Updated Stats

Phoenix's newest stats: 8 lbs. 11 oz. and 22". He is below the standard for his actual age (2 months), but in his "adjusted age" (2.5 weeks old, his "gestational age") he is in the 25th percentile in weight and the 50th percentile in height. He will use his "adjusted age" for development and growth charts until he is around 2 years old.

THANK YOU for your continued PRAYERS

Thank you all for your continued prayers for Phoenix! This past Tuesday, he went in for a somewhat common procedure for boys (a circumcision). Unfortunately, the results were far from common. It seems he is allergic to Lidocaine (the numbing medicine). This was not noticed until the procedure was already underway. Then, after attempting to give him some "sweeties" (sugar water) not only was he swollen, but then he was projectile vomiting around the room. Then, just after an hour of getting home, his Mommy (Steph) noticed while changing his diaper, that he was still bleeding. We called the pediatrician and were told to come in immediately. The doctor was unable to stop the bleeding with what she had in her office and we were sent to the Emergency Room at St. Charles, in Bend. He was at that time bleeding profusely. The ER doctors tried to stitch him, but the skin was already dying. An operating room had been prepped. His blood was drawn for labs and blood matching for a transfusion (because he'd already lost a lot of blood). But, Steph pleaded to wait to see if we could stop the bleeding, as the operation (a formal circumcision) would permanently alter his genitals, because they would have to cut off more than had already been cut. We were told that it would not be "aesthetically pleasing" when they were done. Thankfully, Phoenix eluded surgery when, after almost an hour, the bleeding stopped. He has been healing well and will get to take a bath (which he loves to do!), as soon as the plastic ring falls off. Until then, he has had "sponge baths" and he took his first shower with his Mor (Lisa) while his Mommy (Steph) washed him up. He didn't really fuss, but he didn't enjoy it nearly as much as his baths. Phoenix's newest "issue" is acid reflux. Apparently, this is quite common for preemies. However, it normally shows up while they are still pre-term. We did notice that it seemed to appear after we started giving him more formula (due to the decreased breast milk supply). Not only did he start spitting up and vomiting, but it was even coming out of his nose. He now only sleeps on his belly or almost completely upright (propped up by pillows)! We were instructed to start adding powdered rice cereal to his formula to try to keep the reflux down. Since this has not seemed to do the trick, and the reflux is now affecting his esophugus (making him unable to swallow without pain) Phoenix is now taking liquid Zantac (twice, daily). Hopefully, this will decrease his stomach acids and stop the reflux. Please continue your prayers for Phoenix. He has been through a lot in his short little life, but has thankfully (due to your thoughts and prayers) survived it all like a trooper!

Funny Hat!

These photos were taken while we were taking a walk with his stroller. As he turned his head (side to side) his almost too small hat slid off to the side. He looks a bit like a French sailor!

Another visit from Mormor

Phoenix had another wonderful visit with his Mormor! This allowed his Mor (Lisa) to work on painting the images for his aunt Anna Maria's wedding invitations and RSVP post cards.

Just a couple of "sickies"

Phoenix's next pediatrian's appointment is June 9th, but due to his severe nasal congestion (plus coughing and sneezing), we took him in to get checked out and see what we could do for him. While we were there, they weighed him (with his diaper and onesie still on, so it was not completely accurate, but...) he weighed 7 lbs. We'll get a more accurate weight on the 9th, when they'll undress him, before they weigh him. It will be fun to see what he weighs and how long he is, now that he is "full term" (as of May 27th). He was diagnosed with a cold, but due to his young age, they would not prescribe anything for him and told us to wait it out. However, a couple of days later, his Mor (Lisa) started to get quite sick (cold and flu symptoms and fever), as well. And, after a visit to Urgent Care, she was diagnosed with the croup and the beginning of either pneumonia or sinusitis! So, Lisa is now taking a cough syrup with narcotics and a "z-pack" of antibiotics and Mucinex. This means that Phoenix has to use up all the frozen breast milk (mixed with extra formula, to make it last) until Lisa finishes the antibiotics and cough syrup, so that he does not get a dosage of this medicine. All of this means that Mommy (Steph) has had to be a full-time Mommy, while Lisa was "out" from being sick and all of the medication(s)! Steph had to take a day off of work and then, only work a partial shift, until Lisa could manage caring for Phoenix, on her own. Luckily, Steph has not had any signs of illness, yet. And, we're just hoping that Phoenix doesn't get whatever Lisa has. We've just been trying to alleviate Phoenix's symptoms with daily baths, a humidifier, saline nasal spray, nasal suctions, baby vapo-rub, and keeping him laying on his side, stomach, or upright (if he's on his back). We've been keeping tabs on his temperature, as well, and thankfully he's not had a fever, like Lisa has had. Phoenix's nasal congestion has been slowly improving. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!

