Walk America

Hi. So, first the goods for you. Luke is doing pretty good. He's up to 5lb 6oz and just measured in at 18". He continues to make pretty good strides with the bottle and averages probably one full feed off it a day (which is up to 47cc, anything within 10 on the bottle is usually considered full). Just today he took 44cc at 8am and another 42cc at 5pm, which is great. He had been doing really good with his Bradys (in case you don't know what these are, I explained them here, but pretty much the dude forgets to beat his heart for a bit) and spits (which is basically just urping some). However, he had 2 Bradys in the last day and yesterday's was when we were there and was caused by a big spit (~15cc worth) that wouldn't let him breathe. But a little suckage of the nose by the nurse and he was good to go. So, Doc's prediction of 2 weeks last Monday is looking a little bleak at this point since the requirements are full feeds every 3 hours fairly consistently from the bottle with hardly any Bradys or major spits. We're still hopeful for a Mother's Day homecoming, but only time will tell.

On to March of Dimes. A huge thanks to all those that helped to support the cause! The Denver walk raised $2 million alone. It was a pretty big event and there were a lot of people down there. Another huge shout out to Mandy for organizing the whole thing (including our uniforms), the Waldos for joining us and especially to Ganma and Papa D for making the trip. Also, a special thanks to Adam and Arianne for joining us on the walk too as Adam ended up pushing Sarah most of the way for me (we had to nearly tie her down, but managed to keep her in a wheel chair for the duration).


I was also lucky enough to make it down Thursday to give Luke my first bath... gettin huge, huh? Also, this was what Mac told Sarah she was going to do to Luke when he got home (no coaching)... which is obviously hug and squeeze him (the stuffins I'm sure... Ganma W).

buff bods 101

So, before we get to the title of today's post a HUGE update for you. Luke continues to amaze! He sucked down 27cc via bottle Sunday afternoon and another 35 cc Sun night! When he takes in 35cc or more, they consider it a full feed, so he didn't need an extra nose shot. Then yesterday, he took in another 10cc for Sarah and surprised us last night at the 5pm cares. He was awake and figity, so the nurse thought she would try feeding him (has only been 11am & 11pm past couple of days). He took down 40cc! Also, his original Doc from Level III NICU will be his Doc at the graduate for the remainder of his time there. She told Sarah her goal was to have him home in 2 weeks!!!!! Can you believe it?!?!

He continues to do well with his Bradys and today was the last day of his caffeine. He's still doing good with his spits and continues to digest well too. They have bumped up his feeds to 45cc and now tips the scales at 5lb 1oz!!

With all this great news, I've definitely noticed a change in Sarah's demeanor and the weariness seams to be lifting a bit with the hope of an early discharge.

So, Jesse... What's with the post title anyway? Glad you asked... Evidently, my topless pic post has caused quite a stir. I have received seemingly countless emails and comments about the picture. The 2 most common are: "I can't believe you let Brad Pitt hold your baby. Don't you know he may try to adopt him now?!?" and "Jesse, aren't you busy with work and 3 kids? Where do you find the time to maintain such a buff bod?"

Well, to the first comment, that wasn't Brad, it was me, and his compassion for children in need is hardly warranted here with Luke receiving some ridiculous lovin. As far as the 2nd comment, it's a little early, but I suppose I can let you in on my secret. It will be sweeping the nation soon and will dwarf Billy Blanks' success (no it's not 6 minute abs). Following my simple workout plan, in as little as 20 minutes, 3 times a week, any parent can simultaneously get buff and play with their children. I call it simply, "Helping my daddy so he can beat up yours." Well, the title is a work in progress. I'm also considering "Muscle building play time." Details below...

This is a total body workout, working all the major muscle groups. I usually like to start with the pecs. Start by laying face down on the floor. Ask your child to climb on your back and do 3 sets of at least 10 pushups. I'd recommend starting with low weight until you get used to it. For some of you parents out there, this might mean waiting until the next one is born. If your children are too old and heavy, borrow a friend's.

