January 25th 2010
25 Jan
We heard something for the first time today from the staff in the NICU: “When you take him home”. The terminology has changed and it is beautiful. We don’t have an exact date, but we remain cautiously optimistic that it will be in within the next two weeks.
What a day for Makoa! All of Makoa’s tests for infection came back negative so all of the IV’s were removed and the antibiotics stopped. The Neonatologist that was in the delivery room commented how much bigger and stronger he was since she hadn’t seen him in a week. He was definitely feisty today and for good reason.
After I left last night, our night nurse bottle-fed him and he ate 60 cc’s and 50 cc’s. What a Rock Star! He had bottle’s again at 11am, 5:30pm, and 8pm. He didn’t finish the bottle in the last three feedings, but as we’ve said from the start, it’s all part of the process. The nurses tell us this is quite common for them to fluctuate in their feeding amounts and then they just “get it”.
We continue to pray everyday that God continues to protect Makoa and keep him strong and healthy. We are so appreciative of all of your thoughts and prayers for Makoa and our family. I’ll leave you with a picture I took tonight of our IV free little man. If you notice, his gavage feeding tube is on the other side. He was all kinds of fired-up tonight and decided to pull it out. I explained to him, “If you want it out, you know what you need to do.” Hopefully Makoa answers the call.
What wonderful news you are getting each day!! It seems that all of your prayers are being answered and your love is proving to be a great healer. Your relief and joy are also contagious, and it is very special to hear of his progress. Makoa is a very handsome and dear young man and has already been a blessing to so many. With aloha to all of you…Tommy and Bobbie Merrill
So wonderful to hear of Makoa’s progress! I check the site every day (2-3 times), hoping to hear good news. Even though I have yet to meet the little man, I feel very connected to him because of this website. Praying for all of you and can’t wait to see Makoa united with his brother and sister!
Much love,
Carl & Tam
Sweet Makoa – my, how big youʻve grown in the week since I left. I know you are trying hard to make those feeding stats and weʻre cheering you on. Stay healthy. Stay strong and bask in the divine light and healing so many are sending your way. Have your daddy sing you the Kamehameha fight song or the Hilo March…surely, they will help inspire you to the finish line. Love you.
Lala