Today was our first day, just me and you. We got up a little earlier than usual and started our day. Good thing I got up early because I received a phone call at 8 from speech saying that they had a cancellation on July 26th, so they wanted to know if we wanted that appointment. I obviously took it, Any appointment closer is worth taking. About an hour later, she called again and said that she just had another cancellation for July 5th, and of course there was no questioning taking that appointment. Finally, we are getting somewhere! I had emailed the speech therapist last night asking if there was anything that we could do until August because I felt that we were not progressing at all and possibly taking steps backward since we wouldn't be seeing anyone until August. I wonder if she got that and notified the front desk to get us in sooner. Who knows. All I know is that we have our appointment next week!
Just as I was about to pump, the cleaners came. I had to hold off since there were three of them and they all tackled different rooms. It actually worked out perfectly for us because you got hungry earlier so you took your bottle in the living room (which the cleaners do last) and then when you finished your bottle we went upstairs to hang your feed (and they were finished in our room). They finished shortly after and I just hung out upstairs with you while I pumped.
I had to mix your milk for the rest of the day so I put you in the mamaroo which you did not like. I figured I would try the Moby Wrap and wear you. It was a sad attempt, but it worked and you passed right out. I was able to get a few things done like that. We did our next round of care and then I bagged milk. Mom-mom and pop-pop brought us a couple items we needed from the grocery and then later mom-mom stopped over to give you some new outfits since we are running low for 0-3 months.
After I did your next feed, I was too lazy to go upstairs and get your pulse ox, so I kind of napped. I kept waking up to make sure you were breathing. I will just have to nap later when daddy comes home.
We had a pretty uneventful day today without daddy. I don't really have anything else to report, other than we have the pediatrician tomorrow. I am going to see if they can do something with your Zantac since you are starting to cough again. Also, I am going to ask about upping your feeds, but he may say to wait until our speech appointment. We will see!
We love you and love how well you continue to grow and meet new milestones. You are now tracking things with your eyes which is great!!
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Busy Day! - June 28th, 2016
This morning we got up and did our usual routine. I tried to get as many things done as I could because we had the eye doctor at 11:15. Needless to say, I didn't get as much stuff done as I wanted to, but knew I would be able to get it done when we came home. As I was thinking about our appointment, I wondered if we should bring you food since you eat at noon, but the appointment in myCHOP said it would only be 15 minutes so I opted not to.
As we were driving to the appointment, I said to daddy that I had no idea how it would only be 15 minutes because at the hospital they had to put eye drops in your eyes for a bit before the doctor came to look at your eyes. I said maybe since your eyes were getting better that they didn't have to do that anymore. I was wrong.
We got to the office and signed in. They called you back not too long after we checked in. The nurse said that she had to put eye drops in your eyes, come back in ten minutes, put another set in, and then come back to see if your eyes were dilated. If they were, then all was good, if not, they would have to put another set of eye drops in. Luckily after the second set, your eyes were ready to go. Of course you had to make it interesting and spit up all over me and yourself so in between we also had to change you.
The doctor came in and had me sit in the chair with you. We went over some of your history and then he looked at your eyes and said that they were still getting better. One of your eyes was even almost at stage one again. He said he didn't need to see you again for another two weeks. Daddy took you to the car as I checked out and made our next appointment. As I was trying to check out, there were no receptionists, and the line to check out was getting longer and longer. A lady came up and said to us "it looks like they all took lunch at the same time. Someone will be back soon." How in the world do you let everyone take lunch at the same time? Ugh.
We were late for your feed obviously by the time we got home, but you did take all 20 ml by mouth that you are allowed to and then we dropped the rest. Again, you like to make things interesting, so as we sat down to eat our lunch, you decided to rip your tube out. We had a hard time this time getting it back in, but eventually we did. You were then way off schedule so we decided to feed you a little later than 3 because we didn't want to over feed you.
