Well, after much anticipation and a couple scary days shrowded with questions and the unknown, our son, Caleb David Howell, was born on November 27 at 2:37pm. He was 7.5 weeks premature (his orginal due date was Jan 19). He weighed in at 3lbs 15 oz and 16.5 inches long. He's actually a rather large baby for 32 weeks. 
Caleb at minute 1
To avoid any further suspense, he was born in perfect health and continues to do great. His birth story was quite an adventure. I'll give you a play-by-play in the next posting in case you want the details.
In his 6th day of life, according to his nurses, he couldn't be doing any better. He's making so much progress. We're hoping and praying that we'll have him home by Christmas or at least before year-end.
His lungs were the biggest concern, but he was born wailing away like a normal baby, which was music to our ears. He hasn't had any trouble breathing and fortunately hasn't needed any mechanical ventilation. Praise God!!
As with all babies he lost some weight after birth, down to 3lb 8oz. His feedings started at 2cc's (30cc's = 1oz.), so not very much. This was just to see how well he could digest the milk. At two days of life he was bumped up to 9cc's, he was digesting the food well and 24hrs later he was up to 16cc's. Today he is now getting 22cc's every 3 hours. He has gained weight and is up to 3lbs 11 oz and is expected to keep gaining weight from here on out. This was very good news!
His billirubin levels (measured to detect jaundice) were borderline, so the doctors decided to go ahead with phototherapy. He is currently under UV lights to keep his levels low and prevent jaundice from setting in. He has a cute little blindfold on to shield his eyes from the light; they have little sunglasses drawn on them. 
Catching some rays in the NICU
The nurses call him the "easy baby" as he doesn't need much medical attention, just the feedings and diaper changes every 3 hours. Let's hope that he continues to be the "easy kid" during his time in our household (knock on wood).
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. I have no doubt that his excellent health, as well as Adrienne's, was due to the many prayers of our friends and family. Again, praise God!!
Adrienne and I will try to post an update on a daily basis with at least his current stats as far as weight, feedings, etc. I know the grandparents won't be able to go very long without a Caleb update.
Ryanadeleb
2 comments:
Hello Ryanaideleb!
Congradulations! We are so happy to hear that Calen is doing so very well! We have been praying so much for all of you! Praying for God to lend his strength to all three of you. To lay his healing hands upon Adriene and Caleb. I am so glad to hear that he is blessign this family so much! I look forward to meeting my great newphew this Christmas! At least that is what I hope for! Know that we love you and will keep praying for you! Love Shelly Steve and Girls
oops long day typing please forgive the typo's!
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