Cranky pants Parker

Today Parker was very upset. The nurse said that he basically cried all morning. It could be as simple as he is hungry or it could be stress. Parker got to start eating today. He receives one teaspoon of breast milk every 6 hours. They have to start very slow or he could get a blockage. His bowls have never had to work before and they may still be waking up from the cold therapy.  We got to hold him for a few minutes and let him try to breastfeed.  He was unsuccessful at feeding but at least it was helpful for my milk supply and bonding. 

Parker also started what is called Light therapy today.  He is a little Jaundice because he is not eating and therefore not pooping.  With him not pooping bilirubin builds up in his system and causes the Jaundice.  The lights change the bilirubin into something easier to excrete.  It is to treat the minimal jaundice he has now and to prevent further jaundice as well.  Because he needs the light therapy he must be naked under the lights at all times so we cannot hold him very much. 

The doctor said they sent my placenta for testing and found it was small for the size of Parker and that 3% of it was dead. It was a very small section but it probably had a little stroke and that is what caused Parker's problems and for me to go into labor early.  They said it was just a fluke thing and does not predict how our other pregnancies will go and no certain thing caused it.  It is nice to have at least one answer.   

The doctor also said she is very optimistic about Parker and does not think he will have any long term problems.  His MRI came back normal and tomorrow the neurologists will look at it and come evaluate our little man.  His neurological exam is almost normal to the nurses but we will see tomorrow what the neurologist says.  He also has another EEG tomorrow or Tuesday to recheck the wiring in the brain.  

As far as coming home the doctor said it will probably be not until next weekend when he gets to come home.  He needs to be able to take all food by mouth which is a very slow process.  Like I said before they must introduce food very slowly.  He is also finishing up a round of antibiotics that have to be put in via and IV. Those will not finish till mid to late next week depending on how he is doing.  Finally he must poop.  He probably won’t do this for a few days because he has nothing in his stomach to excrete. 

Prayer requests:

1. Continued healing for Parker's tiny body.

2. For Henry and I to continue to turn to God with our fears.

3. That I would not go crazy with all the hormone changes in my body and stress.  I have been doing pretty well so far but I know as my hormones try to get back to normal it can be a very bumpy ride.  

4. Continued healing for my body and that Henry would be able to stay rested.