I could get used to this

Today has been another good day for Gaines. I love getting to type that. When I was at the hospital tonight he'd gotten down to 52% and was doing really well with it. I'm HOPING that maybe he hits 50% tonight. I don't really know when they'll try and wean his flow again but the I think the doctor mentioned that he might once he got down to 50% or so. We'll see. One thing holding him back from going home is the level of support he's on right now. All of the home health care companies in our area only support 2 liters of 100% oxygen. Right now Gaines is on 5 liters at 50%. Don't ask me how the two compare...I have no idea. All I know is that right now he's not ready.

Also, today Gaines took 15 ccs of his bottle for me. He did it for the nurse a few nights ago but tonight he did it for me. That's another hurdle he'll have to cross before he can go home. He'll need to take all of his bottles by mouth. I believe if the only thing holding him back was his feedings, and he's not making any progress with it, they'd consider a feeding tube for him but that's not something I'd like to have to deal with. I'm pretty sure that would require a surgery.

Anyway, all of that to say he had a good day today. He was super alert both times I visited today and yesterday afternoon. I love when he's like that. He just looks around and today he smiled at me when I smiled at him...like three times. Now, I'm no expert but I think that makes him advanced for his adjusted age. Right now, even though Gaines is just over three months old, developmentally he is only about a one month old. The only problem with Gaines being so alert is that it REALLY makes me want to get him home. Right now he acts like any other one month old...he just needs help breathing and eating. Imagine not being able to have your one month old at home with you...its hard. Its not like he's sick and and just laying in a bed...he's active and needs to be loved on. Luckily, I don't think he's getting any shortage of that from his nurses. They all seem to really love him.

Oh, and another thing. I know that Gaines is mine and I'm supposed to think he's beautiful and all but...he really is. I mean, he's gorgeous. Just thought you all might like to know. I took these pictures of him tonight right before I left. He's in his pompasan chair and I had just tucked him in. He's got his new little frog blankie with him...a gift from his Babs. I really think he likes it.

I'm going to run for now. Enjoy the pictures.

Love to all,

Brittany