Next, I move to the triceps. To perform these triceps extensions, ask your child to lay on the floor face down. Grab them by the ankles and in a slow, smooth motion lift them over your head. However, be careful not to go too slow as all the blood is rushing to your laughing child's head. Again, 3-4 sets of 10. You can always add weight by making the siblings take turns. This will not only get you ripped faster, but help teach your children the valuable lessons of sharing and waiting your turn.

On to the biceps. To perform these bicep curls, ask your child to lay on the floor face down with their hands clasped, resting on their lower back. Place one hand under the chest and the other under the upper legs. Lift in a slow, smooth motion. You should never work out immediately after a meal (either your child's or yours) as this can lead to undesired outbursts during this routine. As you become more advanced in your technique (and obviously ripped), you may add multiple children at once by having them lay on the floor facing each other grasping each other's legs. Again 3-4 sets of 10.

Finally the legs. The most effective leg lift is the squat. Depending on the age of your children, to get enough weight, you may want to have all of them climb on your shoulders. Or, for the extremely advanced, you could add a brave wife. This one is usually 3-4 sets of 10-15. If you're looking for a little cardio to add, but still want to work on your rockin bod, I'd recommend the child bike carrier. This can add up to 60 lb in tote, which is enough to make even Lance wince at the sniff of the first hill.

peace.

firsts

Hi. So, a busy week once again and unfortunately this is the first you've heard from me... but I have a lot of good news to report.
This was a huge week of firsts for Luke. He started on the bottle on Thursday (official 34 week gestation mark) and did great with 5cc. Sarah has continued giving him a bottle once a day and he gobbled down 10cc yesterday and 10cc again today. He also had his first bath and massage on Wednesday. Sarah took some class at the hospital about giving babies massages so the lucky dude got one... I've been with the woman for over 10 years with many a pulled muscle, strained neck, yada yada yada and not one massage (despite begging at times). This guy, however, gets a massage within the first 5 weeks? What gives? (and everbody collectively sighs with the grandparents chiming in "life isn't fair Jesse"... I still don't like that answer).

The other big first this week was the visitation restrictions were lifted (as much as they get lifted anyway) so Luke's sisters got to pay him their one and only visit today. Mac just couldn't stop giggling the whole time she was holding him. She kept petting him and saying how much she loved him. Later when asked how big he was, she gave a reverse fish story and held up her hands about 9" apart :) Grace, just sat there and politely stared at him getting a little closer the whole time until their noses were about touching. Both girls are just about as eager to get the booger home as mom and dad are.

The other big news of the week is that he had his developmental test on Wednesday and passed it with flying colors. He also had an eye test on Friday and that went well too. For his typical stats, he's eating 40cc a shot over just 1/2 hr. He hasn't Bradyed that often, but the nurses have warned us that starting the bottle is a lot of work and he may Brady more as he adjusts. He's done real well with his spits and hasn't done much of that. His residual continues to be low most of the time too. So, with all that he continues to grow at just under an oz a day which puts him at 4lb 10oz... I know, huge.

We continue to receive absolutely amazing support from our family and friends. We can't thank you all enough. I don't know how we could do it without you.

peace.

pic of the litter

Hi. Quick update for you. Luke is doing great. He's up to 4lb 6oz. He's getting 38cc over 1 hr. He hasn't had a Brady in the last day and only a little spit up. He hasn't had much residual either... so, he's doing awesome. The nurse just told me that next week he should be ready for a bottle too.

I'm quite convinced that the nurses in St. Luke's NICUs are the best (not to offend any nurses out there, I'm sure you're equal... but I haven't been in your care). They really do everything they can to make it not only the best for the babes, but the entire family. Last night, Erin, a night nurse, had to change out his nose tube and he was wide awake. She thought it would be a great picture, so she grabbed a camera. Here they are for your enjoyment.