We had bath time after I took a short nap. You didn't cry as much as you usually do during bath time, which is great. We weighed you and you weighed the same as before, 8 lb, 9.25 oz. I am hoping the pediatrician says that we can increase your feed since you are basically staying at the same weight now. We will see.
Matt and Courtney brought dinner over for us which was great because I was so behind with everything I had to get done. Courtney held you for a bit and then they left. It was nice to relax for a bit, but now I am up when I should be sleeping because I have so much to do still! It will all get done eventually.
Tomorrow is the only day this week that we do not have an appointment to go to. Yesterday was speech, today was ophthalmology, Thursday is pediatrician and Friday is EI. I am assuming we will have a PT assessment in there as well, or maybe that will be in the beginning of next week. Or maybe not since next week is 4th of July. Looking at our calendar for next month, right now we have one appointment per week, which is going to quickly change once we get a schedule for EI. I am assuming we will be back to 4 appointments each week.
Anyway, I need at least some sleep, so I am going to go for now. We love you so much and love spending so much time with you. We can't wait to have you awake more often so that we can do more with you!
As we were driving to the appointment, I said to daddy that I had no idea how it would only be 15 minutes because at the hospital they had to put eye drops in your eyes for a bit before the doctor came to look at your eyes. I said maybe since your eyes were getting better that they didn't have to do that anymore. I was wrong.
We got to the office and signed in. They called you back not too long after we checked in. The nurse said that she had to put eye drops in your eyes, come back in ten minutes, put another set in, and then come back to see if your eyes were dilated. If they were, then all was good, if not, they would have to put another set of eye drops in. Luckily after the second set, your eyes were ready to go. Of course you had to make it interesting and spit up all over me and yourself so in between we also had to change you.
The doctor came in and had me sit in the chair with you. We went over some of your history and then he looked at your eyes and said that they were still getting better. One of your eyes was even almost at stage one again. He said he didn't need to see you again for another two weeks. Daddy took you to the car as I checked out and made our next appointment. As I was trying to check out, there were no receptionists, and the line to check out was getting longer and longer. A lady came up and said to us "it looks like they all took lunch at the same time. Someone will be back soon." How in the world do you let everyone take lunch at the same time? Ugh.
We were late for your feed obviously by the time we got home, but you did take all 20 ml by mouth that you are allowed to and then we dropped the rest. Again, you like to make things interesting, so as we sat down to eat our lunch, you decided to rip your tube out. We had a hard time this time getting it back in, but eventually we did. You were then way off schedule so we decided to feed you a little later than 3 because we didn't want to over feed you.
We had bath time after I took a short nap. You didn't cry as much as you usually do during bath time, which is great. We weighed you and you weighed the same as before, 8 lb, 9.25 oz. I am hoping the pediatrician says that we can increase your feed since you are basically staying at the same weight now. We will see.
Matt and Courtney brought dinner over for us which was great because I was so behind with everything I had to get done. Courtney held you for a bit and then they left. It was nice to relax for a bit, but now I am up when I should be sleeping because I have so much to do still! It will all get done eventually.
Tomorrow is the only day this week that we do not have an appointment to go to. Yesterday was speech, today was ophthalmology, Thursday is pediatrician and Friday is EI. I am assuming we will have a PT assessment in there as well, or maybe that will be in the beginning of next week. Or maybe not since next week is 4th of July. Looking at our calendar for next month, right now we have one appointment per week, which is going to quickly change once we get a schedule for EI. I am assuming we will be back to 4 appointments each week.
Anyway, I need at least some sleep, so I am going to go for now. We love you so much and love spending so much time with you. We can't wait to have you awake more often so that we can do more with you!
Speech EI - June 27th, 2016
Early Intervention wanted Speech to assess you, so a lady came today for that. She came right before your feed so she could see exactly what we do. She basically had all the information she needed from our assessment last week, but she went over everything just to make sure the other specialists didn't leave anything out.
