Getting Longer

Archer improved more on his ventilator settings today, moving from 45 to 40 breaths per minute. He also gained another ounce, which brings him to a total of 2 pounds, 1 ounce. Since his birth, Archer has grown a full two inches and a quarter, making him 13 1/4 inches long!
The nurses are keeping a close eye on his intestines, making sure that he is tolerating the feedings. After viewing the morning chest x-ray, there was possibly an overgrowth of one intestine. But a second x-ray in the afternoon looked a little better. Preemies have a high rate of having NEC, an intestinal infection that can grow and harm his insides. It usually occurs after receiving feedings. He has not shown any other signs of having NEC. Other signs may include bubbles on the intestines, leftover food that has turned green, or odd-colored poo. The overgrowth could just have been some food that did not make it's way down yet. NEC will hopefully not be a factor since he has been tolerating the feedings really well.
They are also keeping a close eye on his long fingers! He tends to use them to try to pull off his taped tube. The staff has ordered a special nasal tube for him in case he decides to use those fingers to pull out his tube, taking himself off the ventilator, and moving to a CPAP.