Happy Grandpa

Dearest grandson Lyon,

I am so happy that your mom, who loves you so much, has now had the opportunity to hold you in her arms. I know you felt her deep love for you.

Love,

Grandpa Tom

Finally Bonding

Since Lyon finally got off the respirator yesterday and over 1000g we were able to do what they call "Kangaroo Care." Basically this is being able to hold your baby skin on skin. Studies show it helps their growing progress in many ways. So last night the doctor finally gave the ok for me to hold him. It was a long time coming since I haven't held him once since the day he was born and now he is over a month old. Let me tell you it was an unreal moment holding him for the first time. He is still so very little. He just laid there on my chest while I held him and sang to him....
I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you forever
I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you in my arms forever...

He did so well being held and the nurses said he loved it. We just sat there and snuggled for about half an hour, getting to know eachother for the first time, as tears came down my cheeks and I just looked up and said "thank you, thank you, thank you Lord"

Progress Update

Lyon is back on the C-pap breathing machine! This is better than the
ventilator machine because it only assists him in breathing instead of
breathing for him. This is another step towards Lyon's respitory freedom.
Yay!

Sunday 8-26 Update Ammendment

Ammendment: For those of you looking at the most recent pictures and
wondering "what the heck is Marie talking about that he has Ariki's nose??"
well, in those photos Lyon just got his mask off (air through the mouth
instead now) so his nose was all stretched and pushed upwards. Now that he
has had the mask off for about a week, his nose has reshaped to a nice
little Rarotongan Ariki nose. Sorry we don't have pics of that.

Marie

P.S. for those of you wondering if Lyon is part wolf with all that body
hair, the answer is no. It a thing called Languno that babies have all over
their bodies that usually falls out at or around birth. Let's hope his falls
out too.

Sunday 8-26 Update

As of Sunday 8-26 Lyon is doing much better. He hasn't had any major
desaturation episodes (stop breathing) for a couple days. He is also up to
22cc feeding every 3 hours (he started with 1cc). His weight is up to 2lbs
11oz (1.23KG) and steadily climbing. I am also happy to report it looks as
if he might have Ariki's nose...at least it seems that way for now.

On the flipside, they are monitoring his heart because they think he might
have a heart murmur. Also, he has some fluid in his brain, they aren't sure
if it is blood or something else, but no cause for alarm yet. They are
monitoring both these things closely and I will keep you updated on this.
Marie

Continuing to grow and develop...

Nurse Delight Saito, one of the great staff at hospital.
- Grandpa Tom


The Lyon sleeps tonight.



Kia orana Grandpa John, Grandma Tua and Aunty Esther.
I am gaining weight daily, now up to 1 kg 249 g. Grandpa
Tom has been reading your blog entries to me.
Love,
Lyon Tehananai'a










Dr. Sarah Nickelson and Grandma Carmen loving Lyon.


Marie reported last night that Lyon is now taking 20cc of milk
every three hours. The doctor said that as he gains weight he
will be better able to deal with any challenges.
Mahalo Ke Akua.
Grandpa Tom


Nurse Trisha-Lyn. The staff at Kapiolani is wonderful!!!

Akamaroiroi!

Dear Ariki and Marie,                                       Thank you very much for the update on Lyon Tehanana'ia's progress please lets all pray together and have faith, you know what, that child is very special we don't know whats he up to hahaha but any way lets all walk together in this.Nice to hear your happy voice on the phone and we are happy too.Thinking of yous and baby all the time.May God bless yous and baby and all the familys over there.Many aroa and love from us all in Wellington.Please kiss baby Lyon Tehanana'ia for all of us and a big hug to Ariki and also to you.    Lotz of love mum, dad and Esther. Lyon Tehanana'ia need you with him. Take care.