Update: Improvements All Around

In the first 48-hours we have witnessed the miracle of birth, numerous prayers being answered, and have been blessed in more ways than one can capture in a blog. To say that it has been a roller coaster of emotions would be an understatement! Overall, Adrien is getting stronger and improving, while Karyne has hardly slowed a beat from her pre-labour form --- both have been such troopers!!!

On Monday, Gabriel and Wesley's parents came over from Mayne Island to the hospital. We had a "birthday party" with Oma, Grandpa, Mamie and Papa prior to everyone getting to spend a few minutes with Adrien. Gabriel got to see his baby brother in his "special tent" and watched him very carefully. It was really good to explain to Gabriel a lot of the things that were happening to Adrien and to answer his questions. His big concern was "where baby's food?"  The grandparents were ecstatic to see the new grandson, and there were definately a few tears shed. Throughout the first two-days Mommy and Daddy have been able to hold Adrien's hands, flex/cuddle his legs into a fetal position, and continually talk to him, though we have not yet been able to hold him.

The doctors and nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have been VERY supportive, informative and gracious to us. They have gone to great lengths to explain his status, the equipment, the various procedures, and the success/challenges Adrien faces. We have really felt that they have made us a part of the process, which has been really beneficial. The doctors and nurses in the "Mother Babe" unit have been equally as supportive. They have taken great pains to make sure that Karyne is comfortable, recovering well, and provided assistance with pumping.  

Adrien's Status
Adrien's breathing has been the primary focus of the medical intervention. During the first 24-hours his breathing improved steadily, but he struggled to keep his lungs open. He has been on oxygen and a cpap machine, which helps to push extra air into his lungs. On Monday night he was, as his paediatrician described, a "little naughty". He began to have additional challenges with breathing, so his care was transferred to a neonatologist for more specialized care. He was given a ventilator to make breathing easier, surfactant to open his lungs, and now has an IV into his stomach, through his umbilical cord, for food and nutrients.

Throughout Tuesday, Adrien's condition improved dramatically to the point where he was breathing room air, though he was still, as a precaution, on the ventilator to make it easier to breath. He also turned a little jaundiced. As a result he is wearing some very cool foam shades for "a day to three" (he looks a bit like Spiderman) under specialized UV lights to help him break down bilirubin (this is apparently expected with premature babies).

You may think that Adrien faces some initial challenges, but no one told him. He has already showed that he has quite the personality (much like his Mommy) and that he has a lot of motivation, determination, and fortitude (physically and personally)...a determined little fighter. When he is happy, he will lie quiet and content (typically sleeping), but when he is unhappy he lets the nurses know (especially if his diaper is wet). A couple of times he has worked so hard he has made himself blue. It was explained that his brain is working a little harded than his body (lungs) can handle. He has also been VERY attentive to our presence (no suprise -- especially Karyne's voice) and still kicks as hard as he did in the womb.

Karyne's Status
The day after the birth, Karyne was up walking around and incredibly spry for having just delivered a baby less than 12-hours before. She made several trips throughout the day to see our little man in the NICU. She also started pumping colostrum, or "liquid gold" (which is stored in a fridge until Adrien is able to be fed). Karyne has been eating well and is in great spirits for our guests and the various hospital staff. In fact, a number of people have commented on just how well she has been doing!

On Tuesday she was more reserved and quieter, and commented that she was starting to feel a little beaten up and bruised, but she was still able to walk around (and even got outside for a few moments). Karyne will be discharged from the hospital's care tomorrow, but will remain at the hospital in the "courtesy room" for at least another week in order to be close to Adrien and to continue to pump/feed.

Logistics
Things have started to come together for our extended stay in the Victoria area. Since Friday, Wesley has been staying with close friends from university, who have provided an incredibly supportive and welcoming environment after long days in the hospital.

On Thursday Wesley will move into the Easter Seals house in Oak Bay (Victoria) that is approximately 20-minutes from the hospital. It is a home designed for families who have a member that requires an extended medical stay in the Victoria area.  Gabriel will be moving in with Daddy on Saturday. It will be such a relief to have him close again! (We really miss our big, little man, but he has been such a GREAT boy for his Grandpa and Oma while Mommy and Daddy have been away).

We were also blessed with a car from a friend of Wesley's mom, which will come in very handy as we need to start moving around town to get a few items.

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