She had me do our usual routine which consists of changing your diaper, checking your pH level, heating up your milk, putting 20 ml in a bottle, sitting down to feed you for either 20 ml or 20 min, then putting you in your mamaroo to finish the rest by gravity. While we did this, she asked me a lot of questions and I told her about the swallow study at CHOP, why we feed you on your side, how long we pace, etc. I old her we didn't have a follow up appointment with the feeding team at CHOP until August 15th, so I felt like we were just sitting back getting nothing accomplished. She said that she would call again, especially since speech at CHOP said that they wanted to see us at the end of June. She said that she is unable to tell us what to do as far as how many ml to bottle feed, etc. She would just be there for support for whatever the feeding team told us to do. Since I have what we do now under control (she asked me why he didn't have a pulse ox if his heart rate drops during feeds and I told her I know all of his cues now), I really don't think we need her, especially if we have to pay to have her come out every week. We will see what happens when we have our meeting with all of the specialists and see what they recommend. Our next meeting is Friday with the coordinator to see how much we have to pay out of pocket. PT is also supposed to call this week and schedule an assessment with us.
Today was the first day that I was able to get up at 7 and stay up with you. I did have to take a nap, but I felt like I got a lot done earlier. We did some tummy time, which you weren't took interested in this morning. We looked at a toy on your activity gym (didn't want you to get overwhelmed), and when I noticed you were falling asleep, we put you in your lounger since you are so used to the mamaroo and bouncer.
Daddy cooked mom-mom, pop-pop and me a yummy dinner. You were awake basically from 12-3:30 and then from 6 to 9:30. That was the most we have seen you awake! You slept great last night (or maybe I slept great) but you usually do. Tomorrow you get to take a bath (your favorite - jk) and we will see how much you weigh. I think the pediatrician needs to up your milk intake by a little bit because you are getting hungry sooner and don't seem to be gaining weight as quickly as you did before. I have to call to make you an appointment this week.
Anyway, I will write tomorrow to let everyone know how you did with bath time, how much you weigh, and how your ophthalmology appointment goes. Then hopefully we can skip a day with appointments. We need at least one day free of appointments this week!
We love you so much and are so happy to be able to see you grow every day. You are growing out of your newborn outfits, and are now into 0-3 clothing. You are also growing out of your newborn diapers and into size 1! You are growing so fast!!!
She had me do our usual routine which consists of changing your diaper, checking your pH level, heating up your milk, putting 20 ml in a bottle, sitting down to feed you for either 20 ml or 20 min, then putting you in your mamaroo to finish the rest by gravity. While we did this, she asked me a lot of questions and I told her about the swallow study at CHOP, why we feed you on your side, how long we pace, etc. I old her we didn't have a follow up appointment with the feeding team at CHOP until August 15th, so I felt like we were just sitting back getting nothing accomplished. She said that she would call again, especially since speech at CHOP said that they wanted to see us at the end of June. She said that she is unable to tell us what to do as far as how many ml to bottle feed, etc. She would just be there for support for whatever the feeding team told us to do. Since I have what we do now under control (she asked me why he didn't have a pulse ox if his heart rate drops during feeds and I told her I know all of his cues now), I really don't think we need her, especially if we have to pay to have her come out every week. We will see what happens when we have our meeting with all of the specialists and see what they recommend. Our next meeting is Friday with the coordinator to see how much we have to pay out of pocket. PT is also supposed to call this week and schedule an assessment with us.
Today was the first day that I was able to get up at 7 and stay up with you. I did have to take a nap, but I felt like I got a lot done earlier. We did some tummy time, which you weren't took interested in this morning. We looked at a toy on your activity gym (didn't want you to get overwhelmed), and when I noticed you were falling asleep, we put you in your lounger since you are so used to the mamaroo and bouncer.
