Today is the big day for the arrival of Joshua, the doctor said the delivery will probably happen in the late afternoon. Melissa is contracting, but the baby is still high up, so it's most likely going to be a C-section.Saturday, April 25, 2026
St.Lukes Hospital
Today is the big day for the arrival of Joshua, the doctor said the delivery will probably happen in the late afternoon. Melissa is contracting, but the baby is still high up, so it's most likely going to be a C-section.
Joshua is doing GREAT!!
Joshua is doing well; he still requires 1/8 of a liter of oxygen. He continues to have difficulty eating milk by mouth but now weighs up to 11 lbs. Joshua will turn 4 months old on March 9!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
DOING GREAT ! !
We have been home for 13 days and Joshua is doing great, he is up to 10 lbs!! Joshua is not drinking his full bottle yet, but is drinking daily out of his bottles. Joshua will have a dietician, physical therapist and a nurse coming to our house to monitor his progress weekly. We are hoping and praying that his lungs continue to grow so he can be removed from his oxygen and monitor.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Joshua is HOME!!
It has been 2 very busy days for us back at home, but we are doing great.Joshua was fussy his first night home, we stayed up all night trying to soothe him. He did have a spit up after arriving home because of the long drive home. Joshua is attach to a oxygen tank and a monitor, it will take us a little time to adjust carrying it around the house.
Today Joshua had his first visit to his pediatrician, and everything looked great (weight, length, head size, color). The pediatrician has had CDH patients before and stated Joshua should be off from the oxygen/feeding tube hopefully no later than his 1st birthday. She emphasizes the only thing that can set him back is if he gets any bacteria infections (caused by germs).
We want to thank all the front desk receptionist for the nicu, nurses, doctors, specialist, surgeons and The Ronald Mcdonald House at Texas Children Hospital.
A very special thanks to the following nurses that were there for us....
Day: Sarah, Rossana, Robin & Nancy
Night: May, Esther, Allison and her partner the night Joshua arrived in the ECMO room.
You guys made it easy for us to sleep, we don't know what we would have done without you guys!
Thanks to the blue team doctors....especially when Joshua first arrived, we were soooooo blessed for having these doctors.
Dr.Jonhson, Dr.Rios, & Dr.Cho, they were there from the very beginning.
Thanks to Dr.Adam who delivered Joshua, and gave us so much hope during the pregnancy. Another very very special Thanks to Dr.Cass the surgeon who had a very big part in saving Joshua's life.
As we were getting ready to leave the hospital the doctors reminded us about how important it was to keep Joshua safe in order not to return back into the NICU. Practice good hand washing, keep sick visitors away and make sure for at least the next couple of months people who come and visit Joshua have there flu shot.
SO again we want to make sure everyone understands we would love for Joshua to meet you and he is ready when you are, BUT we ask that you do have your flu shot. We don't want anything to cause Joshua to be back in the hospital. Other then that we would love to see you and we appreciate you understanding us wanting to keep our baby as healthy as can be.
Today Joshua had his first visit to his pediatrician, and everything looked great (weight, length, head size, color). The pediatrician has had CDH patients before and stated Joshua should be off from the oxygen/feeding tube hopefully no later than his 1st birthday. She emphasizes the only thing that can set him back is if he gets any bacteria infections (caused by germs).
We want to thank all the front desk receptionist for the nicu, nurses, doctors, specialist, surgeons and The Ronald Mcdonald House at Texas Children Hospital.
A very special thanks to the following nurses that were there for us....
Day: Sarah, Rossana, Robin & Nancy
Night: May, Esther, Allison and her partner the night Joshua arrived in the ECMO room.
You guys made it easy for us to sleep, we don't know what we would have done without you guys!
Thanks to the blue team doctors....especially when Joshua first arrived, we were soooooo blessed for having these doctors.
Dr.Jonhson, Dr.Rios, & Dr.Cho, they were there from the very beginning.
Thanks to Dr.Adam who delivered Joshua, and gave us so much hope during the pregnancy. Another very very special Thanks to Dr.Cass the surgeon who had a very big part in saving Joshua's life.
As we were getting ready to leave the hospital the doctors reminded us about how important it was to keep Joshua safe in order not to return back into the NICU. Practice good hand washing, keep sick visitors away and make sure for at least the next couple of months people who come and visit Joshua have there flu shot.
SO again we want to make sure everyone understands we would love for Joshua to meet you and he is ready when you are, BUT we ask that you do have your flu shot. We don't want anything to cause Joshua to be back in the hospital. Other then that we would love to see you and we appreciate you understanding us wanting to keep our baby as healthy as can be.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Going Home Finally!!
At this moment (1:13am) were "rooming in" and doing fine with Joshua. After rounds (9:00am) they will DISCHARGE Joshua. We are so excited that tomorrow 12-13-09 we will finally have Joshua home after 2 months. He also drank his whole bottle (2 oz) for the second time!!
