Max and Michaela are both just over a month old, and will reach 33 weeks (gestational age) on Wednesday.  Max is 3 pounds, 7 ounces and continuing to gain weight quickly!  This past week was a bit difficult for him in that he had trouble breathing and experienced more episodes of apnea and bradycardia than in previous weeks.  Here’s a summary of his current stats:

Max is still on High Flow Therapy, and receives 4 liters of oxygen per minute.  The goal is to wean him off of the support until he gets down to 1 liter.  Once his breathing is stable at 1 liter, he’ll be free to enjoy breathing completely on his own (no more nasal cannula!).  He made it down to 3 liters earlier this week, but had to be bumped back up to 4 yesterday when he struggled to keep his oxygen levels up.

The doctors performed an x-ray on Max’s chest yesterday to see if he had fluid in his lungs that was preventing him from breathing comfortably.  The images were ‘hazy’, which indicates there is a bit of fluid.  His legs are also puffy which means he is most likely retaining fluid all around.  He started receiving small doses of diuretics twice daily to help him get rid of his excess fluid.  We’re hoping this translates into improved breathing for him over the next few days.

Max’s heart murmur is still audible, which means his PDA (patent ductus arteriosus – the small hole between his heart and lungs that remains ope) is still working on closing.  His PDA is not large enough to warrant surgery or even medication, so his murmur will be monitored to make sure the hole is slowly closing on its own as he grows.

The exciting news is that his weight gain is right on target, and he looks different (and fatter!) every time we see him…

Max LOVES his pacifier. He’ll be a very good eater!

Looking at his mom through his isolette

Comfortable 🙂

Light bothers Max’s eyes occasionally. When it’s very bright, he’ll cover his face with his hands.