« A funny thing happened on the way home from Connecticut (part...um, whatever) | Main | Since you asked »
12/08/2004
How is Charlie?
Some of you have asked how Charlie is. The following is a jargony, preemies-for-dummies way of saying that Charlie is doing very well. Our immediate concern was his breathing. At almost 30 weeks, without time for a course of steroids, without some condition of stress that might have hastened their maturation, and with the complication of gestational diabetes, his lungs were still nowhere near maturity. Charlie had RDS, respiratory distress syndrome, the term for breathing difficulties caused by a lack of surfactant. A baby's body naturally produces this substance, which holds lung passages open, preventing them from collapsing upon exhalation, but not until the last few weeks of pregnancy. These days, most babies with RDS survive. Since the introduction of exogenous surfactant in the late '80s, survival rates for premature babies have increased dramatically. Natural forms of the substance are derived from cows and pigs; while a synthetic version is also available, Charlie was introduced to the many delights of pork in the very first days of his life. While two doses of surfactant are the normal course of treatment, it just wasn't enough for Charlie, who needed another hit. And while he'd started out on room air, which is 21% oxygen, it quickly became apparent that he needed more assistance. His oxygen level was increased as high as 37% during his first two days. He didn't need the full support offered by a ventilator, but he was started on CPAP immediately. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and is a fairly benign form of respiratory assistance: a baby on CPAP initiates every breath himself, while the pressure of the machine keeps his airways open as he exhales. The pressure is delivered via a tiny snorkel-like affair with two prongs that fit into his nostrils. (For the record, Charlie has somehow come to the fervent and unshakeable belief that the snorkel sucks ass.) Charlie also had a heart murmur caused by PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), a condition common enough in premature babies that 40-50% in his age bracket will have it. While a baby is still in utero, a large blood vessel in the heart remains open; it's expected to close within the first few days after a full-term birth. For premature babies with distressed lungs, it's important to get the vessel closed to avoid extra strain on the heart. Treatment with a drug called indomethacin can generally close the vessel, and if that doesn't work, it can be surgically closed. Evaluations and treatments were all taking place on Sunday, while I was only vaguely aware that it was happening. I've lost most of that day, except for memories of my mother's arrival and my visit, at last, to the NICU. I was to be moved out of labor and delivery late Sunday night, so on the way to the regular maternity ward, my bed was carefully steered into the NICU so I could see Charlie. I didn't see much. My bed was too low and I was too busy crying. But I could see his tubes, his wires, and the bright glare of the phototherapy lights being used to combat jaundice. I could also see he was alive. I was scared that night, more scared than I've ever been in my life, but that fear has receded as the days have passed. The joy almost always eclipses it. Charlie has steadily improved. After medication for PDA, his heart murmur seems to have vanished. He hasn't needed supplemental oxygen in days. He's still on CPAP most of the time, but he's being kept off it for longer and longer at a stretch — today he was off for almost five hours, his longest time yet. He's had his first bath, his first bowel movement, his first taste of milk. He's worn his first scaled-down onesie, and is kept company in his isolette by his first stuffed animal. Paul and I hold him. We pretend his involuntary grimaces are smiles. He is small and thin but fast closing in on his birth weight. He is a well-oxygenated pink, furred here and there by a long, light down. His head is perfectly round and fuzzed with a brown lighter than Paul's or mine. His ears are the size of my thumbprint. His foot is shorter than my pinky. He has the smallest human reproductive organs I've ever seen. We've started to think he's cute.
Comments (167)
Verify your Comment
Previewing your Comment
This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.
As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.
Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.
That is one of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. Truly.
Be well, all of you.
Grow fast, young Charlie. Take deep breaths.
OMG, cute doesn't even begin to describe it. Sounds like he's a tough kid and he looks beautiful!
He's beautiful...well, at least his feet are beautiful. Congratulations Mum and Dad!
Wow! He is cute. Glad things are progressing well.
Thinking of you lots.
Oh, Julie--Those are the purtiest feet I've ever seen.
Oh the beauty of that, dear Julie. The beauty of that.
Oh my God he is gorgeous! Thank you so much for the update. I have been waiting with baited breath.
-AmyY
Nice feet. I'm so happy he's okay.
One more question. Maybe I missed something, but are you all still in CN? If so, for how long?
I managed to hold it together until that picture, and then the tears. He really is doing well. I am a NICU mother (who didn't get to hold her baby until he was three weeks old)so I speak this language. Thanks for giving us a Charlie post. I was waiting for it (along with a million other people)!
So glad you're all doing well. Charlie's foot is gorgeous - and his thigh is so much nicer than Tertia's.
Just thought I'd say.
Oh Julie, he's so beautiful. Congratulations, I'm so glad that he's doing well.
His toes are soooo adorable! I could just kiss each and every one. Yum!
precious beyond words. hang in there little charlie, we're all doing odd, yet personal "pulling-through" things for ya.
Oh, little Charlie feet! Thank you so much for writing what you wrote today. I learned so much.
Oh, yeah, he's adorable! I'm so glad you're all doing so well. Thank you for sharing all of this!
amazing and wonderful. thank you.
chris, i asked the same question of tertia a few days ago, and she told me that yes, julie & paul are still in connecticut with charlie.
My god, have I been waiting for this post. What a sweetie he is, and what strong and beautiful parents he has!
Acckk. The tears are a'comin. Once again, I am so, so happy and relieved for you.
