from Bryant.
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