Whirlwind Weekend!

Wow!  So it has been a busy few days since coming home with Noah!  Dan's parents (Noah's Opa and Oma) took an overnight trip up to Sioux Center to see his sister Michelle graduate, but they are back in Milo for the rest of the week.  Noah is doing a fantastic job at sleeping through the night- 7 hours straight on Friday night!  This may change, however.

On Saturday, Noah was given his first bath- just a sponge bath for now.

Sunday was Noah's dedication.  Most of the Kaisand/Vanderschel family in the area made it, and Dan's parents represented the Palmer clan.

Monday was Noah's first real outing!  The weather was gorgeous and the Pella tulips are at their prime, so after his first checkup at the doctor, we took a walk around Lake Red Rock.  He slept through most of it, but we definitely enjoyed it.

In the mean time, we have been playing lots of bridge.

Drying off after the bath

 

Pastor Mark holding Noah

The Mob

 

The Red Rock Trails

 



Breaking Out!

Dan's parents flew in on Tuesday to come see Noah at home, unfortunately he was still in NICU.  So most of the time was spent playing games while Noah slept.  Although....apparently it has been my lucky week, because when we played Scrabble....I beat Dan's Mom!!!!!!!!!!  Any of you who know her know that it was quite an accomplishment!

 So after we were talking about the game and she came up with excuses....I had all the big letters, I distracted her, she was looking at the board upside down....I guess we will just have to have a rematch sometime (although I'll put that off as long as possible so I can keep the title).

Dan holding Mr. Noah after the oxygen came off.

 

Mr. Noah....unplugged!

One last diaper change and photo opt before we busted out of the joint!

 

Thank you all for your prayers as he recovered!  We are glad to be out and start trying to get a rhythm to our new "normal" lives.

 



Upgraded and a glimps of the hospital

Noah's sign...except the time is wrong...

Noah had a couple really rough nights.  Noah was only calming down when being held, so they brought into the room a mamaroo.  This is his favorite!  He passes out in it!

 Noah's old bed

Noah's new bed!

Door with all the signs and cards...

 Just an extra picture for fun...

 Noah  now has a feeding tube through his nose after he has pulled it out through his mouth so many times.  He is able to start nursing, but the amount that he doesn't nurse he gets through the tube.  Every 3 hours, they want him to eat 80 ml.

He is on oxygen and working on getting off.  The big things that Noah needs to do is eat 80 ml on his own every 3 hours and get off oxygen.

Thank you for all the prayers.  I am starting to really be ready to be home as for the most part he is healthy and as soon as he has reached those 2 things (feeding goal and off oxygen) he should be released.  Please pray these 2 steps are met quickly.

Looking good for Visitors

We had 2 visitors on Friday and a shampoo!  Unfortunately, Dan was at work and wasn't able to see it.  At least Noah was able to smell good for Daddy when he got off work!

Jen and Steven came to see Noah.  Then, we showed Aubrey the pictures and she said Baby No-No!

Before the Shampoo

 The nurse holding Noah and wetting his head.

 Putting on the shampoo

Mommy rubbing in the shampoo

Drying Noah's head

Scott holding in the binky 

Holding Noah!

Since Noah had changed from the tube oxygen to oxygen that goes in through his nose and they were able to  take the cord out of his navel, we were able to HOLD Noah.  It is a little complex as he still has different cords, but Dan and I are grateful for being able to hold him!

Noah was also given a big blue elephant by some friends of ours.  This is good since it gives him an African connection :).  This is the first stuffed animal his has encountered, since we have not been home yet, and he loves the feel of the soft fur (a furry elephant???) on his soft skin!

Again, we continue to appreciate all your thoughts and prayers.

Going Wireless (Kinda)

Some big news today- Noah had his breathing tube taken out!  This was the big tube that was going down to his lungs and essentially breathed for him.  This was also the tube that annoyed Noah more than any other.  Prior to the removal of this tube, Noah could not make any noise, since the tube went right past his vocal cords.  So, while we will probably wish for his silence in the future, as new parents we could not wait to hear him make some noise, including a cry here and there.  However, above all, we are thankful that his lungs are getting healthier.

Also, since his blood tests have been consistently coming back positive and normal, the doctor decided that he could remove the small tube coming out of his naval which was used to draw blood every 6 hours.  With this cord being gone, we will soon be able to hold him!

The doctor expects that within 24 hours, Noah's stomach should be able to handle some food.  We will have to feed him through a tube, but this is a big step from the IV that we have been using.

Below are some new pictures of Noah.

Developmental Hearts

Our time is still spent here in NICU, however, we are very content and know that God is watching over our whole family.  Noah is starting to move more, which means he is starting to feel better, but also that they have to keep him under sedation so he doesn't kick/rip any cords out.  Noah is slowly improving every hour.  His oxygen level is improving as well.

Daniel and I are getting anxious to be able to hold him, but are feeling blessed with the ability to be with him and touch him.  Daniel started work today, so it's just Noah and Andrea until tonight.

One of the Nurses gave us a little fabric heart for us to wear for a little while at a time and then they put it under Noah's head so that he is able to "smell" us. The hearts came with a neat little poem:

DEVELOPMENTAL HEARTS

Hand to hand,

Heart to Heart,

Heartfelt love to share.

Place this heart against your chest

and parent's love you'll share

Then place this heart in baby's bed

throughout each passing day.

Another chance to show you care

in a unique and loving way.

Your baby smells your presence,

whenever you can't be near.

It tells them that you love them

and wish you could be here.

Your baby will always remember

your heartfelt smell of love.

As parents you will always cherish,

this special gift of love.

Here are some more pictures (I think they are a lot cuter as they don't have as much "stuff" on his head).