| The NICU Experience | Aaron update 51 |
| Subject: Aaron update 51 Date: Saturday, January 25, 2003 3:49 PM From: Kevin Quick To: Aaron Update List We’re back in San Francisco, in our usual room #406 (phone 415-600-XXXX). We had entirely too much fun with Aaron last night and this (Saturday) morning. We got in at around 9 p.m., and Aaron was just a riot. He was wide awake and smiling, and making all kinds of happy, hilarious faces. Kathleen and I were just laughing and laughing. What a joy! Today, we were able to hold him for about an hour. It was wonderful, and our spirits have now been recharged. He smiled, made faces, squeaked and was just the charming little boy. I took the attached picture this morning, while Kathleen was holding him. He now weighs 1399 grams, or 3.08 pounds. Three pounds! Yes! He’s been on nasal cannula for the past 2 days now, although Dr. Lee this morning was talking about putting him on CPAP for just an hour or two per day, which, of course, would be fine with us. Again, our little guy is growing and maturing and just doing really, really well. Aaron has been moved to the opposite wall in the NICU; he’s now next to Marko, who is getting close to going home. Marko was a 24-weeker, and has been an encouragement to Kathleen and me. Marko has a prime spot in the far corner of the NICU, which is nice and private; good for breast feeding, etc. Nurse Lisa has already claimed Marko’s spot for Aaron, after Marko goes home. Marko was scheduled to go home next Tuesday, but apparently he hasn’t been having the best of days today, so his going home may have to be delayed a little bit. Aaron’s former next-door neighbor James is doing well. He’s on the mask CPAP now, and will begin feeding tonight. We are very happy to see his progress. We have some sad news regarding the little 23-weeker that was born last Saturday. Her name was Yu, and she was a little Oriental girl. Apparently, she was born just too early, and was too small, and she did not make it. She lived for about 2 days, and passed away Monday afternoon. As you can imagine, this really hits home with Kathleen and me; Yu was born only 5 days earlier than Aaron was. We understand a little better now, when babies are born in the 23- to 25-week range, why the doctors and nurses refer to them as 23 and 5/7 weeks, as Yu was, and 24 and 3/7 weeks, as Aaron was. At that gestational age, every day that they can stay in the womb is extremely valuable. So, that’s today’s news. Thank you for your continued love and prayers. Love, Kevin, Kathleen and Aaron |
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