Lewis likes to keep an eye on the action. His crib is on the perimeter of the NICU, so he prefers facing his right. Unfortunately for him, newborns are supposed to change positions frequently to keep their head shape and neck muscles developing properly. The nurses roll blankets and wedge the babies in to keep them in position. Today, the nurse told us that when Lewis is facing the outside of the room, he wiggles until he is flat on his back and then turns his head back to the center of the room. If only he'd focus that energy on sucking and swallowing. We put a mirror on the left side of his crib - maybe he'll stay put.
Not too much other excitement today. We're still waiting for the consult from the pediatric surgeon regarding the Nissen surgery and the G tube. Lewis' IV started to leak, so they've taken it out and stopped the antibiotics as of today (day 9 of the antibiotic cycle). They'll continue to culture his chest secretions to make sure he's through the infections.
Physical Therapy - continued to make small improvements. Slightly better trunk strength, Lewis is trying to lift his head when he's on his tummy. His eyes are tracking and he shows a preference (as we all know) for his right side over his left.
Feeding - still no swallowing. Lewis continues to make slow progress sucking. Calories are being added to all the milk he's getting (thanks Mom!) to make sure he maintains his weight. Lewis' NG feeding tube was moved down a few centimeters past his stomach to make sure it was in the right place. The nurse thought that this was just the result of him growing while the tube was in (as opposed to the tube being pulled out).
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