Category: Parenting

This is Archie’s ventilator. As you can see it’s on very low settings because his lungs are working just fine. The 21 in the lower right is the percentage of oxygen he’s on – i.e. normal air. (He’s actually on a slightly higher setting now post-op because he’s on narcotics for pain which can depress… Continue reading The machines

Here’s Archie chilling in a new onesie. He’s pretty good at getting the “mittens” off and loves to pull on his tubes. After the op he is now sporting something like a large rigid armband over one elbow to stop him doing that.

Archie’s mandibular distraction went very well. We went with him to the OR at about 1.30pm and met some of the operative team which included anaesthesiologist, ENT doc, plastic surgeon and nurses. Although we left him there about 1.45pm, surgery didn’t start until 3.30pm owing to a scheduling backup and the fact that they didn’t… Continue reading Successful op

Archie’s mandibular distraction is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) at 12.30 PST. Should take a couple of hours. Here’s hoping for a great outcome and recovery.

We visited this morning and for the first time measured the reflected wavelength from v2.1’s optical sensors at about 475nm. For now, his eyes are blue. We also met with Dr Tcheng, one of the paediatric fellows currently on rotation, and she told us that he has been scheduled for jaw distraction surgery on Friday.… Continue reading Awake today

v2.1 had a CT scan this evening to assess candidacy for a jaw distraction. We’ll discuss more with Dr Bradley and the UCLA craniofacial doctors etc tomorrow. One thing’s for sure – v2.1 is getting about the best care he could get anywhere in the world. In the meantime Mrs Elbeno is home and pumping.… Continue reading Update

Archie Oliver Gryffin Deane, born 7th February at 2.41pm. 2835g or 6lbs 4oz, 48.5cm or 19in long. 4 weeks early! Mrs Elbeno is doing great after a short labour (only 8 hours this time!) and an all natural VBAC delivery. She can come home in a day or two which is quite a change from… Continue reading Elbeno v2.1 arrives