Down then up.

This day was such a roller coaster… Baker got a cranial ultrasound yesterday and we have been waiting for the results with the hope that the initial Grade 3 IVH (Brain Bleed) would show signs of recession. Well we finally got an update from his regular doctor later this afternoon and he still showing signs of a Grade 3 in his Right Ventricle (Top Right of his brain), and a Grade 4 in his Left Ventricle. After we got that news the doctor had to go because she had a baby that she had to intake. This we thought was the worse news we've gotten on Baker to date. Of course we went looking up information on Grade 4 bleeds and none of it was good, this increases the risk for Baker to have long term developmental problems.

We went back to the NICU to visit with Baker this evening and ran into his doctor, she asked if we had any questions on the update and Teresa said yes we do. She asked all about the bleed and again his doctor was concerned but not very concerned. She said she talked to Neurosurgery and they said there is no reason for them to intervene – though it's a grade 4 bleed, he is having no swelling in fact the ventricles actually have gotten smaller since his first ultrasound which means they are doing what they are supposed to (I guess…)…

Teresa's last question to the doctor was if and when we can start holding Baker. For preemies they start off with a skin on skin or Kangaroo Care. The doctor said sure lets start tonight, just let me check with his primary nurse. His primary said it was o.k. So Teresa got to hold Baker for an hour this evening. He tolerated it excellently. Baker's mom for the first time in a long time looked absolutely content. If Baker is a good boy tomorrow then Dad get's to hold him next. Once again we are reminded that our boy is going to fight through this.