Daddy cooked mom-mom, pop-pop and me a yummy dinner. You were awake basically from 12-3:30 and then from 6 to 9:30. That was the most we have seen you awake! You slept great last night (or maybe I slept great) but you usually do. Tomorrow you get to take a bath (your favorite - jk) and we will see how much you weigh. I think the pediatrician needs to up your milk intake by a little bit because you are getting hungry sooner and don't seem to be gaining weight as quickly as you did before. I have to call to make you an appointment this week.
Anyway, I will write tomorrow to let everyone know how you did with bath time, how much you weigh, and how your ophthalmology appointment goes. Then hopefully we can skip a day with appointments. We need at least one day free of appointments this week!
We love you so much and are so happy to be able to see you grow every day. You are growing out of your newborn outfits, and are now into 0-3 clothing. You are also growing out of your newborn diapers and into size 1! You are growing so fast!!!
Friday, June 24, 2016
Early Intervention - June 24th, 2016
Wednesday, Early Intervention came to evaluate you. We were already told that you would qualify because of your medical history. They told us that they do not correct for prematurity, so that means that they were testing you on a 3 month scale when you are technically only 3 weeks. You were average in the receptive category, low average in the personal/social category, and had a significant delay in the following: adaptive, communication, expressive, gross motor, fine motor, and cognitive. They kept telling us that you were not "behind," and that preemies usually catch up by the time they are 2 or 3. Sometimes it takes a bit longer to catch up, but eventually you would catch up. They said that they would expect what they saw for a newborn, which is basically what you are right now. In addition to OT, they recommended speech and PT. We have an appointment with speech on Monday to evaluate you. On July 1st, we have an appointment to go over the financial aspect of the therapies. They charge you based on your income, and told us that it might be cheaper through insurance to go through outpatient therapy. We still have to look into it, but the disadvantage of going through insurance is that we would have to travel to get the therapy, where early intervention comes to you. Other than that, they were here for two hours asking questions and looking at you. We will put together a plan once PT and speech come see you. The therapies will be at the same time every week.
Today we went to the pediatrician. We had an appointment for Monday, but we ended up going today. I called because you haven't went to the bathroom in 3 days (which when we went last week to the pediatrician he said was normal as long as your stool was soft) and I figured they would tell me to go get some prune juice. They did not - they said to come in today. We went and they said that there is nothing they can do for you right now, just that you would eventually go to the bathroom. They said they didn't want to give you any prune juice or any juice because your stool is still soft when you go. If we gave you juice, it could cause diarrhea and we don't want that. They recommended doing bicycle exercises, massaging your tummy, and putting a thermometer you know where. All of the things I was already doing previous to going to the doctor. Hopefully you will go soon.
When we got to the pediatrician, the secretary told us that we wouldn't have to go to the appointment on Monday, that we could get your 4 month shots today as well. You got 3 shots, and one oral vaccine. You cried for less than a minute, and then you were back to normal. They weighed you and got your length today. You weigh 8 lb., 9 oz. and you are 20 inches long. They plotted your growth and length on a chart, and gave us the papers so we could see how you are doing.
Other than that, we are hanging in there. People have given us meals which we are very appreciative for. The days go by so fast. I feel like we feed you and change you and then I get a few things done and it is time to do it all over again. Having meals prepared already is a big help. We are slowly having people come over, and yes we are scheduling when people come. We have a lot of appointments and having people over the same day that we have evaluations or appointments is a lot for me right now. I feel as if I will be overwhelmed if a lot of people come at the same time, so we limit the amount of people. I also need a nap each day, so people just dropping by doesn't work out that well unfortunately. I get a little moody if I don't get my nap in! People have been great about coming in and washing their hands without us even asking (we are so thankful for that!). We hope everyone understands where we are coming from!
I am exhausted right now so I am headed to bed. Again, I apologize for not writing every day and sometimes not even every other day. Once this schedule loosens up a bit I will get more sleep and will be able to write more!
