Nightly roundup (Sunday, 11/23)

Carolyn and I each got to hold Max for a couple of hours today. We also got to take his temperature and change his diaper (this is a big deal in the NICU). Nurse Becky reported that Max was bright-eyed and attentive while being examined this evening. To give you an idea of what being a parent with a kid in the NICU is, the report that "you might have a night-owl" is nothing but good news.

Max hasn't stooled since 4:00 AM Saturday morning, something that a generous continued application of suppositories might cure. Of course, all babies have their own rhythms, but we'd like to see Max move his bowels more often. Nurse Becky is keeping an eye on Max's stomach circumference to see if he suddenly inflates again.

Max's head circumference increased again over the past day, and he may need another LP tonight or early tomorrow morning. These LPs drain the fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal column, and which collects in the ventricles of the brain. Max's ventricles are swollen, putting some pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. This isn't actually as dire as it might sound, and will be the subject of a longer post.

Becky may know Max better than any other medical professional at Georgetown. He's in great hands tonight.