Peter - Carepages - May 29th, 2007

Hope y'all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend...Peter did! Prayers are being answered daily as Peter continues to take steps in the right direction. His kidneys are getting healthy, with his creatanin (sp?) level dropping to 1.7 today. We need to be under 0.9, but we are much closer than the 3.5 he was at a few days ago. His sodium is almost normal and his other levels all are on track. Peter's biggest win this weekend was bottle feeding! He went for 3 straight days of taking all his feedings from a bottle instead of a feeding tube. We are soooo proud of our little man as that is a huge step in the right direction. He pooped himself out last night and they unfortunately had to put the feeding tube back in. We are confident that this is just a bump in the road as he continues to be successful with the bottle. He has gone from 25ml of fortified breastmilk to 51 ml's in less than two days. I think he needs to get used to eating so much more. The plan from here forward is to continue to increase his feedings till he gets the calories he needs to be getting. They will continue to monitor his blood daily and adjust his sodium supplement as necessary. The key will be checking his lungs to determine when to start him back on diuretics. In essence finding that perfect balance with which he can stay healthy and gain weight before his heart surgery. At this time the surgery could be as little as 2-3 weeks away, or as long as 2-4 months away depending on how he thrives. Peter will continue to be in charge! And speaking of taking charge....Peter is taking charge of the NICU. Every day endearing himself to more and more of the nurses. In the evenings they can't wait till I'm gone so that they can take turns taking him for walks around the NICU, cuddling and just letting him be plain charming. I think it is his California beach boy good looks! The blonde hair, blue eyes and dreamy look have the nurses going wild!! Peter is so enjoying his role as top dog that he is keeping himself awake darn near the whole day....doesn't want to miss out on the NICU activity. I remind him that if he slept he would have more energy to eat - but I get a little grin, a 5 minute power nap and then he is ready to have more fun!! John is having a great time in the Springs with Alexandra, Michael, Jack and Tommy....and staying busy working on the house. They had a great time at the pool yesterday. I look forward to seeing the pictures! No camera up here until later this week....at which time I promise to get more pictures out. Big hugs of thanksgiving for all your prayers and support - keep it coming as God is good and answering them daily. Each day we are a day closer to coming home! Love, John & Catherine