Miles 3rd Birthday Party

Miles had a great time for his 3rd birthday.  I cannot believe that my baby is 3!  His birthday's are always bittersweet days.  I still remember his birth and stay in the NICU like it was yesterday and I am amazed at how well he has grown and what a big boy he is.  I still get sad as he gets older because I wanted another baby.  I try to hang on to him being little as long as I can. 

Anyway, he wanted Madagascar for his theme so we went all out!  He had Masagascar decorations, a cake and even a personalized Madagascar shirt I found for him on Ebay.  He was so proud to stand up and show it off.  He got a lot of great gifts was so happy to be totally spoiled for a day!  Thank you to all of you who helped make his birthday a success.

The pictures from his party are in his photo album.

 

Miles Milestones

22 May 03-Miles smiled for the first time today! I was tickling his tummy and he started smiling at me. I put him in his bouncy chair and went to grab the camera but I thought he would never do it again. To my surprise, he just kept smiling at me and I was able to get 2 pictures of him smiling!

03 Jun 03- Miles is starting to make his cooing noises now and is figuring out how to suck his thumb. He’s pretty good at getting it in there while we’re getting his bottle ready! He likes to look at the vent like I used to also which I think it pretty funny.

09 Jun 03- Miles had his first professional pictures taken today. He didn’t want to smile but that was fine. He’s just learning how and I don’t expect him to smile in every picture! They came out really great though. He’s starting to look like such a big boy!

12 Jun 03- Miles is actually starting to teethe already! Yikes! He’s been really fussy lately and chewing on his fingers a lot. He’s also been drooling. Chris stuck his finger in his mouth and found 2 bumps-one on the top and one on the bottom. It might be quite a while until the teeth come in but they’re there. Poor guy!

17 Jun 03- Miles had his monthly visit from Kim, his community health nurse. There is a program for preemies/NICU patients called NICP (Newborn Intensive Care Program). Once a month or so, she comes and visits all the former NICU patients to check their development. She was very pleased with how Miles is doing and said he is in a lot better shape than a lot of the babies she sees. She checked his response to noise and that was fine. She held him and moved her head side to side to see if he would follow her and he did. She also checked how he could lift his head when he’s on his tummy and he’s doing everything he’s supposed to be doing! She said his tone and his development are right where they should be. He was also weighed and measured and he weighs 13 lbs 8 oz and is 23 3/4 inches now! He’s almost doubled his birth weight. She’s not coming back until August because he is doing so well. His growth is now in the 60th percentile. It was in the 10th before! He’s doing wonderfully.

18 Jun 03- Miles finally slept through the night! We didn’t hold our breath because we thought it was a fluke but then he did it Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights as well. I guess it’s just that time. He sleeps 8-9 hours before he wakes up. It is so nice not to have to stumble down the hall and pry my eyes open to warm a bottle at 1 or 2 in the morning!

20 Jun 03-Little Miles decided he wanted to try to walk. Chris was holding him up under his arms and he started taking steps. We thought it was pretty funny. He “walked” about 2 feet. I was trying to take a picture of him because he was smiling and he just kept coming at me. I thought Chris was doing it until he informed me that Miles was doing it.

28 Jun 03-We took Miles out on his first big outing tonight. We’ve been with him all over the place since he’s been born but we never actually went out as a family to do anything special until tonight. There was a stock car race with a firework show afterwards. Of course we were worried about how he would do but he was so good! Of course we protected his ears because it was loud. He wasn’t too sure what to think of the cars at first but once he got used to it, he fell asleep and stayed asleep. When the fireworks started, he woke up and looked around and saw that everything was okay and went back to sleep. I had planned on taking him out to watch but because of the wind, embers were dropping in the crowd so I had him completely covered up. We didn’t want to take any chance. Anyway, we just wanted to share his big night and how wonderful he did. We figured he would be starving when we got him home. I woke him up, changed his diaper and put his PJ’s on and Chris tried to feed him. He wouldn’t take his bottle! He just wanted to go to bed and that’s where he is now, sleeping like a baby!