We are proud of how well you are doing at home, Mason. Every time I look at you I am reminded how strong you are. We love you so much and even though we are exhausted some days, we wouldn't have it any other way!
Today we went to the pediatrician. We had an appointment for Monday, but we ended up going today. I called because you haven't went to the bathroom in 3 days (which when we went last week to the pediatrician he said was normal as long as your stool was soft) and I figured they would tell me to go get some prune juice. They did not - they said to come in today. We went and they said that there is nothing they can do for you right now, just that you would eventually go to the bathroom. They said they didn't want to give you any prune juice or any juice because your stool is still soft when you go. If we gave you juice, it could cause diarrhea and we don't want that. They recommended doing bicycle exercises, massaging your tummy, and putting a thermometer you know where. All of the things I was already doing previous to going to the doctor. Hopefully you will go soon.
When we got to the pediatrician, the secretary told us that we wouldn't have to go to the appointment on Monday, that we could get your 4 month shots today as well. You got 3 shots, and one oral vaccine. You cried for less than a minute, and then you were back to normal. They weighed you and got your length today. You weigh 8 lb., 9 oz. and you are 20 inches long. They plotted your growth and length on a chart, and gave us the papers so we could see how you are doing.
Other than that, we are hanging in there. People have given us meals which we are very appreciative for. The days go by so fast. I feel like we feed you and change you and then I get a few things done and it is time to do it all over again. Having meals prepared already is a big help. We are slowly having people come over, and yes we are scheduling when people come. We have a lot of appointments and having people over the same day that we have evaluations or appointments is a lot for me right now. I feel as if I will be overwhelmed if a lot of people come at the same time, so we limit the amount of people. I also need a nap each day, so people just dropping by doesn't work out that well unfortunately. I get a little moody if I don't get my nap in! People have been great about coming in and washing their hands without us even asking (we are so thankful for that!). We hope everyone understands where we are coming from!
I am exhausted right now so I am headed to bed. Again, I apologize for not writing every day and sometimes not even every other day. Once this schedule loosens up a bit I will get more sleep and will be able to write more!
We are proud of how well you are doing at home, Mason. Every time I look at you I am reminded how strong you are. We love you so much and even though we are exhausted some days, we wouldn't have it any other way!
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Appointments, Appointments, Appointments! - June 21st, 2016
I feel like all I have been doing is answering phone calls and making appointments lately. Besides snuggling you of course! We are so lucky to have such great insurance. I have no idea where we would be if it wasn't for the good insurance - probably in a cardboard box. No but really, we are fortunate.
Tomorrow morning we have an appointment with Early Intervention Services at 9:30 am. They said that it would be a two hour appointment where they evaluate you and let us know exactly what they saw at the end of it. Usually that is when they let you know if you qualify for their services, but we already qualify because of your medical condition. I am definitely interested to see what they say tomorrow and interested to see what services we will need from them.
Another phone call I received today was from CHOP with their insurance coordinator. She told me that we would meet with the feeding team which consisted of four specialists. Our insurance covers everything and we just have to pay a co-pay (one for each of the specialists). After letting me know that information, she said that we should be getting a call within the next few days to schedule an appointment with the feeding team.
Tonight Aunt Karen and Uncle Dave came over to see you. They brought us some dinner and we were definitely thankful for that. Any time that can be freed up is great! They both were able to hold you and Uncle Dave finally broke his record - he said that every time he holds a baby they spit up on him. You did not spit up on him! You stayed awake from the time they got there during your 6 pm feed and your 9 pm feed. You did not get to bottle feed at 9 pm because you finally fell asleep just as I poured your bottle.
Other than that, we have been doing the same routine basically every day. I am trying to add in more tummy time and reading to you. After bath time three days a week, we go into your room and read a few books. I would like to do that every day, not just after a bath. I would also like to go for more walks, but that requires us to go early or late since it has been so hot out. I am confident we will be able to fit it all into our daily schedule one of these days!
