Week 4

Now that Jude is done with his antibiotics, he has started his milk feedings again.  He decided that he wanted to start slowly, so the amount of milk he receives is being increased slowly as he seems ready.  Because his oxygen level has been stable, he is on minimal breathing support from a nasal cannula. 
     This picture shows Jude looking out the side of his bed.  After he receives care, he often lays with his eyes open for a few minutes before dozing back to sleep. 

1/26/11

Until today, we have only held Jude twice for a few minutes.  Jill was able to hold him for an hour today!  "Kangaroo Care" involves holding a baby skin-to-skin, which has many benefits for the baby and parent. 
     Also, Jude now weighs over 3 pounds!  

Week 3

Jude must be feeling better, because in one day, he pulled out three of his tubes, including his breathing tube!  The doctors planned to keep Jude on the ventilator for 3 more days at low settings, unless he removed the tube himself, which is exactly what he did!  Also, he is moving a lot more and opening his eyes during his daily care times, which his a sign that he is feeling better.  We are so happy to see Jude get his "spunk" back! 

Week 2

Jude's second week has been more of a challenge.  He started to have difficulty with his breathing and heart rate, so the doctors put him on a ventilator.   His coloring changed and he showed signs of not feeling well.  He is currently going through numerous tests and x-rays to identify the type of infection.  After being on antibiotics for 2 days, Jude is showing some signs of feeling better, such as his coloring and moving more.

Welcome, Jude Michael

Jude Michael was born on January 6, 2011 at 3:27 a.m.  He weighed 2 lbs. 8 oz. and was 14 3/4 inches long.  Because he arrived 12 weeks early, he will be in the NICU until about his original due date of March 30th.  He has daddy's hair, mommy's long hands and feet, and he is feisty!