10 Jul 03- Miles laughed for the first time today! Miles was on his changing pad and Chris was making noises at him and he just started to giggle. He did it 4 times while I was in the room and then I heard him 2 more times as I went to grab the video camera. He never would do it again though but we’ll keep trying. I couldn’t stop laughing myself and it caught both of us off guard! He’s still not rolling over but he wants to sit up. He’s doing things at his own pace-some before and some behind. It is just so neat though.

31 Jul 03- Miles rolled over today! Unfortunately, we were both at work and we didn’t get to witness it. The sitter didn’t witness it either. Her son saw him do it and asked her if Miles had rolled over before. She was so careful about how she told me when I came to pick him up. She thought I was going to be mad. I was just happy that he finally did it and a little sad that we didn’t get to see it but that’s a part of being a working couple! When I got him home, I waited until Chris came home because I didn’t want him to miss it again. We started the video camera and he would roll almost completely over. His legs would be facing the blanket but he was getting stuck on him arm and never completely rolled over but it was enough for us. I’m sure tomorrow he will be doing it for us. He was just talking up a storm too! I was able to get a picture of him halfway into his roll.

02 Aug 03- Miles had his first taste of “real” food. We still weren’t sure after the base doctor telling us to start him on solids but we visited the NICU again and asked the nurses. They said that because he’s hungry as much as he is, it would probably be okay to give him solids, so today we tried it. We fed him green beans. He didn’t seem to care for it too much and he kept spitting it at me but afterwards, he fell asleep so he must have had a nice full tummy!

09 Aug 03-We fed him the green beans for 3 days and then stopped thinking that he wasn’t ready but I was still wondering so we just decided to try something else. Well we decided to feed him carrots this afternoon and he loved them! He was following the spoon and he was going cross eyed watching it come to him. He was starting to sit up to try to get the spoon in his mouth quicker. What an exciting time but at the same time, I’m really not in that big of a hurry to help him grow up. He’s trying to do things so fast. I am excited but at the same time, I’m sad to see it. That’s probably just because it’s my last baby! He’s such a big boy already.

19 Aug 03-Today was just the cutest thing! Chris was changing Miles diaper and saying, “Dada” to him and was giggling. Now, we had heard him laugh before but it was just one short laugh. Well, today he was just cracking up and we couldn’t help but crack up right along with him. Chris and I both had tears in our eyes from laughing so hard. We tried it with “Mama” and he would stop. Then I called him little turd and he started laughing again. It was just the most adorable thing. We’ve already watched the video tape 3 times! When we played the tape, Miles was arching back and laughing at himself laughing. We just wanted to share that with you.

24 Sep 03- Miles learned how to splash in the tub today on his 6 month birthday. He was sitting up and smacked his hands down in the water. His eyes got huge and he looked at me realizing what he had done and starting smacking the water over and over again. It was truly a family affair as all of us were in the bathroom watching him, video taping him, taking pictures and getting soaked! The bathroom was flooded by the time he was done. He was so proud of himself.

26 Sep 03-I went in to get him in the morning and he had flipped over on his side (a normal occurrence these days). Well, he has this toy on the side of his crib and he reached up and hit the big red heart to turn it on. Once again, his eyes got huge realizing what he had done. He hasn’t quite figured out how to do it again but I’m sure he will soon.

02 Oct 03-We started on Stage 2 foods today. He seems to like them much better than the Stage 1s. I think they were just too watery for him.

13 Oct 03- Miles said “Dada” today. Two days ago he was upset in his swing saying, “Da da da da” and we were debating whether he was actually saying it or if he was just making sounds. Well today he was on his changing table and Chris walked in. He looked at him and clearly said, “Dada”. I am so happy and at the same time a little sad because of course every mom wants to hear Mama first but that was just fine with me. Yesterday, we also started introducing the sippy cup to him so it’s already been a big week!