We love you and love being able to watch you grow. We weighed you after your bath tonight and you weigh 8 lb, 3 oz! I can't believe how fast you are growing. It is crazy. You are slowly growing out of your newborn clothes. I don't want this to go so fast!! Slow down buddy!! At least we get to cherish every second of every day with you now that you are home. I love being your mommy and I know daddy loves being your daddy as well.
Tomorrow morning we have an appointment with Early Intervention Services at 9:30 am. They said that it would be a two hour appointment where they evaluate you and let us know exactly what they saw at the end of it. Usually that is when they let you know if you qualify for their services, but we already qualify because of your medical condition. I am definitely interested to see what they say tomorrow and interested to see what services we will need from them.
Another phone call I received today was from CHOP with their insurance coordinator. She told me that we would meet with the feeding team which consisted of four specialists. Our insurance covers everything and we just have to pay a co-pay (one for each of the specialists). After letting me know that information, she said that we should be getting a call within the next few days to schedule an appointment with the feeding team.
Tonight Aunt Karen and Uncle Dave came over to see you. They brought us some dinner and we were definitely thankful for that. Any time that can be freed up is great! They both were able to hold you and Uncle Dave finally broke his record - he said that every time he holds a baby they spit up on him. You did not spit up on him! You stayed awake from the time they got there during your 6 pm feed and your 9 pm feed. You did not get to bottle feed at 9 pm because you finally fell asleep just as I poured your bottle.
Other than that, we have been doing the same routine basically every day. I am trying to add in more tummy time and reading to you. After bath time three days a week, we go into your room and read a few books. I would like to do that every day, not just after a bath. I would also like to go for more walks, but that requires us to go early or late since it has been so hot out. I am confident we will be able to fit it all into our daily schedule one of these days!
We love you and love being able to watch you grow. We weighed you after your bath tonight and you weigh 8 lb, 3 oz! I can't believe how fast you are growing. It is crazy. You are slowly growing out of your newborn clothes. I don't want this to go so fast!! Slow down buddy!! At least we get to cherish every second of every day with you now that you are home. I love being your mommy and I know daddy loves being your daddy as well.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
A Couple Firsts - June 19th, 2016
I have been told by a few people that they miss the blog posts. I will try my best to do at least every other day, and if I have time, I will do every day. Tough with not a lot of time to sleep, since you eat every three hours with bottle feed and NG tube.
Today we let daddy sleep in for the 3, 6, and 9 am feeds. We were going to cook him some breakfast, but he wanted bagels instead and went to go grab some for me too. You were awake for a bit after your 6 am feed, so I didn't sleep past 5:30 am. We cuddled in bed for a bit until we finally got up a when daddy left.
Since you were awake and cranky after your 9 am feed, we decided to take you for your first walk in the stroller. It was a success. You fell right asleep. Daddy was afraid that you would stay awake because the road was bumpy, but you loved it. It was starting to get hot and we were losing the shade we were walking in, so we cut it short and came back home. We took you out of your car seat and put you in your mamaroo and you stayed sleeping. I would say that you liked it!
Today was daddy's first fathers day. We got him a shirt and a matching one for you as well. too bad it didn't make it here on time. Luckily, we still had a cute little onesie for you that said 'Happy First Fathers Day. I love you.'. We were even able to get a great picture of him holding you and you smiling at him while you were looking at him.
We gave you a bath tonight and you hated every second of it. I tried to hurry to get you all nice and warm. Grammy keeps bugging us about your weight, and we were able to get that quick. You weigh basically the same as you did earlier in the week, 7 lb., 13.5 oz. Not sure how our scale compares with the one at the doctors office, but I guess we will see on Monday the 27th when we go back to see the pediatrician.
