(A) Big Day Comin’
Nolan is sweetly sleeping at the moment, apparently he was very alert this morning and tuckered out right after nursing with Kara. He is around 5 #, 5 oz after a couple of days of weight gain and fluid loss. He is back on diuretics because he was retaining some fluid which started to hamper his breathing. The diuretics are really working and Nolan is peeing up a storm. All in all things are going well. Next Tuesday Nolan is scheduled for surgery to reattach his intestines which were disconnected way back in ancient history to remedy his NEC (look back through the posts for info on this). Also on the schedule is putting in a g-tube or mickey button. The g-tube is an opening in the stomach wall and the skin outside and is for giving Nolan fortified milk directly into his stomach to insure his continued growth. He has had some issues with swallowing and isnt too fond of the taste of fortified milk from the bottle, so the doctors are advising the g-tube as a simple solution. Kara and I are still deciding whether or not to go with this, we are hoping Nolan will take to bottle feeding like he has to breast feeding, but the docs think he will not organize all the sucking and swallowing in a week. Unfortunately, Karas breast milk will not provide enough calories for him to keep growing at the rate he is going now. He is getting around 90% (guesstimation) of his nutrition from his feeding tube and the fortified milk, which optimistically is being reduced to 24 calorie fortification today (which is one step closer to 20 calorie mommy provided breast milk and a step away from the g-tube). So keep us in your thoughts especially next Tuesday and the following days and envision a speedy and healthy recovery for the Superbean. We are.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Hey ya’ll - I haven’t been able to check in for a while, as the dogs and I have been busy getting settled in to chilly New York City, but I’ve been thinking about you everyday, and sending out my love your way. Elvis and Tien also send their love, and wriggled happily when I told them that Nolan continues to do well, with pink healthy guts about to be reconnected and drinking up lots of good milk and growing to be a big chubby bean. (Actually, Tien wriggled happily, Elvis is still too traumatized by the move to go into full on wriggle just yet, but he did perk his ears and look briefly interested, which is as happy a reaction as he’s capable of these days, given his current state of mind.) Love you to all.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Love to Ronan and Kara as you make decisions regarding Nolan’s nutrional needs and upcoming surgery. You are held in a circle of light. We are super(bean)excited that your little one will be hippity-hop home so soon.
Peace and love.
Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 9:04 am
What great news that he’s growing so quickly! And with everything that’s been put down his throat, it’s not too surprising that he’s having trouble swallowing. We’ll keep prayin’ with a special ramping up all day Tuesday–we get a six hour head start! You’re constantly on our minds and in our hearts. Thanks for the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with y’all.
Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 11:10 am
Indeed, the Envisioning Team is on the case, rest assured. To speedy recovery and excellent digestion…and may I say, gaining an oz. per day is pretty astonishing.
Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Just wanted to let you all know that your in my thoughts today. It is wonderful to see Nolan is growing. Hope he has a quick recovery.
Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 10:03 pm
We are envisioning a speedy and healthy surgery and recovery for the Superbean Nolan!!! Love to each of you.
Friday, January 26, 2007 at 12:01 am
Dear Kara, Ronan, Nolan,
Tuesday: I’ll be heart/mind with you all day.
Write to us when you can. I know you will.
love, SaraCarter
Friday, January 26, 2007 at 9:43 am
The pictures you and your family are beautiful Nolan. We’ll be thinking of you as you go through and recover from the up coming surgery. Lots of love to all three of you,
Kelly and MAtthew