This whole thing has been an education for me. Last night I was watching SPECIAL DELIVERY on the Discovery Channel (a show about complicated pregnancies/deliveries which you should probably avoid until Charlie is a teenager) and it was interesting hearing all this terminology that I've learned from your blog. These poor women are so terrified but they always seem to end up with feisty babies.
But I have yet to see a 9/9 APGAR on one of those preemies. Charlie reigns victorious in that arena.
Isn't it amazing how beautiful and perfect all the parts are, even though they're tiny?
What a beautiful family foto. I am so glad he and you are doing so well.
I am so glad little Charlie is doing well, and those gorgeous little feet just have me in tears. What a beautiful photo.
*weeps*
xxoo
How silly is it to quote Dave Matthews? "Hands and feet are all alike," which doesn't *sound* like a good thing but for some reason is very comforting when Dave sings it. From "Cry Freedom," the song that wisely tells us "the future is no place to place your better days." That's a quote that has tormented me during my infertility battle. Lucky Julie and Paul -- their future has arrived! Congratulations on Charlie's beautiful hands and feet.
He IS cute! Those are the most adorable toes I have seen in a long time. He is so tiny. I ope he gets to come home soon.
i had to delurk to say that is one of the most beautiful pictures ever. truly julie - you have been so very blessed. take that as you will, but i think charlie's feet are lovely. congratulations. may he come home very soon.
I am crying, and crying.
Your baby. Your baby. Your baby.
Oh, Julie my love.
Your baby.
sweet baby....im glad he is a strong boy!
best of luck
always
Those feet are absolutely perfect. Congratulations! I've been silently rooting for you all!
Hey, Charlie looks like Ben did at about that age! Except Ben's toes were longer, and he weighed less. The neonatology folks tend to find preemies the cutest, with their wise little faces. And feet. I agree.
So Charlie's been outside for 1 1/2 weeks. First taste of milk? This kid is getting oral feeds? If so, he's really quite precocious! Or is he just messin' around?
Tip: Don't stock up on preemie diapers for after you take him home. He'll probably be big enough for newborn-size then, and you can probably pilfer a stash of preemie-sized ones from the NICU when he's going home.
Thank you for telling us about Charlie! Not that I don't care about you too, but I have been dying to know how he's doing. It all sounds very happy.
The photo is beautiful.
What adorable feet! I'm so glad things are progressing smoothly!
Babies R Us sells preemie clothes. Maybe a family member can go out and get you some. My daughter was 5.5 lbs at birth and dropped to below 5 before she started to gain. She just swam in the regular newborn stuff.. I'll bet the preeemie clothes will fit Charlie by the time they discharge him.
Aw! How adorable! Mazel tov!
Absolutely beautiful picture. Mazel Tov on your beautiful child.
Simply beautiful. Beyond beautiful. Very glad to hear Charlie is doing well, albeit the early arrival. Hope y'all come home real soon.
p.s. what kind of camera did you use to take this picture? I'd like to get one of those.
Your photo is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations.
Oh Julie, thank you for sharing the beautiful picture of your son and for the update.
Sending all three of you warm Florida sunshine and love.
I am simply in awe.
OK. Tears.
My mom is a neonatal nurse and I see babies like yours survive and thrive all. the. time.
But I've read your blog for so long I feel as if I *know* you. Hope that's not freakish.
I'm just so happy for you I can't convey it.
That is an absolutely beautiful photograph.
Congratulations.
Oh wow, wow, wow...that picture brought tears to my eyes (but they're good tears). I am thrilled beyond belief that Charlie is doing so well.
awww sniffle.
Um Julie you realize you just told the internet your son has the smallest willy you've ever seen right? He's so totally gonna get you back for that one when he hits his teens.
Thank you. I've been worrying. That's some high-quality foot he's got there.
What a beautiful photo. What a beautiful baby. What fabulous news, to know that Charlie is doing well!
Just a lurker and mom of a 28-weeker giving you a congrats! Charlie does sound like he is doing fabulous! Darsie was on vent for 24 hours, CPAP for a couple of weeks (she hated the snorkel too), and nasal cannula for a couple of more weeks. She came home on November 20 after an 8 weeks NICU stay.
Here's hoping that Charlie continues to do well, you stay sane, and everybody gets to go home soon!
All right - that picture just made a lurker cry. Beautiful!
Asolutely fabulous feet. Fabulously beautifu.
For an asshole, you sure create beautiful tiny feet :)!!!
oh, goodness. I'm just still so relieved and happy for you all. Such beauty.
Sitting here like an idiot trying to not cry. Those are the cutest pair of feet I have ever seen. Glad to hear the little champ is doing well.
Thank you for sharing Charlie with us. Thank you for sharing your intimate thoughts. Thank you. Class act.
And a beautiful little boy.
If that photo is any indication, he's beautiful. Thank Goddess for medical technology, I am so glad you have such great support for him. You continue to all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Charlie's and your mesmerizing picture brought back a flood of emotional memories. I wish you plenty of strength for this stressful (2 steps forward one step back) and emotionally draining time. I can vouch for the NICU memory to fade into the past, once you bring Charlie home. The twins will be four months next week (it's hard to believe we spent 25 days in the NICU) and are so chubby at this time. Don't forget to take care of yourself.
Elizabeth
Oh, and next, we really should get a shot of the genitalia lilliputae.
At nearly four years old, Nico still has the tiniest prick I've ever seen. Thank God Dana is female. If she'd been a boy, her newborn cock would have completely dwarfed his preschooler unit, and no amount of therapy would have helped heal that wound.