April 9, 2013:

Well Dr. Desai decided RJ should leap instead of take baby steps to weaning off the bubble cpap. This afternoon RJ was put on nasal cannula only. No pressure anymore. He was started on 0.5 liters of oxygen and when we called about 30 min ago, he was down to 0.06 liters of oxygen. Yikers!!! They switched his oxygen source while I was holding him this afternoon. Dr. Desai said if we don't try and push him, then we won't know what he can really do. So far he seems to not even notice what's happened. He's been keeping his sats in the upper 90's - 100% all afternoon. Of course when he wiggles, grunts, and holds his breath his sats go down and then bounce right back up again. He is really looking like a normal baby. The nasal cannula is so tiny and clear in color. We were both shocked this morning when the decision was made. We still thought there was going to be some weaning of the pressures on the bubble cpap before transitioning. The practitioners were all surprised as well. Robert and I are planning on going back soon to give RJ his bath. Since he's tolerating his new oxygen source so well, there's no need to hold on the bath like I thought they'd say. We are going to plan on giving him another big boy bath in the lil basin. Please continue to pray hard that RJ keeps those lungs working and that he will be strong enough to keep flying. I'm tired of taking steps backwards. I want us to continue forwards...

This afternoon we started introducing RJ to the breast. The lactation consultant wasn't able to be there today, but will help tomorrow. She said to just let him nuzzle around. It didn't seem like a very successful session, but here's hopin tomorrow is better. :) Robert happened to be around and was able to witness the trial. :) He's done so well with his binki, it seems that he would do well w/ the nipple. I'm guessing they will start PO feeds tomorrow the rapid pace we are treading right now. We will keep everyone posted.

Pray hard these next few days that  our lil man stays on the nasal cannula and does well!!