Noah's Journey Day 3

Snuggling with Mommy

Kangaroo Care

Today was another day of firsts for Noah. His heart rate has stayed constant and oxygenation levels are staying constant. Blood pressures are also staying within normal limits. The massive weight gain from a day ago has decreased, as the majority of that gain was fluid that has been lost deep in the recesses of the diapers. Feeding has hit a small snag. Digestion has not caught on as well as we would like, however the bowels are moving and Noah had his first "messy" diaper. Fear not friends I have the picture! The milk production is in full swing and right now Katie is staying  ahead of Noah and his demand for food. When we saw Noah at lunch, the nurse took out the IV in the umbilical region. During the 5pm care time we were given a real treat. With the umbilical IV now out of Noah, we were allowed to hold him for the first time since birth. Katie was able to participate in "Kangaroo care" where mother and baby are skin to skin. This is an amazing experience. Noah and Katie both fell asleep during this activity and looked at peace. Tomorrow is a new day and there are many challenges for Noah to master.

No room for a womb, day two

Daddy's little man

Under the anti-jaundice lights- My future's so bright I gotta wear shades!

I've got my daddy's big feet <3

24 hours post delivery and already changes are numerous. During the night Noah has had several Arterial blood gas (ABG) levels drawn and has improved to the point that ventilator assistance was deemed no longer necessary. Noah was placed on C-PAP for respiratory support and was only on supplemental oxygen. Photo-therapy continues and Noah is starting to look Caucasian and no longer red... there goes the minority scholarship for the worlds first completely red child. The largest surprise today was weight gain!!!! From 1lb 13oz to 2lb 1.2oz, but here's the catch- Noah will loose some of that weight because right now proteins and lipids are the major IV solutions with the addition of TPN this morning (baby Gatorade). Heart rate continues to to be strong in the 150's-170's, blood pressure is great with the main focus being on mean arterial pressure (has to be equal to or greater than the gestational age).  Urination has been huge as well. The diapers are approximately 3.5 inches square and heavy as sin. The most comical part of the day is diaper change.
The one positive/negative for the day was Noah had his first colostrum (preview to breast milk), later this afternoon stomach aspiration revealed more bile, meaning that digestion was not nearly where it needed to be. This just means Noah needs more time to develop his digestive tract. There may be an enema in Noah's future to help get things flowing. Keep up the prayer chains and warm wishes. We feel so blessed to have so much love and support from our family, friends, and "fans!"

Love,
Katie, Peter, and Noah

Day 1

Today was a good day for Noah and for Mom. Katie was able to ambulate after surgery and is feeling better with the assistance of modern chemistry. Noah was weened off of the ventilator and is now on CPAP for respiratory support. Tomorrow we start Lipid and TPN feedings and continue photo-therapy to avoid Jaundice. More pictures to follow on day 2, keep the prayers and support for Noah and family coming the NICU is pleased so far to the good progress that is being made

11 weeks early

July 27 2011, was a huge reality check for Peter and Katie Flynn who found out that the baby that they were expecting on October 12, 2011 would be arriving very early. Lab testing revealed  that Noah had growth restrictions and decreased movement. a cesarean section was scheduled and at 8:56 pm Noah Sperry Flynn was born weighing 1 pound 13 ounces and measuring 13.5 inches. The placenta and cord that should have supported Noah were not optimal and were approximately  2/3 smaller than than they should have been. Birth was successful and Noah was stabilized and taken to NICU.