September 27, 2008: Day 27 (Good day, but definitely not a great day)

First, the good. Aidan gained another 45 grams today, and is now 1315 grams (2 lbs 14.4 oz). He could actually break the 3 pound mark tomorrow if he gains at least 50 grams. OK, not likely, but I can dream can't I?

Now the bad. This morning at 6am, Aidan had is worst apnea spell yet, when his heart rate dipped to under 50 beats per minute, and the nurse took minor action to stimulate him. Aidan has now had 4 documented apnea spells. Still, I keep going back to Dr Keampf telling us that most premies have way more than this, and some have hundreds.

As for the eye infection next door, the NICU has decided to test all babies in the west NICU for staph. They took a nose swap from Aidan this afternoon. We may not have results for a couple days. Also, the day nurse took a sample of some "eye goo" from Aidan. We think (hope) it is the same yellow goo he has had before, and was already diagnosed as normal clogged tear ducts by Dr Mischel.

Tried a different holding position today.





We will *not* be doing this again. It did not go well and Aidan had a major oxygen desaturation while in this position. We think he was having trouble digesting, and trouble breathing while in this position. He is just too young and little to hold him in this traditional position which should be reserved for what we call "giant babies".

He needs to be more upright, like this. We changed to this and he got better.



View from our corner of the NICU. Pretty, huh?



OK, I'm not in a great mood after today.

You got to listen to this clip. Aidan has the hiccups real bad...



Off to bed. I'm riding 100 miles tomorrow in the Peach of a Century. Need to get up in 5 hours...