We are thankful that he will have a full recovery in a few years. Many parents that we have met at Texas Children Hospital don't have the same outcome.
We are thankful that he will have a full recovery in a few years. Many parents that we have met at Texas Children Hospital don't have the same outcome.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Big day tomorrow....
After rounds tomorrow (Tuesday) morning we will get a room in the hospital with Joshua to ensure the doctors that we are capable of handling his needs. We are very confident we will have a awesome day, and hopefully we will be heading home on Wednesday.
Joshua continues to eat 1 oz out 2 oz twice a day without and spit ups. He continues to gain weight and is up to 9lb 3 oz. We are excited that in 2 days Joshua will be at home with us after 64 days.
Joshua continues to eat 1 oz out 2 oz twice a day without and spit ups. He continues to gain weight and is up to 9lb 3 oz. We are excited that in 2 days Joshua will be at home with us after 64 days.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
2 months old !!
Joshua is 2 months old today and hopefully this might be his last weekend at the hospital. If everything goes as plan we are schedule to leave on Wednesday. Joshua was given his 2 months immunization shots and passed his car seat test. We are continuously practicing using the G-tube every 3 hours.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Looking GREAT!!
Joshua is doing great after the surgery, and is starting to bottle feed. He is off pain medication and they have removed his IV. They have briefly trained us on how to use the G-tube but we still have the whole weekend to practice. We are very confident that we can manage the G-tube and the oxygen treatment.
We have been hearing great news:
We have been hearing great news:
- Pulmonary doctor "Joshua really doesn't need the nasal cannula but is better just to take it home for a few weeks"
- Developmental specialist " He pass the test, and is behaving just like a regular 1 1/2 month old baby"
- Neonatologist stated his last ultrasound came back normal, and there is no abnormality of the spine.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Surgery went well....
(12-5-09 after surgery in his hospital gown)
Joshua did well during and after surgery today. He had some pain but was given morphine to help him. Now we have to wait for him to fully recover and then we can start bottle feeding him again.
Surgery is on...
So very proud of Joshua!
(12-5-09 midnight after his 2 oz feeds)
For Joshua's surgery he needs to have an empty stomach, so late last night/early this morning (12:00am) Joshua drank his last bottle. And we are proud to announce that he DRANK THE WHOLE BOTTLE ON HIS OWN (60cc's) for the 1st time. Now when he recovers from his surgery we hope he will pick up from where he left off.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Big Day tomorrow...
On Friday afternoon our nurse notice a golf ball size bulge on Joshua's left side abdominal. At the time the doctor (not our primary) on call said it looked like a abdominal hernia but it was nothing to worry about (easy for him to say).
Today, they took an ultrasound and notice it was not a hernia it was his kidney pushing other organs to the left side making his abdominal very weak. Our surgeon stated it's nothing to worry about and if needed he can insert a patch to help his abdominal.
Joshua will have surgery tomorrow afternoon, and will be back on IV fluids for several days. This is a surgery so he will be given morphine during this procedure. It will be approximately 2 hours long including preparations. Of course with any type of surgery there is a risk of infection, and a possibility of a blood transfusion. We are just praying that everything will go as plan and no complications will occur.
The doctor stated that if everything goes as plan, Joshua might be home sometime early next week. Within this week we have to do the following before we can be discharge CPR class/ training, car seat test/class (Joshua must be on 1 hour without any vital changes), 2 month vaccinations and RSV vaccination. Crossing our fingers that all goes well so we can go home next week.
Today, they took an ultrasound and notice it was not a hernia it was his kidney pushing other organs to the left side making his abdominal very weak. Our surgeon stated it's nothing to worry about and if needed he can insert a patch to help his abdominal.
Joshua will have surgery tomorrow afternoon, and will be back on IV fluids for several days. This is a surgery so he will be given morphine during this procedure. It will be approximately 2 hours long including preparations. Of course with any type of surgery there is a risk of infection, and a possibility of a blood transfusion. We are just praying that everything will go as plan and no complications will occur.
The doctor stated that if everything goes as plan, Joshua might be home sometime early next week. Within this week we have to do the following before we can be discharge CPR class/ training, car seat test/class (Joshua must be on 1 hour without any vital changes), 2 month vaccinations and RSV vaccination. Crossing our fingers that all goes well so we can go home next week.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday 1-5-10....
(12-30-09 first time on the bouncer)
Joshua's G-Tube surgery will take place on Tuesday (1-5-10). It will be a 5-7 day recovery, then we can get properly trained using the G-Tube. We are excited that we might be home in about 2 weeks, but at the same time very nervous.
