breathing before walking, please.

We lifted the blanket to peer into the isolette that keeps our tiny, 27 week old miracle boy alive, and there he was-- on his feet. not upright, but literally straight-legged, with his back and his bottom straight up in the air! We were in awe, when he not only did this once or twice, but several times over the next few minutes. The nurse on duty said he was doing his exercises. Who would have thought that such scrawny little chicken legs could do anything other than stretch and flail?! I think it would be amazing to watch a full term newborn do something that takes so much strength! But to see a 12 incher on a ventilator try to stand up is truly mind-boggling. It was a proud parent moment! But of course we didn't have the camera... :(
We are so encouraged that he is getting stronger, and that he's eating well! His feedings have now increased from 2-4 mL every 3 hrs... to 10-13 mL!! The plan is to increase the amount every 12 hrs, as long as he tolerates it. Please pray that he DOES, and that no complications arise!! We want him dancing around that isolette by the end of the week! (just kidding)... but we do want him to start gaining that weight and strength he so desperately needs in order to thrive.
This morning we got a call from the nurse practitioner letting us know that they tried to switch him from the oscillator to the C-PAP. Unfortunately he stopped breathing several times and they had to put him back on the original ventilator. His lungs are still too immature to allow him to breathe with less assistance. While this sounds scary, she assured us that it is very normal, and he just needs a few more days to rest and mature before they try it again. I'm just amazed that they are trying it this soon! I thought it'd be weeks before that would be possible. Our prayers are for strong and healthy air sacs to grow this week, and a smooth and safe transition to the C-PAP -- when it's time. Of course we want to see quick progress, but only if he's ready for it. We don't need any more overachievers in this family!! So take it easy with the leg lifts, Buddy!