Preparation

Archer had an eventful day today. Early in the morning Archer had his first ROP exam (eye test). The doctor dilated his eyes and a quick check revealed that he has premature vessels. This is common in 95% of premature babies, as their eyes are still premature. The doctor will come back and do another check in two weeks to see if there is any improvement. 

Archer then kangarooed with Mom for a few hours. He was a little squirmy, but overall he did fairly well.

Archer's NAVA ventilator settings were turned down from 1.8 to 1.7, and his oxygen level is floating around 25%. Room level oxygen, like a normal baby or person would breathe without any assistance, is 21%. His breaths per minute rate is not allowed to fall below 20. Another setting was also changed that will pick up even his smallest breaths, so the backup system won't kick in as much. These settings are being lowered to help prepare him for a smooth transfer to a CPAP or nasal cannula sometime next week in hopes that he will permanently stay off the ventilator. 

Mom and Dad were on double diaper duty before bath time. He had not gone number two for the majority of the day. As soon as Dad took his diaper off to give him a bath, he let it all out, getting some on Mom's finger, and sprayed like a fountain on Dad's hand, and all over his sheets. Even after all this, Archer gained 70 grams since yesterday, which brings him up to 2 pounds 12 ounces.