23 Oct 03- Miles Newborn Intensive Care Program (NICP) nurse come visit him yesterday. She hasn’t seen him too much because she hasn’t felt the need. She was quite impressed with his development and made us feel very good. She said whatever we were doing to keep it up because he looked wonderful. He’s around his normal age for some things, at his adjusted age for others (which is where he should be) and he is actually at the 9 month mark for a couple of things. She always brings her scale and since it had been 3 weeks since his last weigh in, she weighed him for us. Our little linebacker is now 20 lbs 12 oz and 28 inches. That is a 1 lb 6 oz weight gain and a 2 inch height gain in 3 weeks!!! She is going to see him again when he turns 1 and she will then discharge him from the program. She sees no need to see him anymore. Although that is sad to not have someone check up on him, but it is nice to know he doesn’t need to be seen!

24 Nov 03- Miles was sick over the weekend and Chris had to take him in. His temperature at the doctor was 102.5. They say it’s just a cold but he has been having coughing fits and throwing up because of them. Anyway, he weighed 21 lbs 13 oz. He’s such a big boy!

08 Dec 03- Miles actually got himself up to the sitting position from his belly. Before today, he would sit up if we sat him up but he does it all by himself now.

09 Dec 03-He was really fussy at Bekki’s house and finally took his nap. When he woke up, Bekki went to feed him and noticed that he has his first tooth!!

10 Dec 03-We crawled for the first time today! Yay!

11 Dec 03-A 2nd tooth came in today. Look at all these milestones all in a row.

15 Dec 03- Miles had Cheerios for the first time today. I got to watch it on the webcam too. He had a little trouble picking them up but he still grabbed a handful and shoved them in his mouth. People food here we come!

03 Feb 04- Miles has his first ear infection. He has a double one. The doctor said he couldn’t understand how he was still wanting to play as bad as it was. He said most adults were asking for codeine if they had one as bad as he does. Poor guy. Anyway, he had a fever of 102.3 and they weighed him in at 24 pounds 6 ounces. He is definitely our big boy. Besides the ear infection, he is doing really well.

23 Feb 04- Miles started at the Child Development Center today. He wasn’t too sure about it his first day and he cried when Chris handed him over but then I guess he enjoyed the rest of his day. He will be off of formula in no time. His meals the first day consisted of:

Breakfast-Toast and oranges (Which he ate all of!)

Lunch-Chicken, rolls, green beans and yams (He ate a lot of it)

Snack-Cake with icing (I’m not too sure why they would be offering that as a snack. I guess as long as it doesn’t happen all the time, I won’t make a fuss over it.)

29 Feb 04- Miles got his first splinter today. They were all at Home Depot and Chris put some wood into the cart. Miles grabbed it and started crying. Chris saw that he had a splinter and pulled it out and then Miles was fine. Poor guy though! I’m sure that was a start to many more “boo boos”. He also clapped his hands together for the first time while I was talking to Chris on the computer.

02 Mar 04- Miles took his first step today. Chris was outside with him and he was holding on to the fence. He took his hands off and would just stand there for a minute support himself with only his legs. Chris put his arms out and told him to come to him and he took one step and fell. He got back up and went through the same process all over again.

05 Mar 04-Our “little” 25-pounder is now up to 2 steps by himself. He is now almost running along the furniture. It should only be a few more days now until he’s really walking. Also, he learned that he can shake his booty! Chris had some music on and he started dancing. He stopped and looked around when the music stopped and when the next song started, he was dancing again!

08 Mar 04- Miles is now up to 4 steps. I’m not quite sure when it’s considered that they’re walking since I missed all of this with Harmony too. Anyway, he played in the sprinklers for the first time today and then later on, he was playing in his room and Chris was watching him from the window. He emptied his laundry basket throwing everything on the floor and then put it all back it. Too cute!