Also, don't know if I've mentioned it yet, but Sarah and Luke will be famous soon as they will be published in the hospital's annual report (that's where the bunny/bear came from in the pic). The hospital likes to share a story every year about a baby's experience in their hospital, so they interviewed Sarah. This happened just a couple of days after Luke graduated. Anyway, I'll share the story with you when it comes out. They took pics too.

Finally, last bit o news is that there are 2 big tests this week. The first is tomorrow when Luke gets a developmental test. The second is on Friday and is an eye test. Tomorrow is also his first bath, which Sarah will be lucky enough to partake.

peace.

Chillin at the crib

First let me apologize to the loyal readers (all 3 of you), it's been nearly a week since the last post. Work's been crazy, yada yada yada. So, what's happened?
That's right, he's no longer isolated from the world, he's made it to a crib! Which means, he's had a great week. He's up to 4lb 1oz. They've increased his feedings up to 38cc over 1.5 hr (down from 2 hr). They will continue to up the feedings slowly and try to reduce how long it takes. He's had a couple of episodes this week where he's spit up, but nothing too bad. He also continues to have on average ~1 Brady a day, but again, nothing too bad. On average, he's digesting just about everything they give him (1 - 4cc residual, usually closer to 1). Today, his nurse even mentioned the bottle and said he may be ready to start trying that in a couple of days! Although he's not quite there, once they start working on the bottle that's the last test they have to pass before coming home. But before you go crazy giddy on us, that little process can take weeks (they have to consistently get their full feeds off a bottle... can't send them home with a nose tube).

So, since I made you wait so long, I have some videos for you. This was taken yesterday and is an example of a typical "cares":
Part 1 - Taking the temp and changing the diaper
Part 2 - Making a baby burrito
Part 3 - Checking the residual and starting the feeding. This one could use a bit of an explanation. It starts with the nurse sucking out the leftovers, measuing them (1cc in this case), and putting them back - ya, ewe. Then, the final step is hooking up the nose candy (forumula to the lay person).

In closing, I'd just like to say that I'm not usually one to toot my own horn about how brilliant my own kids are... but seriously, Luke can already talk to us and I've got the pictures to prove it. Captions are provided in case you can't understand him clearly.

What? or Huh? or when he reaches his career as a professional athlete, Bring the noise! (following in the footsteps of The Rock and The Answer, Allen Iverson)

Peekaboo

Hang loose. Or if you prefer, Chillin brah.

Hopefully this week won't be as crazy and I can get you an update sooner.

peace.

Good Report Card

Hi. I'm happy to report that Luke is still doing great. He's up to 3lb 12oz and once he gets up to 4lb he'll get to leave the isolet and move to a crib. He's eating well right now at 32cc of 24cal formula (up from the 20cal/oz formula he was on). He had some problems with spitting it up as they've been increasing his feeds, so they spread it out over 2 hours. He's been doing good on his Brady's and has fewer (only a couple a day). They checked his breathing (O2 sat) today since he hasn't had any help for a few days and it looks good!

The other big news is he got to take his first trip outside his isolet. I walked him down the hall on Easter so he could meet his sisters (through the window). Mac and Grace were excited to see him and blew him kisses (Mac also has the baby cooing down). They're also telling us that after April 15th they'll hopefully lift the visitation restrictions so that family older than 18 can visit him at will and the girls will get a one-time visit.

Because I'm worried of giving you the dreaded picture withdrawl, here's one for you. Sarah bought the girls some curlers like she wore when she was a girl. Here's the girls showing off their new accessories... anybody else thinking Lucille Ball?I hope you had a very happy Easter... I know we did. It was tough not having Luke with us, but being surrounded by loving family makes it a whole lot easier!

peace.

IV? We don't need no stinkin' IV!