Other than that, we had dinner tonight with mom-mom and pop-pop for fathers day. You were awake a lot today which was great! Yesterday when you were awake for a long period of time we did some tummy time and you did great. Even when I burp you, you try to pick and keep your head up for a bit. We keep practicing every day. You keep getting better and better. You are so strong, but then again we all knew that from the beginning.
Since it is late (or should I say early), mommy has to get some rest before getting up again in a little less than 2 hours with you. We let daddy sleep for the 3 am feed. Speaking of feeds, you have been doing great. Over the last 5 days, the most you have taken was 71% of the maximum feeds you are allowed, with a low of 41%. Sometimes you are just so tired you don't want anything to do with the bottle, and other times you are so hungry that we have to feed you earlier than your schedule. Hopefully soon the pediatrician says we can do our own schedule, but I am assuming that won't be until your NG tube is out.
Anyway, we love you and are so happy to have you home and to enjoy you every second of the day. We hope you stay strong and continue to do well at home for us. We love you buddy and are so proud of you!
Today we let daddy sleep in for the 3, 6, and 9 am feeds. We were going to cook him some breakfast, but he wanted bagels instead and went to go grab some for me too. You were awake for a bit after your 6 am feed, so I didn't sleep past 5:30 am. We cuddled in bed for a bit until we finally got up a when daddy left.
Since you were awake and cranky after your 9 am feed, we decided to take you for your first walk in the stroller. It was a success. You fell right asleep. Daddy was afraid that you would stay awake because the road was bumpy, but you loved it. It was starting to get hot and we were losing the shade we were walking in, so we cut it short and came back home. We took you out of your car seat and put you in your mamaroo and you stayed sleeping. I would say that you liked it!
Today was daddy's first fathers day. We got him a shirt and a matching one for you as well. too bad it didn't make it here on time. Luckily, we still had a cute little onesie for you that said 'Happy First Fathers Day. I love you.'. We were even able to get a great picture of him holding you and you smiling at him while you were looking at him.
We gave you a bath tonight and you hated every second of it. I tried to hurry to get you all nice and warm. Grammy keeps bugging us about your weight, and we were able to get that quick. You weigh basically the same as you did earlier in the week, 7 lb., 13.5 oz. Not sure how our scale compares with the one at the doctors office, but I guess we will see on Monday the 27th when we go back to see the pediatrician.
Other than that, we had dinner tonight with mom-mom and pop-pop for fathers day. You were awake a lot today which was great! Yesterday when you were awake for a long period of time we did some tummy time and you did great. Even when I burp you, you try to pick and keep your head up for a bit. We keep practicing every day. You keep getting better and better. You are so strong, but then again we all knew that from the beginning.
Since it is late (or should I say early), mommy has to get some rest before getting up again in a little less than 2 hours with you. We let daddy sleep for the 3 am feed. Speaking of feeds, you have been doing great. Over the last 5 days, the most you have taken was 71% of the maximum feeds you are allowed, with a low of 41%. Sometimes you are just so tired you don't want anything to do with the bottle, and other times you are so hungry that we have to feed you earlier than your schedule. Hopefully soon the pediatrician says we can do our own schedule, but I am assuming that won't be until your NG tube is out.
Anyway, we love you and are so happy to have you home and to enjoy you every second of the day. We hope you stay strong and continue to do well at home for us. We love you buddy and are so proud of you!
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Loving Life - June 16th, 2016
A little late with this post today. Not too much changes from day to day, so I will probably start posting when something new happens so that I can enjoy more time with you.
I decided I would try you off of your monitor today for a while since I was awake with you and daddy and I think it is VERY annoying. You have done so good since you have been home, so we felt comfortable doing that. Besides, the doctor said she didn't think you needed it, but if it gave us peace of mind, we could have it. She did warn us how annoying it was. Anyway, you did great all day without it. The only time we really put it on now is when we are sleeping at the same time. I am still nervous about something happening in your sleep, although you haven't done anything in a long time like that. Better to be cautious.
