Today was another amazing day of good news. Benjamin passed his Esophogram and his VCUG (urinary tract test) with flying colors. Within a few hours of the tests they removed his OG tube and he began feeding him breast milk from a bottle. They have been feeding him every 3 hours all day and he LOVED feeding down his newly constructed Esophagus!
When we returned to the NICU after shift change we found Benjamin's little space empty and we found out we had graduated to the NICU step down unit! When I say it is like going from a war zone to the Ritz I'm NOT exaggerating. The nurses even call it the Oasis! It is so calm and quiet and the bed space is huge compared to the little area we have been living in all week. You even have a curtain to pull so that you can have some alone time with your baby and are able to nurse right within the bed space. We had a great nurse our first evening in 3Northwest (which is what they call the step-down unit). Michael showed us how to feed Benjamin for the first time and burp him, all things that are a little intimidating this time around.
We then had a visit from Dr. Barnhart, our surgeon, and he removed Benjamin's chest tube!!! So now we are free to dress him and swaddle him and more importantly HOLD him! Unbelievable day! A week exactly from major surgery and we are sitting holding our baby who is stable and thriving. Tomorrow after a little rest from all of today's adventures we should be able to nurse for the first time. We have lots of pics on today's update...simply because we could not edit them and wanted to share them all with you.
We are so thankful for this amazing little boy and how determined he is to get better. Please continue to pray that his body will heal completely and that his feedings will go well. We have no idea what our time frame looks like as far as getting out of the hospital but now that we are in a calmer environment we feel like we all will be able to rest better (especially Benjamin).
Tomorrow we hope to bring big brother Barrett to see Benjamin!
4 comments:
*singing doxology*
What great news! Go, Benjamin! We'll keep praying.
Wonderful, wonderful news! He will be home in no time! Mel, I hope that nursing goes well.
Melanie & Jerry,
Dave & I just found your blog today. Wow! I have cried tears of concern, but more tears of joy as I see how good God is in taking care of your precious new baby boy and both of you and Barrett. I can't wait to meet Benjamin and to give you a long overdue hug! Please know that the Eyrichs are praying for you.
Love, Teresa & Dave
Dear Grants
You don't know personally but I am a friend of Karen's...She keeps me updated on how you are doing...I am so happy to hear that Benjamin is doing great...He sounds a true fighter...He is so precious and cute...My thoughts and prayers are with you all for successful milestones each day.
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