Sunday Afternoon

Brittany and I just left the NICU. Gaines' oxygen is down to 70% and his sats are holding in the low 90's...encouraging. Once his oxygen levels get below 40%, the doctors will begin to wean him off the nitric oxide gas. Once Gaines is off the nitric oxide gas, they will begin to wean him off the oscillator (new breathing machine). We know that this process could take several weeks, but I thought I would just explain the process as they continue to decrease his oxygen.

Brittany may have already mentioned this but Gaines is off one of his blood pressure medicines. He also has another ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow to check for brain bleeds. He has already had one ultrasound with no signs of brain bleeds, but it is standard to check again at 72 hours of age. PLEASE pray that the ultrasound tomorrow is negative for brain bleeds. This has been one of many concerns of ours.

Brittany was discharged this morning and we have temporarily moved into an extended stay hotel that is about 2 blocks from the hospital. We will be at the hotel for at least two weeks. After that we are not sure. We have had a few people in the DC area offer to let us stay with them. We are going to just try to make it through these first two weeks and then figure the rest out. One thing we have learned already, life in the NICU is hour by hour...its pretty hard to plan for something two weeks away.

One person asked if Gaines will be able to be transferred to Alabama at some point. Basically, the answer is no. The NICU doctors will not release or transfer Gaines until he is ready to go home...most likely in 5-12 weeks depending on his progress.

Below is a picture of Gaines and all of his machines. Please continue to pray for our family.

Beau