April 23, 2009

Tonight Benjamin weighed 1330 grams - that is about 2lbs 15oz. We don't totally believe the weight since he gained 60 grams from the night before and that is a bit high. Regardless, he is gaining slowly but surely. Yesterday he was 31 gestational weeks and tomorrow he is 6 weeks old!

The past few days have been much more restful and normal for Benjamin. I have been able to hold him again the past two days. His oxygen requirements have also dropped. He stayed at 23-25% oxygen most of the day. Considering room air is 21% oxygen, we were very pleased! A concern that we do have is that he still has a lot of secretions in his lungs, and they have to remove them by suctioning more frequently now. They believe this is mostly caused by the ventilator, but could be from other causes too. We are hoping that he will be ready for another try off the vent by Wednesday of next week. Please keep this in your prayers.

I have had many requests for more pictures, so here they are.

1) Benjamin and his bunny (thanks mom)
2) Benjamin and his snazzy micro-preemie attire (which he has grown out of! We hope he will grow into his preemie clothes soon even though he just needs a diaper now!)
3) Another sweet picture of our boy
As always, we cherish your prayers for Benjamin.