Photo Shoot (continued)!

Photo Shoot!

These pictures are dedicated to Phoenix's Mormor, who thought it might be fun to have a remote camera to take pictures of Phoenix's many expressions he makes while holding him! These were taken in his vibrating chair, but he still made a few faces! We ALL miss you Mormor and can't wait for you to come back!

First Walk in the Park

Last week, when Mormor was here, we all went on Phoenix's first walk in the local park! It was a little breezy, but he was bundled up and had the top up and cover on the bassinett portion of his stroller. Also, he was wrapped in blankets. He seemed to really enjoy being outside. And, since then, he has been outside every day... either while we were working outside or a walk in the park. He is always protected from direct sunlight, but still gets to experience and enjoy the fresh air and indirect sunlight. And, we come inside if the breeze gets too windy, since it can impede his ability to breathe normally.

Photo Shoot, Gone Bad!

This afternoon, Phoenix accompanied his Mor (Lisa) outside in his awesome stroller / buggy while she did a little light yardwork (weeding and trimming dead growth). He'd had about enough after just over an hour and we went back inside. The temperature was 75 F today and there was just a slight breeze. We brought the boom box outside and played his favorite (okay, only...) CD. It's a classical music for babies CD that he really seems to enjoy! This morning, Mommy (Steph) tried to help with a photo shoot, so that I could post new photos on this blog. But, after only a couple of pictures (the close ups, in the previous post), Phoenix had enough, screamed when his Mor (Lisa) wanted to get just one picture with his cool elephant hat, and after it was removed, he just shut down! Later (after being outside), Lisa got some good photos, in a second photo shoot, while he was in his vibrating music chair!

First Milestones

Although they are difficult to see in many of his photos, Phoenix's eyebrows and eyelashes are really starting to grow and fill in (see close up photos)! Phoenix is now 6 weeks old (as of Wednesday, May 20th) since birth. However, we were told that for developmental milestones, we should use his "adjusted age" which would be his gestational age. And, since he wasn't due until May 27th, he's still considered "unborn"! He will be "zero" (full term) next Wednesday, when we will begin charting his milestones. However, I think he must be "advanced"! This is because, according to "Pregnancy Weekly" at 6 weeks, a full term baby should be meeting the following milestones: momentarily lifting head up, while laying on his stomach; focus on others' faces; and smile (without gas!). He has met all of these milestones, even without adjusting his age! Phoenix has also begun to cry real tears (crocodile tears!). His Mommy (Steph) says Phoenix has his Mor's (Lisa's) number and already knows how to get his way with her. These tears are another "weapon" in his arsenal! And his sweet little "preemie cry" is long gone, as well. His lungs are strong and his cry is loud, now! Mommy (Steph) had to trim a few of his fingernails this week, because he keeps scratching his face and head. He had also been scratching us (our hands, neck, and arms) while we hold him! Phoenix has also begun to "coo"! He does this mainly when he's eating and when he's being held, as long as all of his other needs (feeding, burping, diaper change, sleep, etc.) have been met. He still very much enjoys his baths, so he also tends to "coo" during his bath time, as well.