Day 3: February 17th
Today Ryker had a bit of a bumpy day. His bilirubin levels were up a bit higher today, so he’s now on 2 lights & and a bili blanket. You can see him glowing blue from the other end of the NICU. However, whenever they take off the lights and his little mask, he is constantly opening his eyes and peaking at who is around him. I love that he’s so alert!! He received a dose of surfactant for his lungs, something that is naturally produced in babies who are full term, however since he is so little and so young, he needs a supplement to keep his lungs opening and closing with ease. He became agitated after the dose was given (although the doc said this was a normal reaction). It took some time to get this heart rate down and oxygen levels stable again. He was still pretty elevated in the evening, so Nick suggested I get in there and give him some ‘hand hugs’ by touching his head and bottom. It was my first time touching him (other than his little finger tips on the first day). I was an emotional mess! His little nudges reminded me of when he was in my belly. Soon after I touched him, his heart rate finally dropped and his oxygen percentage escalated so much they had to turn down the amount they were giving him. The nurse said it was a clear sign he was happy. So wild that a single touch could help so much. I cried happy tears.
