I hope the title doesn't throw anyone off...Coy is doing really great! We had a visit to the High Risk Pedi today (they are the docs affiliated w/ the Hermann NICU, Coy will follow up w/ them until he is 2 years old) and the doctor thought he looked "great." He is now 3 days old adjusted age (developmentally he should act like a 3 day old newborn, not a 4 month infant) weighed in at 5 lbs 14 oz and is 18.5 inches long! That's awesome growth since we were discharged from the hospital a little over 2 weeks ago! To my surprise, we will not have to go back for 6 months! Since we have a Pulse Ox (to measure his blood oxygen level), they are giving ME the authority to wean his oxygen! I was planning on doing it anyway, but cool that I now have the doctors permission. So, to wean oxygen, we will test him daily off of it and watch his sats--he needs to say above 92% to wean off successfully--this may take some time, but we've already noticed how his lungs are maturing and becoming stronger by the day!
My prayer request is this: pray for Coy's reflux to diminish! He has not been officially diagnosed w/ reflux, but it is becoming more and more obvious to Dr. Mom. He tends to arch his back and grimace during some feedings (meaning he is in pain), and at times spits up more. I know all babies spit-up, but he's spitting up in correlation to the retching pain--a sign of reflux and it is becoming more often. We've all had acid reflux from time to time and it doesn't feel good---so I want to get hold of this issue before it becomes larger. We are trying him on regular breast milk (not fortified) to see if that helps; if not, he will most likely need reflux medications. So please pray for the reflux to go away! He has had good weight gain which is a good sign, but like I said, I don't want it becoming worse! Most "normal" babies will eventually grow out of reflux, but with preemies, the effects can last longer. And of course, I've heard horror reflux stories where babies will just stop eating because they are in such pain!
Chris and I are doing better and better with the round-the-clock feeding schedule! This weekend, Chris "babysat" and I went to the mall and Target (my favorite, I could spend a million dollars there, no seriously)! It was a much needed break and good to feel like a normal part of society.
Thanks to all who have donated to the March of Dimes! We appreciate it so much!
Also, thanks to all who came to the blood drive and gave LIFE! You're awesome! 
Unspeakable Joy - 11 months old
14 years ago
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19 comments:
he looks amazing and so do you! We miss you guys so much! Thanks for the update today - I am praying for total healing of Coy in every way. Can't wait to get together!
What a cutie! I am so happy Coy is doing great! He's getting so big too! I will pray for no reflux, but it does sound very familiar... Jaxson's still on meds for it (I feel like "nurse Ann" with the syringes of medicine 3x a day) Hopefully you won't have to do that! We will keep you in our prayers... otherwise keep up the great progress Coy!
Love,
Ann
ps- I LOVE Target too, and shopping is wonderful therapy when you're on preemie "lockdown"!
oh it is such a privledge to continue to pray for your sweet little guy.
Great to hear that you went to Target! I agree, a million dollars at least and that's all on the same visit ;)
will check back soon,
peace and blessings,
j
First of all, I love the last picture of you two! He is always adorable. Thanks for the update. I will be praying for continued miracles and his reflux to completely dissappear. Keep up the good work. Coy is lucky to have you as parents!
Melissa
I had triplets at 28 weeks and three days, they too struggled with reflux for the first few months home. I think we had to give the medication for about 2 months after they were home and then they grew out of it. I will pray that Coy doesn't have to go through that. He looks great, you're doing an amazing job. Remember to keep taking "mommy breaks" as it's hard to be "on" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus, I have found that a happy mommy, helps make a happy baby (or babies in my case:)
I have been so inspired by your blog- you're an amazing person. Thank you for sharing your journey. My boys, are 9 months old now and doing really well- isn't God amazing?!
Take care of yourself and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky Winkler
can i say that i don't even know you but want to squeeze that baby's cheeks!? how cute is he!
I will pray for his reflux issues. my daughter struggled with that and was on zantac until she was 6 mos. old.
it hurts a momma's heart to see their babes in pain.
It is great to hear how amazing you guys are doing and how much progress Coy has made. I will pray for the reflux to go away and your strength to continue!
Orlagh
Wow, that new picture of you holding Coy really shows how much he has grown! He looks like a 3 day old!!!! I'm praying for Coy in this time of transition. Maybe regular breast milk is exactly what he needs to help the reflux go away!
Take care,
Melissa Williams
Coy is beautiful! I knew Coy would have "The Kolkhorst Halo". You and Chris must be on cloud nine. I am just so happy for the 3of you.