12 Mar 04-At daycare, Miles drank from a regular cup for the first time. He did it again at home over the weekend.

14 Mar 04- Miles knows what it means to hand something over now. If he grabs something we don’t want him to have, we can hold out our hand and ask for it and he gives it up. What a smart boy!

15 Mar 04- Miles has been saying “Dada” for quite some time. Today, he started calling Chris “Daddy” instead. It’s too cute!

22 Mar 04- Miles picked up a remote off of the couch tonight and held it up to his ear like it was a phone. I just thought that was really cute. He has also picked up something else. He likes to lean on the door but when Chris needs to open it, he will tell Miles to back up and he’ll sit down on the floor so Chris can open the door without him falling out. That kid never ceases to amaze me. I just can’t believe that he is almost 1! Where does the time go?

24 Mar 04-Today is my sweet baby boy’s first birthday. Happy Birthday Miles. I wish I could be with him today but we are going to celebrate when I get back. I’m sure Chris will do something special for him today.

04 Apr 04- Miles his 3rd tooth today. He had been drooling since Friday and then his top left tooth came through and you can see the white from the top right one about to poke through.

29 Apr 04- Miles said 2 new words today. He said “Uh oh” and “this”. He still isn’t saying Mama but now he is up to 6 words now to go with his 6 teeth.

Miles NICU Journal

19 Mar 03-This morning started out so scary. I was more terrified than I’ve ever been in my life. The alarm clock went off and I got up to go to the bathroom. I then realized that I was bleeding severely. I told Chris to call 911 because I needed to be taken to the hospital and couldn’t drive myself this time. The ambulance arrived and asked me all kinds of questions which was hard because all I could think of was if Miles was okay. Finally, they got me out of the room, on the stretcher and into the ambulance. They started an IV and rushed me to the hospital. On the way there, I felt him kick and I started to feel a little better.

When I arrived, every available nurse about pounced on me. They started another IV and put in a catheter. They hooked me up to a blood pressure cuff and a monitor for Miles. Usually the nurses are in and out but because I had lost so much blood, one was assigned to just sit with me. I still had no idea what was going on and even though I could hear his heartbeat, I was still scared to death. What I didn’t realize is that I was in pre-term labor and that’s what started the bleeding. They put me on a 6 gram bolis of Magnesium Sulfate to stop the contractions which made me feel very ill like they said it would. I began to sweat and feel nauseous. They brought in an ultrasound machine so they could see what was going on and they saw blood flow where it wasn’t supposed to be. I was so confused. I knew I had Placenta Previa and I had already had a bleed back in January but didn’t know if that’s what was causing it. They were talking about an emergency c-section but no one was really telling me what was going on. Once Dr. Langert came in and the perinatologist, they decided to just see what the Mag did and to monitor us closely. They didn’t want to deliver because it was too soon and Miles lungs might not be mature enough. So, that day began the strict bedrest. I was not leaving the hospital until he was born.

20 Mar 03-They are taking blood from me a couple of times a day and besides the Mag, they have me on Iron and antibiotics (a standard procedure for anyone under 37 weeks gestation). I had another bleed today and am now passing clots the size of lemons. I still don’t know what’s wrong with me. They are still not telling me a whole lot.

21 Mar 03-Everything finally settled down so they decided to wean me off the Mag to see what happened. Once they finally took me off, I started contracting more. They said as long as I didn’t have more than 6 contractions in an hour, they would leave me off of it. The first hour, I had 5. Then I had 6 and then I had 8. They had to start me back on the Mag. Even on the Mag, the contractions were still coming, just not as much. I bled again today tough.

