Caleb is in about the 50th percentile for weight for a baby boy his age. His exact weight depends on what scale you use. Yesterday at the cardiologist he weighed 10 lbs, 15 oz. Today at the pediatrician he weighed 10 lbs, 11 oz. All baby scales are not created equal. Hopefully, he will keep gaining weight.
Feeding him is somewhat of an ordeal. We have to check the placement of the feeding tube. This is done by connecting a syringe to the tube, placing a stethoscope near his belly button, quickly inserting the air into the tube while listening for a swishing sound. If we hear the sound we know the tube's in the right place. Next, after preparing his bottle, usually 3 ounces, we feed him via mouth for 15-20 minutes. He usually takes about an ounce, sometimes more. Whatever is left we feed him via the tube. This is called "gavage" feeding. The disappointing part of all of this is when he throws up during this process, which usually happens 1-2 times a day.
He's had diarrea for the last couple days and a really bad diaper rash. We also found out today that he has a little infection in his mouth. So we're stepping up the sterilization of all the bottles, etc.
We have another appointment of Thursday with the cardiologist, Dr. Mas. She says that his heart is still failing but that it is a bit better. I tell Janet not to tell people that his heart is failing because it sounds so fatal, which I guess it is if it fails long enough. Basically, his heart "failing" means that if something doesn't change they will have to intervene. This time frame is probably within the next couple weeks. When we were in the hospital, all of the doctors decided that they didn't want to do anything until he weighs six kilos (13.22 lbs).
We continue to pray the Lord's healing hand will be upon him. Thank you for all the posts. They are an encouragement to us.
Today after the doctors visit we had lunch as a family at the Miami Cuban restaurant La Carretta. I ordered a chicken salad stuffed avacado and a cheeseburger. My wife ordered ropa viaja, which is shredded beef in a sauce with rice.
Caleb can't really go out in crowded places like church or birthday parties, but we can take him out to places that aren't crowded.
3 comments:
I'm really glad that you guys can have "quality time" with Caleb and ultimately as a family. Still praying, but i'm glad he's doing a little bit better. Its funny, usually people want to lose weight. I'm praying for Caleb to gain weight. Wow....
Love ya!
Aimee
May the Lord continue to pour out His strength and grace on your family and give you more of those sweet family times...next time try Versailles (I like it better) lol...i'm praying for ya!
Hello Sielers from Canada (not yet the great white north :)
Caleb sounds like a strong little man. The Lord is giving him strength to keep going. Praise JESUS! Our God is so awesome and He shall supply your needs according to His riches in glory.
Praying for you.
Love, Joan
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