Two Weeks Old

Monday, February 28, 2017
Solomon is two weeks old today!  The blood transfusion seemed to do the trick.  His oxygen levels were good today and his alarms were few and far between.  He even put on 40 grams so he's now 25 grams higher than his birth weight.

Blood Transfusion

Sunday, February 26, 2017
Solomon did okay today.  They were able to get in one IV in his arm.  They gave him his first of four doses of blood at noon and then a second at 6 pm.  He was having a problem with his IV after the second dose so they had to remove that IV and were able to get another one into a vein in his scalp.  Even after the first dose his oxygen levels were improving.  As always, I know a lot of you are keeping him in your thoughts and prayers and I'm so grateful for that.

Dropping

Saturday, February 25, 2017
I spent last night and all day with Solomon.  His weight has dropped to 580 g which is 15 g less than his birth weight.  His heart rate and his oxygen levels also kept dropping throughout the day.  The doctor said that his hemoglobin levels are low and that he is going to need a blood transfusion.  It will most likely take place tomorrow.  To do this Solomon will need to have 2 peripheral IVs put in and they will have to discontinue his feeds and put him back on IV fluids for at least 24 hours.  It is really stressful being in his room for all the alarms constantly going off and seeing the numbers on the monitors.  I was able to hold him for a total of 7 hours last night and today.  When I am holding him his heart rate and oxygen levels mostly stay normal and the alarms aren't constantly going off.  I wish I could hold him 24/7.  I've received many texts, emails, and phone calls the last couple of days and will try to respond to each of you when I have the time and mental capacity to do so.  Please know that I appreciate everyone reaching out to us and am grateful for my support system.  

Penthouse View

Solomon's penthouse view.

Solomon had a good day and a good night.

Birth Weight

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Solomon had another good day today.  He gained another ten grams which puts him back at his birth weight.  Of course thank you all for your continued love and support.

Snuggle Time

Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Solomon had a great day today.  He gained 20 grams and is getting 9 mL of milk every 3 hours.  He didn't have any problems today.  We spent most of our time together today skin-to-skin.  The results form the cardiologist from yesterday showed that Solomon has a PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosis).  This is a valve in the heart that usually closes before birth but because he was born so early his is still open.  Usually PDA's will close on their own and are not treated, just monitored.

One of those Days

Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Today was a rough day.  Over night Solomon had had some low heart rates where his heartrate fell to about 70 bpm.  Then this morning they tested his blood gas and decided that he was working too hard breathing with the mask.  They reintubated Solomon so that he is not having to use so much energy just to breathe.  It was nice to see his face again without that mask smooshing it down.  Solomon had some episodes of SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia) which was when his heart rate increased to about 270 bpm.  The first two times it happened they were able to get it back down using Vagal Maneuvers (ie gagging him with their fingers).  The doctor thought that perhaps it was his UVC (Umbilical Vein Cathetar) that was causing his heart episodes so they decided to try to move it a little.  They moved it and Solomon's heart rate increased again.  They tried Vagal maneuvers again but his heart rate remained high.  At that point, they decided to completely remove the UVC to see if that would work.  It didn't.  The next thing to do was to administer a drug via IV to stop the SVT, only he still didn't have an IV.  At this point, some angel came into the room and was able to get an IV inserted in his leg.  They administered the drug and his heart rate normalized.  It was a very stressful 15 minutes for me to watch and I'm so grateful that Solomon has such talented people taking care of him.  The cardiologist came to see Solomon after I left and they have started him on beta blockers because he has a heart murmur.  Now with the breathing tube and the IV in place, he has stabilized and has had a pretty calm evening.  At some point during all this today, I realized that my ankles and calves were significantly swollen and called my doctor.  They had me come in to the office to evaluate.  Because I have a chronic blood clot in my leg, the CNP sent me to get an ultrasound on my legs.  Luckily the ultrasound showed that I had no active clots in my legs.  On top of all of this, I'm still managing to pump milk every 2.5 hours.  All in all, an exhausting day, I'm glad it's over.  I'm hoping that tomorrow is calm and I get to hold him all day.  

