The Big 5

Joshua has gained 5 ounces....I know this doesn't sound like a lot, but considering his size it is quite a lot! His current weight is 2 pounds and 12 ounces. We can't wait for him to move past the two's and into the three's!



The big question I have been thinking about is when Joshua will be able to come home. Surely the best christmas gift this year would be for him to be home on Christmas day with all our family, but we have to be patient. I asked the doctor today what she thought, and she said it is completely up to him. Joshua has to complete a checklist before he can be discharged..here are his 5 criterion:




1. No Apneas or Bradycardias for 5-7 days

2. Maintaining body temperature in an open crib

3. Gaining weight consistently

4. Feeding consistently from a bottle 

5. No other complications

Joshua's progress with these:

1. Joshua has not had A's or B's, but they think the reason for this is the caffeine. Remember the caffeine stimulates his brain and reminds his brain to breathe. So the question is, can he do this without the caffeine? They stopped his caffeine today, and they will see whether or not he starts to have any A's or B's while off of it. Hopefully he wont, because this is the hardest thing to grow out of. Babies usually have to be about 37 weeks before they grow out of this. 

2. Joshua has not yet been able to maintain his body temperature. He is in his incubator 24 hours of the day, which is maintaining his body temperature for him. Until he is able to really gain significant sources of fat, he will not be able to do this. So the weight gain is a great step towards this!

3. Joshua has this one down. He seems to be gaining about 1 ounce a day or half a pound a week. His feedings have gone up dramatically so that will certainly help with the weight gain. 

4. Joshua has not developed the capability to swallow yet. The doctors say this is something that comes around 34 weeks of gestation. Until he is able to swallow, breathe, and suck all at the same time, he will continue to be fed via the feeding tube. FYI - He hates his feeding tube; he pulls it out all the time!

5. These complications include breathing on his own, which he is doing well with. He currently has a nasal canula which is giving him very little oxygen and he is tolerating it well. 

We ask for continued prayers for Joshua and we thank everyone for all their continued support. Josh and I were able to return to church on Sunday together for the first time in several weeks and it felt great. Our pastor delivered a powerful sermon about Thanksgiving and the bible. He said the bible does not ask us to be thankful FOR all circumstances. Of course we will never be thankful for cancer, broken families, unemployment, or other unfortunate circumstances. What the bible does say is that we should "be thankful in all circumstances" 1 Thessalonians 5:18. We are sad that Joshua is not with us but even in this circumstance we are reminded how thankful we are that he arrived safely into this world and that he is receiving the best of care. We are so thankful for Joshua. Happy Thanksgiving!