24 Mar 03-I began bleeding for the 5th time today and I pushed and pushed for someone to do something. Finally Dr. Maciulla (the perinatologist) came in and gave me two options. He said I could have the vaginal probe done to see what was going on but it might stir things up further or I could have an amnio done to see if his lungs were developed and if they were, they would deliver. We chose the vaginal because there was no need for the amnio. We still had that option later if we wanted. So, they wheeled me up to the 5th floor and did a Doppler Ultrasound first where they found that I had Vasa Previa. That’s where there are blood vessels that are outside the placenta and if they rupture, the baby almost always dies. Well, after that, there was no need for anything else. They scheduled me for a c-section a couple of hours later. I was so happy that Miles was going to be here soon but so scared of the surgery and what was going to happen because I was only 34 weeks 3 days along.

Well, 1500 was when I was scheduled and it was now 1513 and they still hadn’t taken me in. He had twins to deliver before me. It was more like 1530 and they finally took me to the OR. They began to prep me and finally gave me the atheistic. Thankfully they didn’t have to put me under. They talked about it because I was borderline for needing a blood transfusion. The anesthesiologist made a deal with me that if I didn’t start bleeding too much, he wouldn’t put me under but if I did, he was going to put me out so I wouldn’t bleed so much. I felt like I was going to vomit so he ended up giving me something for that too. Anesthesiologists are wonderful!

At 1539, Miles Preston was born. I heard the doctors as they were trying to get him out struggling because he was so far up in there. Then I heard Dr. Maciulla say, “I see Huevos!” I had to laugh because I knew that meant he saw his testicles. I felt when the pulled him out and waited until I could see him. Because he was premature, they had to take him straight over and cut his cord and check his breathing. Well, a couple minutes later, I finally heard him cry and it was the most wonderful sound in the world. Chris kept running back and forth with the camera. He would take some pictures of him and then bring the camera to me so I could see him. He was so beautiful! They brought him to me all wrapped up before they took him to the nursery to do his Apgar tests. He was so bundled up that I didn’t get to touch his skin which I regretted.

While I was in recovery, someone (I can’t remember who because I was on Morphine) came in to tell me that he was doing great. Well, shortly after, Dr. Mehrabani, the pediatrician, came in and explained to me that Miles started having some problems breathing. He began grunting and had to be taken to the NICU for evaluation. I tried to comprehend what I could but because of the drugs, it was difficult. They said he was struggling too hard and they had to put him under an oxygen hood. Five hours after I delivered him, I had to get out of bed and to a wheelchair, which was very difficult but if I was going to see him, I would have to get up. It broke my heart to see him in the NICU. He was grunting to hard and he looked so weak. I couldn’t hold him and I couldn’t touch him and it broke my heart. I hoped that he would get better quick but that didn’t happen. I went back to my room to try to regain my composure but the bad news kept coming. After I saw him, he was still struggling too much and they had to intubate and put him on the ventilator. I never saw him on that machine because he continued to get worse and they had to put him on the oscillator. For this, they had to paralyze him so he wouldn’t keep trying to breathe over the machine. It was almost easier for me to see him on the oscillator so still than it was to see him struggle in the hood. My hopes were so high when he spent 2 hours in the regular nursery. I thought he would be fine. I then did my best to get some rest. I was exhausted from the days events.

25 Mar 03-I went to see him again and every chance that I got. His status wasn’t changing much. They had a line in his belly and were taking blood gasses every hour to see if the oxygen level in his blood was any better. It was touch and go and it was so hard to only be able to touch his hand. That was all we were allowed to do. We could kiss his head when we left but that was it. This was so he wouldn’t be over stimulated. He looked so helpless lying there with that machine doing all the breathing but at least he wasn’t suffering anymore. We continued to go back down the hall after every blood gas to see what his numbers were like. They would make any changes like lowering the amount of oxygen or the number of breathes per minute based on the numbers from his test so obviously we were very interested in how the test went. We were allowed to change his diaper and take his temperature which was just wonderful for me. At least it was some contact with my son! I tried to hold it together but it was so difficult at times. They let me take the cloth that covered his eyes and sleep with it against my chest so he could have my scent with him at all times. I thought that was really neat.

