Passing the car seat test (Oct. 22)
The little man cleared another hurdle today as he passed the much-vaunted “car seat test”. Lucas had to prove, like all preemie babies that are getting ready to leave the NICU, that he could sit up in a car seat for 90 minutes without stopping breathing, dropping his heart rate, turning blue, puking all over himself, etc. And he did! Alright, he had a little trouble with the last category, but it wasn’t so bad. About 70 minutes into the fist trial he finished his feed and spit up, just a few mls of milk but enough to clog up his system and drop his heart rate and then oxygenation. He bounced back on his own, bringing his numbers up without extra oxygen support, but it was enough to make him fail the first round. However, we kept him in the car seat and he proceeded to hang out for the next hour and a half without any more problems. Nice work Lucas!
vroom vroom... check out my new hat!
There are more hurdles ahead but they aren’t really dependent on Lucas’s progress. He’s pretty much there, though we know from talking to other NICU parents that there can always be steps backward that inhibit the trip home… just at the moment when it seems assured.
So as we keep supporting Lucas on his path to recovery we’re also working on getting everything set up for him at home. We bought a crib off of Craigslist from some nice folks in the neighborhood yesterday, and they threw in the mattress and accessories, not to mention a potty training seat (still a ways to go for that one!) And we’re starting to interview home nursing agencies to get someone picked out asap. There’s a chance that we’ll be ready to leave the hospital by sometime next week but it’s just as likely that we’ll have to wait until early November to get all the pieces in place.
Comments (14)
Great Aunt Kit and Great Uncle J.D.
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Each day seems to bring more good news! Hoping that you’ll all be going home in the next couple of weeks :) I think I also like the pumpkin hat the best… Lucas is getting so CUTE!!
XO Kit
nonna stansbury
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
At the rate you are going, my dear Lucas, I’ll be able to see you soon. We’re coming to visit and either you go home, or I’m sneaking into the NICU with my nurse’s costume.
I’m bringing a duffle bag of stuff from a bopie(sp?) to your cousins crib sheets and bumper. I’m only allowed to bring things on your Mom’s list or assure her that it is a hand me down. Any requests?
Are you going to wear your costume??
Keep up the good work, team!!
XOXOXONONNA
Max
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Hey all!
Wow, how exciting is this! Get yer motor runnin’, Lucas, cause you look ready to head out on the highway! And in that fetching hat you are the cutest mini-pumpkin I have ever seen. Although the bunny ears are also compelling. Decisions, decisions!
Big hugs to you all,
-Max
Erica shaw (WHC)
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
He looks great!!!! like i am sure they have told you, just take it one day at a time, and his discharge will be here before you know it. And I am pretty sure you have at least two WHC nurses that can’t wait until he is home so that they can see him again!
Tara Melinkovich
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 am
WAY TO GO LUCAS!!!!
trin yarborough
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:42 am
Congratulations to Lucas for passing the car seat test!
Lucas has hella courage and persistence. Like his parents.
Jojo
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:56 am
Ooo! Scary socks to go with the hat! It is lovely to hear Lucas is becoming so much stronger and exciting that homeward plans are being made.
Lots of love,
Jojo & David
Amanda
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:20 am
Lucas,
Rock on, big boy! We are so excited for you passing so many hurdles and gracing everyone in spite of challenges. We think of you every day and can’t wait for the big moment when you go home. We look forward to playing with you when we come home from Nepal.
Love,
Nahuel, Aya, and Aferebea
Margo
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Wow, that is truly awesome. Soon! That is so exciting guys. FYI, when we took Zoe home, she got so car sick (at least I think that’s what it was) that she puked up all over and nearly gave us a heart attack b/c we could tell that had she been hooked up to monitors she would have for sure de-sated. Anyway, the puking is a problem…mainly for the cleanup. That happened in Neil’s new truck! Awesome job Zoe! Anyway, keep up the great work and we will continue to send good vibes about homecoming.
Liz and Kevin
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
so many amazing steps forward!! fantastic.
xoxo L and K
Carly
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Good job Lucas! I am thrilled to read about the amazing strides that you have been taking. You are one strong little guy. We are sending you lots of love and good wishes and can’t wait for the day that you visit Seattle. I have lots of good stories to share with you about your pops back in the day.
xo,
Carly (but, you can call me Quintana if you prefer, like other members in your family :))
Tara
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Progress, progress, PROGRESS!!! Little Lucas you have come so far. To think that you may be heading to your new home in the next few weeks is so exciting!! I am amazed at how much you have grown and love seeing you shake your bootie in the little videos. And make sure to give your mom & dad an extra wiggle for me to remind them of all the big steps forward you have taken & that the little steps back have never gotten you down…it is just part of the process.
Can’t wait to see more adorable pictures of you soon!!
Madden
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Dear Lucas-
I am starting to get a bag of Halloween candy and treats together for you. I was wondering what kid of candy you like? Nerds are my favorite but I also like candy corn. My mom said that you probably can’t eat candy yet, but I think I should send it anyway…just in case. I also have a spider ring for you.
I love you.
Madden
ashley
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Oh, Lucas, you are the cutest little pumpkin ever!!! I think this outfit tops the bunny ears:) You look like such a big boy in the car seat. We are getting so excited thinking of your homecoming. Tya and Ellody are sending you some stuff for your crib so that you can feel their good vibes while you are hanging out at home. I am on the hunt for the perfect mobile to entertain you while you are chilling in your crib. Lots of love.
Tia Ashley
p.s. I am starting to think you look a lot like your cousin Madden when she was a baby. You are VERY cute!!!
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