Thursday, August 28, 2008

Jacob is getting the big shoes ready for Eric to fill!


Jacob got Daddy's shoes on, on the wrong feet, all by himself and walked around for about 20 minutes. We couldn't believe he could keep them on.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Eric

Just a little update!! Eric is doing great. He is gaining about 1/2 oz. per day and they have increased his feedings again to 12cc every three hours. Tonight he finished the last of his IV fluids and is on breastmilk only. He is also officially IV free, no more lines going into his little body. He looks so nice and baby pink and Troy said last night after holding him that he thinks Eric got his blue eyes! I am amazed everyday at how far Eric has come.

Jacob is doing well too. He is tolerating the "move" to Charleston and is having a ball playing in the playroom in the hospital. I think we are finally falling into a schedule again which helps. God bless him and thank goodness he won't be old enough to remember all this. I just wish he could meet his brother.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Holding Our Little Man










Well, we have some more good news about Eric. Tuesday and Wednesday were the first days that Troy and I finally got to hold him. Troy graciously let me go first and I got to do "Kangaroo Care" (they have you put him inside your shirt, skin to skin, for warmth) for almost 3 hours. It was pure Heaven on Earth!! Eric did so well laying on both of us it was hard to let him go.

They have weened him way down on his ventilator and have almost tripled his feedings now. He will be a chubby little Jacob Jr. in no time (well, maybe not quite that fast, he now weighs 1 lb. 13oz.)!!!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

New Eric News!!

We weren't able to add a new picture but we still wanted to do an update. We got some great news today. Eric had an ultrasound last night on his head to do a final analysis on whether or not his rough start into life had caused any bleeding or deterioration of the brain due to lack of oxygen or unstable vital signs. This is common in preemies but, the results came back showing no damage to his brain at all!!! All of his major organs look great. He is also off of his Jaundice lights and his blood gas levels are very good. Eric's lungs are still very immature so he is still on a ventilator but is breathing on his own above the settings. We feel so blessed with every milestone he is making. Again, we are so thankful for the love and support you have shown for our growing family and appreciate the prayers more than you will ever know. We will keep you updated.

Love,
Troy, Tracey, Jacob & Eric

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Eric thought he would wave hi!!

Megan, Eric's nurse, was doing a check up on him so we got a little video. His little hand pops up to wave hi and he is quite a kicker!!

Still Doing Good, New Pics of Eric!!

Daddy is getting my foot!!
Holding Mommy's hand!!
Why's everybody picking on me?
Eric had another good day and is looking great. Troy and I went up today and let Jacob stay home and run a normal routine. He had a great time with Grandma and Auntie Tara.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Eric just couldn't wait!


For everyone who doesn't know, Eric came Monday at 5:52pm at just 27 weeks. He was 2lbs. and 14 inches long. I had some pain Monday morning and called to see what they wanted me to do. They thought maybe it was just a simple infection so they sent me to the hospital to make sure. They hooked me up to the monitors at around 2:45 and never picked up a single contraction. The nurses were waiting to see what my labs came back as and the pain started getting worse and when they checked me less than 2 hours later I was 8 cm dilated and there was no stopping it. Jacob and I had just said our good-byes to Troy that morning for his trip to Ft. Benning Georgia. Troy got the call and turned around and headed straight back. I got to see Eric for less than a minute before they Life-Flighted him up to Charleston via helicopter. Troy got back around 9:45 that night and we got a call about 2 hours later that they didn't think Eric would make it through the night so we prepped to go up there and see him and by the grace of God they called back and said all of his blood work had started looking better and better and that we should get some rest and let me recuperate. We went up the next morning and he is headed in the right direction. He is still a very sick baby that will have his good days and his bad but so far he is showing no signs of any organ or brain damage and continues to be as stable as a 2 lb. baby can be. He did develop a little jaundice which is why the picture is blue and he has his groovy shades on!! Thank you to eveyone for your prayers and show of support for our family. We will try to update you all as soon as we get new info. My Mom and sister flew up yesterday to be with us so we have some extra help.
Thank you again!
The Sayler Family
Troy, Tracey, Jacob & Eric