These Days: Feb 3, 2011

Hello all,

We'd like to introduce our son, Caleb Nelson Heaton, born 28 January at 1116. He was 7 lbs 0 oz., and was 19 1/2 inches long. As some of you know there were some complications, and the first 72 hours of this little guy's life were rather eventful.

Although he tolerated the labor well and was in no sign of distress, during the actual delivery the umbilical cord became wrapped around his neck, which caused him to stop breathing. The pediatric response team was on scene immediately, and began resuscitating him. He was intubated, and rushed to the Neo-Natel ICU, where the staff continued to work on him. It was determined he had suffered a Pneumothorax in his right lung, so it had collapsed, and he had to receive a needle-decompression (chest tube). With mom being a nurse, and dad doing what he does, this injury is too familiar, and a little scary.

The past 72 hours he's gone through several tests, two steps forward, one back, taking it one breath at a time, but has been proving he's one BTF (Big Tough Frogman). Late on the first day he was extubated (removed tube bringing air into his lungs), and he showed he could breath on his own. X-Rays showed his lung was to full expansion, but the chest tube remained in place, although no fluids were leaking, so that was a good sign. On the 29th the docs were confident enough in his progress to remove the chest tube, and his lung remained inflated. These were two major hurdles, and they began reducing his pain meds, so he became more alert little by little.

He was still having some problems with his breathing, irregularities that the docs couldn't fully explain, other than the traumatic first 24 hours, so he was taken to get a CT scan, which was negative. I just said he's working on his breath holds to prepare for his 50m underwater. On Sunday he started becoming more awake, and liked to keep the nurses and docs attention on him, knocking off leads that would send the staff running to him. He passed his Neuro tests very well, and has good movement with his limbs, and has a tight grip, even in his sleep. Monday he was ready to let the world know what he thought of all this, and finally let out some good cries. I never thought I'd say I was so happy to hear a baby cry, but it was great to hear.

He's proven himself a little escape artist, and even though the nurses are on to him he continues to pull his leads off, kick his blankets off, wrestle out of the tightest swaddle, and knock off his blood pressure cuff that is velcroed tight to his foot. Mom fed him for the first time on Monday, although from a bottle so they can regulate the amount he receives. This is another huge test, to see if his system can handle it. So far he's had several feedings and loves it, as it always puts him into a nice deep sleep. He graduated from his incubator (which I was told was their newest model, being broken in by him, so yes, already spoiled) to a regular crib, which is nice. Sarah was discharged on Monday, so it was nice to come home, but sad to leave him behind still. We continue to visit him and check up on him every chance we get, and he is doing much better.

The staff at the NICU is first class. We thank God for all them, especially those who responded during those intense first moments. Everything they did was spot on, from getting IVs hooked up to intubating him, everything was done on the first try, so Caleb was truly being watched over and was in good hands. The nurses there continue to impress us with their experience and the attention they pay to him. They all describe him as feisty, a fighter, one-tough kid, and of course, cute.

We've had such wonderful help from friends too. Ann and Berry were kind enough to drive all the way to our house to check on Sadie the first couple days, and Ann went beyond by tidying things up around the house (thanks Ann!). They also showed up to visit, and of course brought the onesie - with the motto "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday" - which we placed on the glass above Caleb's first crib so he could look up at it, and now is by his new crib. He loves to stare at it, and I think he's taken the motto to heart. Becca and Justice were kind enough to also drive out and pick up Sadie when we determined Caleb would be staying longer. Sadie is with her boyfriend Jack, so she is happy. Becca, Justice, and little Justice visited us in the hospital too, and brought some food after we became fed up with hospital food or Subway for the past 5 days. Brian, Mary, and little Trevor, another recent addition, also stopped by and brought Caleb a little gown to wear when he gets out. Thanks guys!

And of course thanks to everyone for the texts, voice mails, thoughts and prayers, we appreciate all the kind words and support. We'll try to keep you all updated, and hopefully bring more good news, and ultimately news on his escape from the hospital. I keep telling him his room at home is ready for him, and much nicer than the ICU. We think he just likes a little challenge and the attention of all the nurses. He's going to have a cool scar on his right side, which will probably make for some good stories.

Thanks again for all your support, we just ask you keep Caleb in your prayers for a quick recovery and a trip home in the near future.

Love,

Neal, Sarah, and little Caleb

P.S. - Caleb is now able to eat as much as he wants. If everything goes well over the next couple of days then we may be able to take him home in the near future!