Lend Me Your Eyes, I Can Change What You See

Landon had a good week this week. It just goes to show you how fast things can change in the NICU. From being taken off the vent last Sunday to his first adventure in a swing today, I feel as if this week we were really able to open our eyes and see the real Landon. A Landon who is not in pain or trying to fight the vent tube or upset because he is so hungry.

The real Landon LOVES food. He is still being continuously feed through a tube in his nose, but was able to start trying a bottle this week. His biggest problem is in his excitement to get in as much milk in as a short a time as possible, he forgets to swallow and breathe. This kid eats like he has never been fed before and essentially he really hasn't. He is on full feeds of breast milk and no longer needs the nutrient liquid that was causing problems with his liver.

He is having problems digesting his food because the hole in his intestine was so high in his stomach and nutrient absorption usually happens in the lower intestine. This can be remedied by taking the output from his ostomy bag and refeeding it into the other part of his intestines. The hope would be that he can get enough nutrients to keep growing with this setup. We will know in the next couple of weeks if this is the case.

Besides food, Landon loves having the vent out and the elephant mask off. He is on a special form of nasal prongs that allow both oxygen and pressurized air to get into his lungs. He has been doing phenomenally on these and is so much happier. He now opens his eyes and really looks around like he is seeing the world for the first time. He is also much more portable with the nasal prongs, which allowed him to take his first trip to the 'playground.' The playground being a swing on the floor next to his isolette. He LOVES swinging and was very upset when we took him out of it to eat.

Now that he is doing better, we are hoping that the problems with his heart from pulmonary hypertension may be diminished. We will know later this week when he has a test to see how his heart is coping. We pray that the pulmonary hypertension is less as that is one less medication and complication he would have to deal with.

Now for a side not totally related to Landon's progress note. We are so lucky for the amazing friends and family that have been supporting us throughout this journey. I am constantly surprised for the thoughtful gestures, gifts, and prayers that we are given. These let me know that Landon has not only changed our lives but touched the lives of countless people. Such big shoes for such a little guy!