That's right. He's tolerating his feedings well and he got to ditch the IV last night. They've warned us that he may slip a little (start spitting up) and have to reduce feedings and go back on the IV, but he's looking good now and no need for anything other than a shot of formula through the nose! He's doing really good, since they took him off air he's only averaged 1 Brady per shift. He's up to 3lb 11oz and digesting just about everything they give him. Sarah is also getting to hold him longer, 2.5 hr yesterday for K-care! Then Gma W and I got to hold him last night too, which is a GREAT sign of his strength. Future strongest man of the world? Duh. He also gets to start wearing real clothes. To the right is a pic of him in the smallest preemie outfit we could find (or somebody found for us I should say :)

Have a great Easter!

peace.

March of Dimes

Hi. First a quick update. Luke is doing good. They have slowed how fast they feed him (over an 1hr instead of 1/2 hr) which is helping with how many Bradys he's been having and his digestion. They will continue to slowly increase his feedings (at 12cc now). He's had 8 Bradys in the last 24 hours, so they'll watch that. If he continues to have them, they'll put him back on the nasal canulla. Also, his test results came back negative for infection so they'll stop his antibiotics tomorrow.

On to the March of Dimes. In typical Wortman girl fashion, something happens to somebody somewhere that they know and they find the cause to fix it. Enter the March of Dimes. I'm sure most of you have heard of them. If you haven't, now is the perfect time to learn (check out the link above). We will be joining in WalkAmerica at the 10K walk in downtown Denver April 28th. Join us! If you can't join us, donate to the cause, or do both. Here's Sarah's page that makes it easy to donate. If you do join us, feel free to join our team, Luke's League. For you long distance folks, I'm sure there's a walk in your area. Check them out and join the cause!

We continue to be overwhelmed by everybody's amazing support. Thank you!!!

peace.

look ma, no air!

So, a lot has happened since the big graduation. As you can see from the pic, Luke is no longer on O2! He went off it this afternoon and has done pretty well since then (no DSATs, where O2 sat levels in blood get too low). So that's a big step we think. They also moved his feeding tube from his mouth to his nose, which they say is more comfy (no more taped lip). He's also up to 3lb 7oz now and officially has a belly button, no more umbilical cord. But, it hasn't been completely roses. Sat night the little booger starting having a little spit-up spell. Basically the dude couldn't keep anything down and was running a temp. So, they quit his feedings, took a blood culture, and started him on antibiotics. The first of the culture results should come back tomorrow. They also took an x-ray of his stomach and didn't find anything alarming, just some gas (must get that from mom). They don't know why this happened, could be too much food too fast, an infection, and they also found a blood clot around the IV and had to move it. He pretty much stabilized yesterday and they actually started him back on 9cc of formula today. They are decreasing his IV goop (that's a technical term) and once he gets up to 22cc he should be able to ditch the IV! He did spit up once more tonight and had a Brady along with it (which he's pretty much had every time he chucks). He's only had a couple of other Brady's today and they'll watch those along with his food to see what he can handle. But the good news is he's back on the food and still doesn't need any help with the air.

The other little piece of news is that I got to do the "Kangaroo Care" yesterday. Sarah's been doing this just about everyday, but basically you lose your shirt and put him skin-to-skin on your chest so his head is pretty much resting on your heart. According to Sarah's book this is supposed to be good for the fella. All I can say is that a sleeping baby on your chest yields the best nap known to man. However, I wasn't in my cozy chair at home, so no Zs for me. As it was, I'm sure it was the best nap of Luke's illustrious life. The pic is our k-care session. Try to ignore my ravishing body if you can and focus on the little dude. No, I don't have Andre the Giant hands, he's still tiny.

So, that's about it. He likes to keep us from getting too bored, but he's doing good.

Oh, and in case Brent is reading this. Here's what Meg does to your dog while your down under. I want you to know I had no part in this. Poor Nilla. I just hope PETA doesn't step in and take her from you.
peace.