Blessing

  Last night we were able to give Kai a name and a blessing.  It was a very special occasion, and although it was a very private affair, we felt the love and support around us.  After the blessing Kai had a bath and his Aunt Alisia even styled his hair!  He did really well during the bath (baths are very stressful for preemies); he didn't drop his oxygen saturation levels or his heart rate.  He did however, "check out" and just fell asleep.

We got a little mohawk!

They are going to to what is called a PICC line (essentially an IV with essential fluids and whatnot) today.  With the PICC line in we will be able to hold him.  I am so excited--every time I think about holding him I just tear up. 

In other news, we received the results back from the scope yesterday.  The obstruction in his airway is due to a floppy epiglottis.  Basically, when you swallow, the epiglottis is what cuts off your airway so food and liquid does not get into your lungs.  It normally stands straight up until you swallow.  Kai's flops down, which cuts off his airway and does not allow him to breathe.  Additionally, his vocal chords move and he has a narrow windpipe.  There is a chance with maturity that these things will fix themselves, but as of right now, that is unknown.  The doctors have recommended a tracheotomy so that we can get the tube out of his throat and he can breathe.  He may still be too little for a trache at this point in time--J and I still have to consult further with the ENT (ears, nose and throat) doctor to learn more.