Well we are learning a lot about the world of the NICU. Everyday we learn a new word or a new term used. It's very insightful, although I would rather be completely ignorant and be sitting here in the hospital room with Gabe waiting for our discharge!

As of yesterday, Gabe was doing well for the most part. He is having trouble with mucus buildup in his chest from the breathing tube. This is causing a slowdown in his respiration. They suctioned him very often. They also said that they were planning on doing a heart catheterization on Monday to get a closer look on how his heart and blood flow operates. Basically to get a clearer picture on the game plan for surgery, which they are planning for Wednesday. Of course the surgery date is not set in stone. It may get pushed back or pushed up depending on how he does or others with greater or more serious needs. They have been keeping a close eye on his lactate acid levels. Apparently, this is something they monitor because a high level alerts that there is something wrong within his bodily function. They were high Thursday night but with careful monitoring and gas treatments, they can get it under control. Normal range is between 1 and 2. His oxygen saturations have been excellent in the normal range. A chest and head xray found an air poket in one of his lungs but it cleared itself on its own. And lastly, they found a small bruise between his skull and brain but they are not concerned. They say this comes with over-monitoring. It is fairly common in newborns but typical healthy newborns are not xrayed so it goes undetected. If it were a larger bleed or bruise it would be cause for alarm but that isn't the case. I should also mention that Gabe was baptised yesterday. This is a huge relief for Jeff and I. We appreciate Father Mark having come down to perform this and also do a quick annointment for the sick. We will celebrate his baptism in a good spanish tradition when he is home!

Todays update is a little different: Although, he is still having problems with mucus build up, they are suctioning him regularly. They have lowered the amount of help he gets from the tube and he is basically breathing on his own. The tube only kicks in when he forgets to breathe every once in a while. This is to wean him from the tube and get him accustomed to breathing on his own. he seems to be doing very well with that. They are going to keep the tube in however since he will need it for surgery on Wednesday. They have cancelled his catheterization, which is fantastic news. The cardiologists think that there is no need for it and that they have a game plan for surgery. His lactate levels are down to 1.4 which is great news. They are going down so they are only giving him gas treatments every 8 hours now. They are using a pic line now and have taken one of his IV's out. Basically, as of this morning, he is doing fantastic. That is the little fighter in him. He's been a fighter since the beginning!

We appreciate everyone's phone calls and texts. We are very grateful for your support and prayers. Your support means the world to us. A lot of people have asked about visitation. The thing is, that he is in such a vulnerable situation right now, that Jeff and I feel that we should keep visitation to a minimum from immediate family only. There are a lot a sick babies in the NICU and a constant flow of traffic through there interferes with the caregivers and their jobs. Also, they are all so vulnerable to germs and sickness. It would just be simpler to stay updated through this blog. We will post as many pictures as possible and we promise that you will get to meet Gabe as soon as this is all past and the Dr's allow it. I will post more updates later!