You have been doing amazing with your bottle feeds. Amazing. One of the nurses and possibly the doctor said that we might get home and he might do better because we are both more comfortable. That is so true for me at least. In the hospital I was nervous to feed you all the time because I was afraid you were going to have an event and delay you coming home. Now, since you are home, we are more relaxed and I still watch for any cues that you may stop breathing. We use the monitor frequently for feeds as well, but I haven't been using them today. Out of your 8 feeds today, there were only two that you slept through, and the rest you took 16 ml or above. At midnight you took 16 ml, and all the others you took 20 ml. There was only two times that you coughed a little.
Daddy has been working all day and all night for us. He is working as I write this, and it is 1:15 am. He works so hard for us, especially because I am no longer getting paid to be home with you. He is definitely someone you will want to look up to as you grow up!
We had no appointments today, but our pediatrician called to see if we had any questions that we forgot to ask yesterday. I thought that was nice of him to call us and ask. He told us that if we ever have any questions, never to hesitate to contact them, no matter how small the issue. I did ask him if we should make an appointment next week or if it was okay waiting until Monday the 27th for our next appointment. He said that we can wait as long as we feel comfortable and you didn't need anything. We are going to ask when we go if we can increase your bottle feeds since you are doing so well. You have been showing cues a lot lately, even after we are finished with the 20 ml.
Life with you couldn't be more perfect. I enjoy ever single second of being with you. No matter how tired I get, I am the happiest mama out there. I love taking care of you. Since daddy works so hard for us, I let him sleep though some of the overnight feeds so that he can get his rest since he is still working. I told him I would never complain about having to take care of you. I also think I have a completely different perspective than most first time parents. We are truly blessed to be able to have you here today. We love you buddy. Keep doing well!
I decided I would try you off of your monitor today for a while since I was awake with you and daddy and I think it is VERY annoying. You have done so good since you have been home, so we felt comfortable doing that. Besides, the doctor said she didn't think you needed it, but if it gave us peace of mind, we could have it. She did warn us how annoying it was. Anyway, you did great all day without it. The only time we really put it on now is when we are sleeping at the same time. I am still nervous about something happening in your sleep, although you haven't done anything in a long time like that. Better to be cautious.
You have been doing amazing with your bottle feeds. Amazing. One of the nurses and possibly the doctor said that we might get home and he might do better because we are both more comfortable. That is so true for me at least. In the hospital I was nervous to feed you all the time because I was afraid you were going to have an event and delay you coming home. Now, since you are home, we are more relaxed and I still watch for any cues that you may stop breathing. We use the monitor frequently for feeds as well, but I haven't been using them today. Out of your 8 feeds today, there were only two that you slept through, and the rest you took 16 ml or above. At midnight you took 16 ml, and all the others you took 20 ml. There was only two times that you coughed a little.
Daddy has been working all day and all night for us. He is working as I write this, and it is 1:15 am. He works so hard for us, especially because I am no longer getting paid to be home with you. He is definitely someone you will want to look up to as you grow up!
We had no appointments today, but our pediatrician called to see if we had any questions that we forgot to ask yesterday. I thought that was nice of him to call us and ask. He told us that if we ever have any questions, never to hesitate to contact them, no matter how small the issue. I did ask him if we should make an appointment next week or if it was okay waiting until Monday the 27th for our next appointment. He said that we can wait as long as we feel comfortable and you didn't need anything. We are going to ask when we go if we can increase your bottle feeds since you are doing so well. You have been showing cues a lot lately, even after we are finished with the 20 ml.
Life with you couldn't be more perfect. I enjoy ever single second of being with you. No matter how tired I get, I am the happiest mama out there. I love taking care of you. Since daddy works so hard for us, I let him sleep though some of the overnight feeds so that he can get his rest since he is still working. I told him I would never complain about having to take care of you. I also think I have a completely different perspective than most first time parents. We are truly blessed to be able to have you here today. We love you buddy. Keep doing well!
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