One Week Down

Monday, February 20, 2017
Solomon had a bit of a rough night last night.  He had a drop in heart rate several times and lost a little weight.  He did much better during the day today.  His feeding tube that is going into his belly button is a week old now and they want to remove it so it doesn't get infected.  To do this they need him to have an IV.  The nurses tried twice today to get an IV in but were ultimately unsuccessful.  The doctor is considering inserting one surgically in his scalp and he will have to be put under.  Hopefully it will not come to that so we will wait and see.  I was able to hold him twice today for a total of almost 4 hours.  When I was holding him he slept so soundly.  His body temperature has been stable all day and he is up to 6 mL of milk every 3 hours.  Today I got to change his poopy diaper. I never thought I'd be so excited to do that!

Marciupial

Sunday, February 19, 2017
What a wonderful day.  Imagine my surprise when Solomon's nurse asked if I wanted to hold him today.  Of course my answer was yes and we snuggled for about 90 minutes.  I got to hold him on my chest, skin-to-skin.  This is called Kangaroo care and it's incredibly beneficial, for both baby and me.  Solomon was very still at first, curled up nice and warm and making the most adorable little squirrel noises.  Then his big brother called him to skype.  As soon as Samson started talking, Solomon put his hand up high in the air and started waving it back and forth.  The nurses said that he's been breathing room air (no added oxygen) this evening.  He's eating well and is up to 5.5 mL of milk every 3 hours.  Thank you to everyone for the continuous love and support.  Good night!

The Masked Man

Saturday, February 18, 2017
Solomon's breathing tube was removed successfully today.  With the tube in, he had been breathing air with no added oxygen.  Without the breathing tube, he is needing more oxygen (a normal response to removing the tube) so he is wearing a mask.  It was kind of heartbreaking to see him in this apparatus, his little face looked so smooshed and it is strapped on around his head and under his chin.  The nurse said it may look worse than the tube but the tube is actually more painful so I'm glad it's gone.  I'm not sure how long he'll be in the mask but I am looking forward to the day I'll be able to see his face unencumbered.  His weight went down a little bit today.  However, he is feeding well and they've increased his intake to 4.5 mL every 3 hours.  He was sleeping the whole time I was there today and I got to sit with him and hold his hand.

Extubation

 

  Solomon had a good night for the most part.  At one point they said his heart rate dropped but it did come right back up.  They are not exactly sure what caused it but speculated that it may have been caused by his tube moving.  The plan for today is to remove his breathing tube.  He is breathing well enough that they can use a mask if they need to and he'll be much more comfortable without that tube going down his throat.  Thanks for the continuous prayers and support.  I slept wonderfully in my own bed last night and am trying to take it easy at home today.  Later today I will get to go visit Solomon for a couple hours.  I'm not feeling up to having visitors quite yet but thank you to everyone reaching out.

Baby Blue Eyes

Solomon's diaper.  Banana for scale.

Hi Everyone.  I'm happy to say I'm typing this post from the comfort of my own bed.  I sure am glad to be home.

Solomon is still doing well.  He is practically breathing all on his own and he is done with the lights, no more jaundice.  The nurses took off his blindfold and he looks so much more comfortable.  When Jared and I were visiting with him, he opened up both of his eyes and they are beautifully blue.  The doctors were unable to insert the PICC line again today, his veins are just so small at this point.  They are going to give him a rest tomorrow and hopefully get it in sometime later.

Pooping!

Solomon had a quiet night.  He is having bowel movements now (into the tiniest diapers you ever did see) and he put on 10 more grams.  Again, thanks to everyone for all the prayers and support.