26 Mar 03-Today I was starting to feel a lot better and had to start pumping so he could have breast milk when he was better and able to feed besides the IV. Every 3 hours, I would pump and then go take the milk to the freezer and visit with him. Sometimes I would only stay a few minutes. Other times I would stay until just before his blood gas.  He had to be turned daily so he wouldn’t get sores but they would not allow us to be in
there for that. His numbers were starting to get a little better and they were bringing down his oxygen level and turned down the reps.

27 Mar 03-He is still showing improvement and they think it should be another day or two until he’s unparalyzed and on the ventilator. I can’t wait for that. I still won’t be able to hold him until he can breathe on his own.

28 Mar 03-Today he came off the oscillator and went on the vent! Poor thing is coming off his Morphine though and is twitching really bad. I still can’t do too much to stimulate him though but I am making sure I’m there for all his diaper changes and to take his temperature. It’s the little things in a situation like this that make all the difference. He is really showing signs of improvement now.  It’s still so hard to see him like this but at least now we know he’s getting better. There are so many other babies in there too that it’s just so sad. I had no idea how many sick babies there could be. He’s opening his eyes now and is trying to lick the tape off his top lip.  He has a sore from where the tape has been for so long.

29 Mar 03-I just can’t wait to hold him and to take him home. He is a lot more alert now and seems to recognize us. He is just so cute! His head is a little swollen from laying in one spot for so long so they are trying to fix that. At least he can move himself around a little bit now and he has even tried to pull his tube out so everyone is watching his hands! He’s a feisty one and we are so confident that he’s going to be better real soon. Chris’ birthday is tomorrow and there’s a chance that he could come off the vent as well. That’s what Chris wants for his birthday. He is being treated for Jaundice as well. Thankfully while he is in his warmer, they are taking care of it so he won’t have to go into an isolet.

30 Mar 03-Well, Daddy got his wish!!! Miles came off the ventilator today. His oxygen levels stayed steady so they were able to take him off. They did say that there is a chance that he could go back on it if he doesn’t tolerate the nasal cannula. We sure hope he will. Another exciting thing is that now that he has the tube out of his trach, we get to hold him finally! It’s been 6 days. We can only hold him for 30 minutes at a time because he still needs to be under the Billi lights but I can’t even explain what it felt like to hold him. We actually got to hold him for about an hour because it was the first time. It’s awkward because he still has the oxygen and his IV and leads but it is so worth it. He is beautiful and feels so good in my arms! I have been waiting for this it seems like forever. Chris got to carry him to the nursery from the OR so he had already held him but it had still been 6 days for him too! Happy Birthday, Daddy!

31 Mar 03-Today he is much more awake and alert. Chris was standing at the head of bed and called him and he actually tilted his head back and looked at him. That right there told us for sure that he recognizes us. It is so nice to see just that little tube on his face. We have been taking tons of pictures and driving him nuts but I’m sure he’ll understand! I’m still having to pump and freeze for now because he’s not ready to try nipple feedings
yet. I also got to do “Kangaroo Care” with him today which is where we get skin to skin contact. They lay him on my chest and cover him with a blanket. It is so nice to feel him against me. His Jaundice is gone now too so I can hold him for as long as I want!

01 Apr 03-They finally think he’s ready to go to a regular crib now. They are going to see if he can maintain his body temperature and if he does, then he gets to stay in the crib. He has also moved out of the back corner now and is closer to the door. After spending this much time in the NICU, I’ve learned that the closer they are to the door, the sooner before they go home. He has on a shirt now so he’s not just in his diaper.  I thought he
would look bigger once he was out of that big warmer but he looks so small. I’m just so happy he has the line out of his belly. They have to do heel sticks now though when they need to check his blood. I can hold him whenever I want now. I don’t even need to ask. I can just walk in and pick him up and cuddle with him.