(12-31-09)
During rounds today our neonatologist warned us about the severity with anyone in close contact with Joshua should be vaccinated with at least the flu shot. Joshua will leave the hospital with a "lung disease" because of his undeveloped left lung. He will have a full recovery once our pulmonary doctor removes his oxygen tube, but it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Our doctor firmly stated if Joshua gets the flu or H1N1 he will be emitted back into the NICU. He will have to be intubated and hooked up to all the same machines again like when he was first born. He made sure that we were aware that he is still considered a "sick" baby, and he needs to fully recover before we have him out and about. He wanted us to make sure all family members and friends (especially children) are vaccinated with at least the flu shot if they want to be around Joshua .
It only takes one bad germ to put Joshua in a critical condition and back in the hospital NICU @ TCH, for something that can be prevented. Joshua will leave from the hospital with his RSV vaccination but cannot get the flu or HIN1 until he is 6 months old.
So we as parents who love our baby boy have to be VERY STRICT with anyone who would like to come visit Joshua once we are home. We do not want to insult anyone in any way but we have to be especially careful with Joshua and request for anyone who would like to come visit Joshua to make sure they have there Flu shot before they plan to come over (especially children). We are sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate the understanding.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus which is quite prevalent during the winter months. It is transmitted primarily by hand-to-nose, hand-to-mouth, and hand-to-eye contact. The severity's of the symptoms vary depending upon the age of the child and whether he has any chronic medical problems. Because RSV is so prevalent and it may cause very serious illness in some children, it is considered the most important childhood infection of the respiratory system. Thus, a lot of research is currently being done to investigate the best way to prevent and treat this disease.
Joshua's G-Tube surgery will take place on Tuesday (1-5-10). It will be a 5-7 day recovery, then we can get properly trained using the G-Tube. We are excited that we might be home in about 2 weeks, but at the same time very nervous.
(12-31-09)
During rounds today our neonatologist warned us about the severity with anyone in close contact with Joshua should be vaccinated with at least the flu shot. Joshua will leave the hospital with a "lung disease" because of his undeveloped left lung. He will have a full recovery once our pulmonary doctor removes his oxygen tube, but it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Our doctor firmly stated if Joshua gets the flu or H1N1 he will be emitted back into the NICU. He will have to be intubated and hooked up to all the same machines again like when he was first born. He made sure that we were aware that he is still considered a "sick" baby, and he needs to fully recover before we have him out and about. He wanted us to make sure all family members and friends (especially children) are vaccinated with at least the flu shot if they want to be around Joshua .
It only takes one bad germ to put Joshua in a critical condition and back in the hospital NICU @ TCH, for something that can be prevented. Joshua will leave from the hospital with his RSV vaccination but cannot get the flu or HIN1 until he is 6 months old.
So we as parents who love our baby boy have to be VERY STRICT with anyone who would like to come visit Joshua once we are home. We do not want to insult anyone in any way but we have to be especially careful with Joshua and request for anyone who would like to come visit Joshua to make sure they have there Flu shot before they plan to come over (especially children). We are sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate the understanding.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus which is quite prevalent during the winter months. It is transmitted primarily by hand-to-nose, hand-to-mouth, and hand-to-eye contact. The severity's of the symptoms vary depending upon the age of the child and whether he has any chronic medical problems. Because RSV is so prevalent and it may cause very serious illness in some children, it is considered the most important childhood infection of the respiratory system. Thus, a lot of research is currently being done to investigate the best way to prevent and treat this disease.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Still no Changes.....
(12-28-09 mommy feeding)
We are still waiting for the date/time of the surgery. The doctors stated its pretty difficult to gather a team together during this time of the year. Joshua is just getting stronger everyday, and is ready to go home.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas !! 2009
Joshua has continued to stay stable with his weight(8lb) and feeds (1oz). No changes over the weekend, we are still waiting to hear what date he will have surgery. We are hoping that Joshua will come home in 2-3 weeks.
Joshua received many gifts from family, friends, co-workers and nurses this Christmas. Thank you for the gifts and most important the prayers....
Thursday, December 24, 2009
No major reflux!
Joshua was very exhausted after his Upper GI exam. He didn't show any signs of having major symptoms of stomach reflux. He will not need any medication and will continue to bottle feed twice a day. We are waiting for the exact day Joshua will be going to the operating room to input his G-tube. The sooner he gets the G-tube, the sooner he comes home.
The doctors reminded us the importance of having Joshua away from crowds and other children due to germs. They said to keep up with the NICU rules by washing hands, using hands sanitizer and to limit the visitors.
Joshua continues to drink an average of 30cc a day and is almost 8lb!! He is very alert and will recognize daddy and mommy's voices.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Reflux...
Joshua will have the G-tube surgery sometime next week, he will also have a Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) tract x-ray to detect reflux (a backward flow of partially digested food and digestive juices). Last night Joshua consumed 31 cc !! This morning he took in 35cc!!
We pray he continues this pattern so maybe he wont have a G-tube inserted (MAYBE). Joshua did loose some weight last night but not a significant amount to worry about.
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