Luka's first week on earth.

What a rough little life our Luka has endured since his birth early Sunday morning. PPHN is why he is in NICU, and it almost took him from us before we could even become properly introduced. But I am happy to say that as of now on day six, Luka's situation has greatly improved. He has been weaned off of all three different blood pressure medications, and his oxygen level is down to 23%. He is now slowly being taken down on his nitrous oxide, and he is finally being given some of my breast milk through a feeding tube. His next goals are to be switched off of the ventilator and on to a CPAP, which means he will need to work harder to breathe on his own. Also, his narcotics are going to be taken down as much as he can handle in order for him to be less sedated and be able to move around just a bit. He's pretty puffy and swollen from edema, which is because he hasn't been able to move. Once he moves around, his puffiness should decrease. And maybe we will finally be able to see him with his eyes open soon!

Ken and I have been able to lightly touch him, and quietly talk to him. He grips our finger in his teeny little hand sometimes, and my heart melts. Sometimes the nurses let me change his diaper, which is amazing. I want so badly to scoop him up and take care of him, I can barely stand it. If all goes well, we may be able to hold him in just a few more days. They have told us it will need to be brief, but we'll take it.

We are trying real hard to manage our expectations, and take his progress day by day. Every small step closer to healthy brings us joy. It's difficult, but we are trying not to focus on any of the potential long term problems this may cause Luka in the future. Will he have developmental delays, hearing loss or neurological problems relating to this? Only time will tell. Some PPHN survivors do, and many don't. We just want him alive and in our arms first, then we will deal with the rest when it's time to deal with it.

As far as me, the c section incision is painful and healing too slowly for my taste. We drive to the hospital to see Lu twice a day, and riding the 30+ miles one way in the car is a bit much for the soreness. I'm pumping milk every three hours, so I basically pump, sleep, eat, cry, rest, pump, sleep, cry, etc. Ken has been amazing taking care of me, driving us to the hospital, taking care of our business, and still finding time to work so we don't lose income. He's an awesome guy, for true.

All of our friends and family have been so full of love and support during this time, thank you! I know I haven't been personally in touch with a lot of you, but it's only because I feel really fragile right now. We still appreciate your support and I promise to be in touch when I can. Much love to you all.