September 16, 2016

Our sweet boy is doing well in the NICU, he has been eating well and his blood oxygen levels are stable. His heart has been monitored for the last week to see the progress of his PDA (patent ductus arteriosis) closure. The ductus arteriosis is a normal fetal artery connecting the main body artery (aorta) to the main lung artery (pulmonary artery). In fetus' this allows blood to skip being oxygenated through the lungs. In Louis' case, this is helping regulate his blood oxygen levels. Once it's closed, he will have his surgery.
Since he is doing well, the cardiologist allowed us to take Louis home today. And he will get to be home for about three weeks, with weekly visits to the cardiologist. We are so pleased we get to spend a few weeks together before this big hurdle.
Unfortunately, because of Louis' heart condition and his pending surgery date, he cannot be around large groups of people and we are not able to have visitors until after his surgery. The cardiac surgeon wants to be sure Louis doesn't get a cold or any respiratory infections which could delay his surgery.