Finn is showing us his strength!!

Finn had a great day yesterday and continues to look, feel and do so much better overnight and into this AM.  Mark and I have been attending 8:30 AM and PM rounds everyday in the cardiovascular ICU, where we are able to get the "big picture" of what's going on and a solid plan for the goals of the day.  Yesterday they decreased the amount of oxygen needed by removing the CPAP mask/head gear and switched back to the high flow oxygen.

Finn on CPap --  I was so happy holding him!

They continue to wean the oxygen and his stats are holding strong (for you medical minds out there - he is currently on 3L at 20%-- Much improved from his 9L at 100%).  This AM he had another scan of his lungs and it showed the right upper lung lobe has been re-inflated, mainly from the positional changes and chest therapy (basically the RN "pounds" his back and chest every few hours).  Though there is now a bit of fluid/gunk that has moved down into his left lower lobe.  The doctors and nurses do not seem very concerned about this and encouraged Finley to be out of bed (aka we get to hold him!!!).
They plan to take his last chest tube out today and that should really decrease any of his pain.  He will continue to only receive tylenol for pain management.  His IV in his wrist was also removed, this one looked the most painful to me, so I am so happy that one is gone!!
AND the BIGGEST news.... He has been getting breast milk in a tube for the last 24 hours and today they are going to trial feed him with a bottle very slowly to be sure that he is swallowing safely.  If he doesn't choke or cough, we can also try to nurse.

Taking his first bottle after surgery, he did great!!!

That is going to be one of the biggest hurdles prior to us going home.  Finn has to show weight gain from eating before he is allowed to leave.
We will be moving up to the step-down unit (8th floor) later today, which means less one on one care from the nurses and we have been encouraged to stay and sleep at the hospital so that we feed him just like we would be doing at home. It has been shown that babies being fed by their parents versus by a different nurse every few hours go home much quicker.
The nurse and doctors reminded us that we need to continue to limit his exposure to the cold and flu bugs that are rampant right now.  Of course we are going to LOVE to have visitors, but if you have been sick or been around sick kiddos, we ask that you visit at least a week after you have shown symptoms.
All in all, tons of positive improvements in the right direction.  I must go now... I need to go hold my baby and do "normal" baby stuff now.... Eeeeekkkkkk :) so excited and in LOVE!
A few more pics :)

Finn has a STRONG scowl.... wonder where he gets it from...

Switched to a big boy crib this AM! He looks so tiny in there!

Please continue to pray for strength and quick recovery!
xo
Dana