August 3, 2010

Great Day!

First, Andrew is doing great on the CPAP. Even his nurse today (who is a tough, 30+ year pro) said that he was doing great...really, really great. His oxygen levels have decreased to around 50% (remember, they were up to 90% when he started CPAP, and hovering in the 60-70 range for the first several days), and his blood gasses look good too, with his Co2 around 45. She said she would have expected his Co2 to be much, much higher based on the xrays of his lungs. So, he's still working hard, and somehow managing to continue to exceed expectations. Lately, I've been sitting by his isolette just shaking my head at how amazing and strong he is.

The best news of the day though is that I finally got to hold him! John has been awesome at advocating for this for awhile, and now that A finally settled down and was maintaining his oxygen levels, our awesome night nurse Nikki took him out for me! Getting him out was a bit of a challenge (making sure all his tubes and lines came with him), and I have to admit I was pretty nervous. She warned us that he might not tolerate it, and we could expect desats. Before I knew it, he was in my arms!
I only held him for about 10 minutes, but what a great 10 minutes that was! He had his eyes open for part of the time, and we got our first real mother/son moment. And, the boy didn't desat once! Before she put him back in the isolette, I got to kiss his sweet head for the first time as well. Hopefully, we'll be doing much more of this, and I can't wait for John to hold him as well. He is still so light, it was kind of strange to have him wrapped up in my arms. But it felt good. What a day! We're blessed!

9 comments:

Lorine said...

okay, this made me cry!!! I am so happy for you guys and am thrilled on how well he is doing...you couldn't ask for better...way to go Andrew and Boyden family!!

Beth said...

Made me cry too! He is amazing.

Anonymous said...

I'm sooooo happy for you guys!!! Keep it up Andrew!! Love you...JCR

Anonymous said...

Made me cry too! Tears of joy! Congrats on this milestone. What a champ you have!

Jenn Liebi-Z

Janice Donohue Spillan said...

What wonderful news! Congratulations, M & D & B!
Mommy, Daddy and Baby

Anonymous said...

There can't possibly be a dry eye in the bunch! I could barely finish reading your blog through my tears. We are so-o-o-o happy for all of your milestones. This is by far the hardest time of your life. I remember from our little ones (and they were not nearly as preemie as your little Andrew) God has blessed him with a strong heart and determined will. He is destined for great things. Love to you both!!!

Karen & Len said...

Sorry, forgot to sign my name...It's Karen & Len

Unknown said...

Oh Kristin & John -

So, so glad this day has come! Seriously - Andrew really is an overachiever -- first the CPAP and now venturing outside of the isolette. Woohoo!

You look great and this is sure to be the first of many family photos.

Anonymous said...

Let the tissues keep flowing! I am so happy for all three of you. What a blessed day. Love you all and what a great family you make! Jackie