Ari Back on Nasal Cannula 3.2.13

Ari is back on the nasal cannula today! I am very happy. He is on 21% oxygen which is room air. Room air! Amazing. He is getting 26 ml's every 3 hours of 1/2 breast milk and half 27 kCal formula because the doctors are wanting him to gain weight faster than he is gaining. Weight gain is good for brain development and development in general. Luca is still down in San Fran with me and is unfortunately sick so we have not been able to go in to see Ari for a few days but Philip came down and he went directly to see and hold Ari from the airport and is staying at the Ronald McDonald House because we can't since Luca is sick.

The rule is if you are sick you cannot stay at the RM house because there are a lot of children and people going to see their children so the minute anyone doesn't feel well, they are suppose to leave to not expose everyone at the house. We have followed this rule stringently as it is important to us that we do not get anyone sick and we would hope others do the same as our child's life is on the line.

The doctors switched Ari to the 27 kCal fortified feeds for weight gain but I have to tell you it terrifies me. There is always a worry about NEC in preemies and he has been doing so well with his feeds for many weeks now that I don't want anything to happen to him. The doctor's said they will watch him very very close and his belly is a bit distended but soft and no residual so nothing to worry about. Philip held Ari for the second time today but the first time on the nasal cannula. He did very well with Papa. I miss him so much when I cannot see Ari. It is a constant tug a war between each child. What is good for Luca (for me to see him) is not good for Ari (as Luca is at the age where he is always sick). It is a juggle that I wish I did not have to do.