Lungs of Steel

Hey everybody... thanks for continuing to check on our little man, and we're glad that you are enjoying checking in on the blog, as it keeps those house phones from ringing off the hook when Melissa's trying to sneak in a nap between breast pump sessions.

Doug continues to amaze his docs and nurses... those brand new (and I mean new) little lungs just kept pumpin all afternoon and night long last night, breathing room air (purified of course), and keeping his blood gases just right. They were expecting to have to put him back on the vent or at least crank up his oxygen at some point when he tired out, but he still hasn't, which is a very good sign. Quite the contrary, in fact... he almost never stops moving, working out those massive guns and getawaysticks as Auntie Sundae likes to call his legs. Clearly he's in training.

Also he's down to one IV and one antibiotic, meaning he has one hand and both feet free of any needles or tubes, which must feel terrific. They also unwrapped that bandage looking device off his head since his cool new hat (which holds the straps for his nosepiece in) and tiny foam shades are staying in place.

His little stomach and bowels have received the message from the 'primer feedings' as well, and are working on building up the bacteria to be able to digest some soon. For now he's getting everything he needs through that one IV, which should stay in place for the duration of this little Fiji vacation we're on.

Melissa's milk is really coming in now, so he's good to go when he's ready to digest it. She's still having to pump every two hours other than a sweet sweet 6 hours at night that she gets to sleep for real.

Heading to see Douglas soon, more later.