02 Apr 03-He has his first visitor today. Because it’s RSV season, only parents and grandparents are allowed in the NICU. Chris’ Aunt has been like his mom since his mom passed away so they allowed her to come in. We could see how hard it was on her to see him like that.  At least she didn’t see him at his worst. She only saw pictures. She is so proud and even got to hold him. He likes looking at his surroundings and the people that
hold him.  He doesn’t cry much and seems like such a peaceful baby. We still don’t know when we get to take him home.

03 Apr 03-Today his oxygen level has remained steady and he is now completely off his oxygen! How exciting. Now, he gets to start having real food! They are going to see how it goes and take him off his IV if he does well. He is having gavage feedings, which means there is a tube in his nose going down to his belly. After that, he got to try a bottle, however, when we laid him down, he choked and threw it all up so we didn’t get to try another bottle. His nurse today was Becky and we really don’t care for her. She makes us feel guilty to even touch our own child. Aunt Denise doesn’t care for her either.  She just keeps telling us not to do this and that. We made it this far without her help and we don’t need her now. I just hope she’s not his nurse much longer.

04 Apr 03-Today Dr. Sexton, the other pediatrician, let me try to breastfeed much to my surprise. It had been a long time and I needed some help but he did okay. He is just too comfy with me and would rather sleep than eat. He still has his gavage tube and he got to try a bottle again and did fine with it this time. I guess it was just a shock to his system the first day. We are so happy that he continues to get better fast. Even the nurses talk about how sick he was and how once he turned the corner, he took off. His last obstacle now is to tolerate all his feeds and gain weight. If he nipples all his feeds whether it be breast or bottle and gains weight, he gets to go home! Things are definitely looking up now. It’s rough going back and forth now though because I was discharged on the 28th. I get up and go to the hospital first thing. I stay for 2 feedings and then go home to eat lunch. I come right back and stay for 2 more feedings and then go home to eat dinner. I go back for one more feeding and some cuddle time and then I try to get some sleep. I am starting to get run down and the nurses said if I get sick I’m no good to him so I’ve been trying to take care of myself.  When you have a baby in the NICU, it’s easier said than done.

05 Apr 03-He is still having to have some gavage feedings but is handling the bottle feedings quite well. He keeps pulling his gavage tube out so they are planning on taking it out tomorrow. I can’t wait until he has no more tubes of any kind! Because he’s handling his feedings so well, his IV is out now so all he has left hooked up to him is his leads and pulse ox to continue to monitor his oxygen and his heart rate.

06 Apr 03-Finally his gavage tube is out now and it’s straight nipple feeds now. All he needs to do is gain weight now and he gets to go home. They still won’t give us any kind of time frame though so it’s just the waiting game now. His nurses are pushing him more and more because they know we’re all ready for him to go home. He finally looks normal without any tape or tubes! His body temp has remained what is should be the entire time he’s been in the crib. They had to strip him down once because he got too warm.

07 Apr 03-His circumcision is scheduled for today so he’s going to be a little cranky. While I was home eating my lunch, Donna called us and said when we came back to bring his car seat! I lost it and was so glad I didn’t have to drive myself back because I couldn’t have handled it. They were already at capacity for babies and they were expecting 3 more. Donna knew we could handle him at home and the doctor protested a bit but knew that he was ready. He was just concerned because he wasn’t gaining weight. When we got back they did his hearing test and went over all the discharge information with us and we finally got to take him home! They expected in the beginning for him to stay until his due date (6 weeks after he was born) so this was a complete shock to us. He passed his hearing test and his circumcision went well. They put me in the wheelchair and took us out to the truck and off we went. It was kind of sad to be leaving because we had become attached to so many of the nurses but we so thankful to be taking our baby home for good! We had to bring him back in 3 days to be weighed to make sure he was gaining but that was it! Now we can begin our lives with him and put all of this behind us although it is something I will never forget.  We couldn’t be happier and prouder of how far he’s come and that he is well now and home safe in our arms!