Week one update

At the end of his first week, RJ has finished his antibiotics and had his IV removed, so that is one less tube he is attached to. He is still requiring some additional oxygen when he falls into a deep sleep. A chest X-ray today showed some residual inflammation, so it likely that his lungs just need a little longer to heal. We think they will be doing a sleep test tomorrow to get a better idea of what is happening with his breathing when he sleeps.

Breastfeeding is going very well. RJ has a temper and gets angry if he can't get food out as soon as he wants, but once he latches on he does a great job of getting lots of milk, as evidenced by before-and-after feeding weights. Guinevere is doing an awesome job of providing an ample supply for him.

The four moods of RJ seem to be:
1. Asleep (for up to 3 hours at a time)
2. Happy awake
3. Eating (also for long periods, frequently followed by mood 1)
4. Rage (usually brief and followed by mood 3)

The changeover from Uncle to Aunt staying with us went very smoothly (a single airport trip for dropoff and pickup). Jolly is continuing to have a good time with his Aunt, and though Guinevere is sad she won't get to go trick-or-treating with him, we are all holding up pretty well. Ephiny is continuing to go back and forth between home and the hospital, and Guinevere is called at bedtime to sing the goodnight song.

The most traumatized member of our household right now seems to be the cat, as Uncle let her sleep in his bed but Aunt is allergic, so she is lonely at night and makes a lot of noise.