F = Frustrated

I hate to even mention anything negative because we are so grateful that Carter is alive and thriving. We know that it could be so much worse. But, we've all had a frustrating few days and I think Carter needs some extra prayers and finger crossing.

The feeds have hit a wall and I imagine if he could, Carter would throw the bottle against a wall! We're back to trying finger feeds, which he seems to like better than the bottle. When we introduce a bottle, Carter falls asleep either immediately or just after taking a few sucks. This, apparently, is his way of "shutting down" and telling us that he hates it. We thought it was kinda cute until his Speech Therapist told us that it's a kind of coping mechanism for something that is very unpleasant. Not so cute now. On a positive note, he loves his pacifier. We just have to figure out to transition from finger feeds and paci sucking to bottle feeds without creating more of an aversion. *update* Carter drank 8cc's from the bottle tonight for Nurse Lindzie!

He's also been having high blood pressure, which is a new issue as of the last week or so. He has had repeated kidney ultrasounds, which don't show any problems. This afternoon, he had an ultrasound of his aorta (in utero they thought he had a coarctation), which showed a few small clots. These clots are likely the cause of the high blood pressure and are likely a result of ECMO. Dr. is not concerned about the clots, thinking that his body will absorb them. So for now he's on blood pressure medication to prevent his heart from overworking until the clots are resolved.

They continue to wean his methadone and as he becomes less sedated, his reflux becomes more apparent. So, now he's also on reflux medication. The pH levels of his aspirate aren't that low (low indicating acid) but he exhibits many reflux symptoms: arching back, vomiting, wet burps, wet hiccups, and not sleeping (this kid NEVER sleeps). Luckily, he had a reflux fit during rounds and they promptly ordered the meds later that morning.

He continues to grow, weighing in at a whopping 10 lbs, 12 ounces and just over 24 inches long. Even through all of the above, he smiles, laughs, coos, growls, and plays. The new development yesterday was ROLLING OVER! He was lying in his crib on his right side and rolled over to the left side to flirt with Nurse Elizabeth and look at her bright red (NC State) scrubs. He's also started scooting around in his crib and has been found lying sideways or against the rails with his arms hanging out. We think he's trying to escape!

So, please say an extra prayer for Carter.