PICC Line

Solomon underwent a procedure today to insert a PICC line in his arm.  This is a catheter that is inserted in a vein for delivering medication/nutrition and is also used for blood draws.  The doctors were unable to successfully insert the PICC line today.  They are going to try again in a different limb tomorrow.  Despite a swollen arm, he is still doing well.  Hopefully tomorrow's procedure will be successful and they will be able to remove the feeding tube from his belly.  He is now getting 1.5 mL of milk per feeding, growing slowly but surely.

Meanwhile, I looked up his Birthday in my big book of Birthdays.  According to my book, those born on February 13th (The Day of Liveliness) seek out exciting events and enjoy being in the spotlight.  They are also spontaneous and impulsive.  Sounds about right to me :)

I'm being discharged tomorrow and am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.  Sammy is excited for me to read him a bedtime story and tuck him in.  Jared had a grueling day at work playing catch-up but was able to visit Solomon twice, once to say "Good Morning" and once to say "Good Night."  Solomon waved to him on his way out.

1 mL at a time

Good morning Solomon supporters.  All of the love for this little man is amazing.  He is doing great.  He is breathing air level oxygen, and mostly on his own.  His weight is back up to 1 lb 4 oz.  My milk came in and he is getting 1 mL of it every 3 hours.  Solomon even got to take off his shades and turn off his light for a while yesterday.  Today's hurdle is to remove the feeding tube from his belly button and insert an IV.

I enjoyed visits from friends and family yesterday.  I successfully stuck a needle in my own stomach and survived.  I'm in the hospital for today and then they're sending me packing tomorrow.  I'm looking forward to being home with Jared and Samson.  Big brother has been cheering me up with his visits and he is handling all this better than any 4 year old could be expected to.

Many of you have been putting Solomon on prayer lists.  Please know that I appreciate this and give permission to use his name.  Thank you!

   

No News is Good News

Solomon had a good night and is doing great.  I'm recovering and resting today and enjoying visits.  Please feel free to stop by.  I am planning to be discharged on Friday.  Today I get to learn how to give myself shots, yipee.

My Little Valentine

Here's a pic of Solomon and me holding hands.  I got to take a trip from my hospital to his hospital today.  I knew he was tiny but I was not prepared for just how small he actually is.  He is still doing well.  He is a bit jaundice and is under the lights.  He has a nurse by his side round the clock and a great view of Akron.

I would love to have some visitors tomorrow if you'd like to drop by.  I am at Summa (Akron City Hospital) in maternity room 261.  The phone number to my room is 330-375-4261.  I'm sorry if I haven't returned phone calls but please know I appreciate all the concern and support from everyone.

Happy Valentine's Day!

One Day at a Time

Solomon is doing well and had a good night.  He is being well taken care of at Akron Children's NICU.  I am recovering from the c-section and will be at Summa until Thursday.  They are letting me have a pass today so I can take a trip over to the NICU to see my little buddy.  I was able to see him only briefly yesterday.  Jared was able to spend the night with him.  Samson is excited to tell his classmates today that he has a new little brother.  Only Jared and I are allowed in the NICU so for now, big brother has to keep his germs to himself.  Thank you to everyone for keeping Solomon and our family in your thoughts and prayers.

The Arrival (Happy Birthday Solomon!)

Hi. This is Jared, and I am reporting that my little son, Solomon Orion Dickey, was born at 9:54 AM this morning, much to the surprise of us all. Of course, he is definitly our son, and apparently was coming out today whether we thought we were ready for him or not. He weighs a hefty 1 lb. 5 oz. and is the smallest little person that I have ever seen. He is on a feeding tube and ventilator, but breathing on his own. He has been transported to Akron Children's Hospital NICU where he will be spending the next several months getting stronger and bigger by the day hopefully. My wife is recovering after what has been a monumental week, and I ask that you keep her and our little one in your prayers. She is not up to visitors for the time being, but I am sure she will post to let you all know when she is back on her feet. Thank you for all of the concern and thoughts (and prayers) throughout this ordeal, and day by day as we move forward. As for me, no finger nails left, and I think only grey hairs, but so proud of my wife and the newest member of our family.

