DAY 7: Evan's body temperature was stable today, though the neonatologist, Dr Simon Ng, did say that the results of the previous day's blood test did reveal the presence of an infection of some sort ("Gram +ve cocci"). Dr Ng is uncertain of the source of the infection, and speculates that it may either be a skin infection or something that is circulating in the blood. A repeat blood test has been carried out today to learn more.

Evan's breathing has also not been as stable as we would like it to be. He was put back on the oxygen tent last night as there were episodes of shallow breathing. He is not in immediate danger, but this is obviously a factor that will determine if they let him out of the ICU anytime soon.

He continues to lap up the milk that is being fed to him in increasing amounts. As of this morning, his milk volume has been increased to 24-27ml every 3 hrs. He does continue to require the gastric tube for feeds at the moment. This is in part due to his erratic breathing performance, which they do not want to overload should he be stimulated to swallow milk at the same time.

I did manage to cradle him again this morning, and he did open his eyes for a short while after his feed. We have also introduced background music for Evan via an MP3 player and some external speakers. The music includes much of Frances' church music and singing, as well as some of the Mozart music that was being played to him while she was still pregnant.

Today also marks the sad departure of Nurse Shirley Xie, who has come to love Evan as one of her own. She leaves for a private nursing career. Evan will miss her much.