Take care,
My Liam had acid reflux until he was around one year and a half... I know it sounds aweful but that is the truth and yes he outgrew that condition...he took medication for a more than one year...on and off though but still... he sometimes still has episodes but now I don't take that seriously as I used to...
Coy looks like he weights so much... he is getting so chubby and handsome...that picture of you with little peanut is just priceless... we sent our love ...and lots of prayers
Esperanza, Orlando & Liam Penaloza
Ann Marie,
I saw this in the magazine this weekend. I dont if it would settle his tummy at all, but for $20 it might be worth the try. It says for Colic, but acid reflux can be caused by many different things, including gas. Check it out! I hope this helps!
Michaelle, Mom to Payton & Grayson, 16 Months
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=523777&cmSource=Search
I am a Mom to a 26 weeker(left you my info in an earlier blog) who we had to admit our daughter as a failure to thrive 10 weeks after she came home...she had reflux that never came up and out so it went undiagnosed...she ended up getting sick while in the hospital and quick eating altogether(has g-tube now)...reflux is VERY common with preemies and can really cause so many problems with feeding. We had our daughter on prevacid and reglan(helps the stomach empty) until 18 months. Follow your gut instincts with him...you know him better than anyone. Micropreemies are very prone to feeding issues so stay on top of things...at three months the sucking becomes a choice and not a reflex, so you want to make it as pleasurable as possible for him. Also breast milk empties out of the stomach faster than formula so if he does have reflux its easiest on him...see if you can't fortify with Nutramigen(its a broken down protein). Hang in there...
Ann Marie,
First let me introduce myself. My name is Amanda Rooney and my sister, Ashley is a friend of Amanda (Moore) Jones. It is through Amanda that Ashley and I were introduced to you and Coy via blog. And it has turly been amazing to see Almighty God at work in Coy's life. It has been a blessing to pray along with you and see Coy thru this journey.
I am the mother of four and my last baby, Ethan Parker, was also born early and spent some time in NICU. He too struggled with reflux, which also GREATLY affected his sleeping. (And you know what they say in NICU....sleeping equals growing..) After one night when Ethan quit breathing after an "episode" I became a mother on a mission. So, I am writing today to share with you what worked for me. It is an all natural product called 'Bubble-B-Gone'. It helps promote healthy digestion in babies/children. It is a liquid and I give Ethan 3-5 drops before eating. It has changed our lives!!!I have extra and would gladly send some if you like.(Although I completely understand if you decline. I know as a mom - especially a mom of a preemie that everyone offers their advice and suggestions. NO ONE knows Coy better than you. And God gave mothers their intuition for a reason.) I hesitated to write b/c you don't know me... but as a mother who can relate to watching their baby eat/digest in pain... I had to at least offer to help.
I continue to pray for Coy (and you and Chris) I love reading EVERY entry and watching Coy grow....To God be the glory...
You are doing such a great job Mommy!! Coy looks awesome! Glad to read that he gets better everyday :)
How wonderful that things are going well for all of you. Think of you a lot and hope everything continues well for Coy.
WOW! You have a beautiful baby boy! We just brought our 33 weeker home from the NICU 2 weeks ago after being in there for just 15 days. I thought my life was going to end. I can not imagine what you are going thru. Please know I will pray for Coy.
I'm so happy to see this blog and see that he is home and doing well for the most part. Our preemie has reflux and a hernia that will need surgery at 4 months old.
God bless you and your family!
We have had reflux issues with Olivia and are finally getting a handle on them. Olivia hasn't thrown up in over a week. She is on Prevacid, but we've found a lot of other tricks that help. Let me know if you continue to struggle with reflux and I'd be happy to try to help.
www.oliviaandlogan.blogspot.com
In addition to the prevacid, try thickening Coy's feeds. Reflux was a huge issue for Hallie and I wish we had done this sooner because maybe we might have avoided some of the feeding issues. Anyway, SImply Thick is the best stuff, can be added to breast milk and doesn't get thicker over time. If you leave me a message on our blog, with your email address, I'll get in touch with you and send you some of our stash to try if you want.
Abby
(blogginghallie.blogspot.com)
Hey guys,
I am back in NICU this month and I miss seeing you. Coy is getting so big. I enjoy reading your Blog. It is good to hear that you are all ajusting so well. I will continue to pray for Coy and both of you as parents. Blessings and peace be with you today.
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