24 wk 2 days

Still here, still stable.  Still hooked up to continuous fetal monitoring.  Sam came to visit me yesterday for a couple hours so it was a good day.  I can have visitors at anytime so you're more than welcome to drop in.... as long as you're not bringing any germs.  The doctor said that the number one thing to look out for is infection and to make sure that all my guests wash their hands with soap and water as soon as they come into the room.  I've got books and things to work on, and a rubber chicken so I'm not really needing anything at this point.  Thanks for checking up on me!

24 wk 1 day

Good morning!  Last night was uneventful and baby is doing well.  Sleep is hard when I'm woken up every hour but I'm glad they are checking on me.  They've had the baby on continuous monitoring so I am not as mobile as I'd like to be.  I'm hoping after seeing my doc today that they cut that back.  Also two shots a day of blood thinners is not thrilling either but I guess it's better than the alternative.   Jared actually got to sleep in his own bed last night and got some well deserved and much needed rest.  Looking forward to seeing Sammy today :)  

Back in Akron

The ambulance ride went smoothly (except for bumpy Akron roads) and I've settled in here at Summa.  I'm glad to be "home."  Baby and I are still stable.  Stay in there baby!

A Full Moon, an Eclipse, and a Comet, oh my

Lots of babies being born here today but fortunately not mine.  The baby and I remained stable again today and I took lots of naps while Jared went in for a day of work.  Tomorrow we are scheduled to transfer to Akron Summa.  I can't say I'm looking forward to the ambulance ride but I am ready to make it to Akron and be close enough to see Sammy more often.  I will post another update when I'm settled in at Summa.  Thank you to everyone for the continuous support through this ordeal.  I enjoy reading your emails and comments.  Good night :)

No Changes

Things remained stable throughout the night.  The transfer to Akron is on for Saturday.  I had a nice birthday yesterday and had some visitors.  Today I will probably be getting another visit from Sammy so I'm looking forward to that.  For now, it's breakfast time and the Golden Girls on my TV :)

So What Happened Was....

Jared whisked me away for a romantic getaway to the Ohio Building Officials Association conference in Columbus.  After the banquet on Monday night around midnight, I started having contractions at 23 weeks pregnant.  By 2 am, the contractions were 3 minutes apart and we headed for Riverside Hospital.  By the time we got there I was in a lot of pain and contractions were increasing.  The doctors checked me out and said that we may have to do an emergent C-section with a vertical incision.  There would be significant risk to me and baby.  At that point my water broke and contractions stopped.  The baby's heart rate dropped dramatically but then bounced back.

Since about 6 am on Tuesday, the baby and I have been stable.  I didn't realize that you could stay pregnant once your water broke but apparently you can.  The baby's amniotic sac has a hole but there is a little bit of fluid still present and the body can make more.  There is even a possibility of the hole closing which would be awesome but unlikely.  The baby is being monitored and vital signs are good despite living in cramped quarters.  I could go into labor at any time, it could be days, weeks, months.  There is no way to know.  The longer I can stay pregnant the better for the baby so I'm hoping to be in a hospital bed for months but I'm taking this day by day.

Luckily this all happened while Sam was spending the night at my parents house and he's being well taken care of by my parents and my in-laws.  Sam was able to come down to Columbus last night and cheered me up with a birthday cake and his sweet smile.

The doctors have given me the green light to transfer via ambulance to Akron.  This will most likely take place on Saturday and I will most likely be at Summa.  I could possibly be there for months so all offers of visits are appreciated because I could potentially have a lot of time on my hands.

Jared has been by my side through it all (except when I'm getting pricked with needles) and has been amazing, of course.  We have had great doctors and nurses here at Riverside.  Thank you to everyone who has reached out with prayers and support!  I will keep everyone updated as much as possible via this blog and will return emails and phone calls when I can.  Thanks everyone!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Hi Everyone, I'll be posting updates soon.  👶