Day 59 - A lot going on

Benjamin has had a lot going on with him in the last few days. He decided to pull his tube out again two nights ago. This time, when the tube came out, he was crying and breathing some on his own. His heart rate was also staying at a good level so they decided to try him on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure-oxygen is delivered through a nasal cannula). Benjamin was working really hard trying to breathe but was using a lot of energy. After watching him for a while, they took an x-ray and decided his lungs were just not ready for CPAP, so they took him off of it and re-intubated him. Benjamin was on CPAP for about 6 hours. He is not there yet, but he is making progress and this was a step in the right direction.

We didn't know Benjamin extubated himself until the next day, but Sherri happened to read a Bible verse during the time Benjamin was trying CPAP for the first time.

The Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. Genesis 2:7

This is just another reminder God is in control and he is going to get Benjamin to that next step and allow him to breathe life on his own. We need to remember to be patient.

Recently, the doctors have become concerned with his weight gain. He has been gaining weight, but not as fast as they would like. He is still growing at a "normal rate," but he is on the low end. To help him gain some weight, the doctors decided to add some oil (triglycerides) to his milk, which should help him. They want him to get bigger because this will help his lungs get healthier and help his body continue to develop correctly.

Benjamin also got another blood transfusion yesterday. They are just taking it out faster than he can produce it right now.

Last night Sherri and I sang him nursery rhymes and other songs while he fell asleep. Benjamin really seemed to enjoy it and doesn't seem to mind our off-key renditions of the classics. The same can not be said for the nurses that were within ear shot.

Sherri held him today and we both gave him a bath tonight. He seems to really enjoy both and responds well when we are around.

We took his measurements tonight and the oil seems to have helped him already. He is now 3 lbs 9 ounces and 16 1/4 inches long.

Please continue to pray for Benjamin.