NICU Day 35

Day 35.

Andrew and his mother had fun today in the NICU.  Andrew did some more nuzzling and is getting the hang of things.  He sure enjoys his pacifier and goes to town on it.  Hopefully we can break that habit when he comes home.  We'll see...  The little man sure smelled clean and had fluffy hair today.  I think he is extremely handsome; however, I am a little biased.  

Andrew continues to do well with his oxygen levels and heart rate.  Good news, on monday Andrew will have his first nipple feeding.  The occupational therapist will do it with a little milk in the bottle.  This is to make sure he knows how to suck, breath and swallow safely.  I am sure he will do great as always.  He continues to make his parents extremely proud.  Father Darin will be visiting his son this evening.  Mother Meredith will be at home doing chores and then to bed.

I would like to send my kicks out to Wayne and Ashley for the wonderful barbeque dinner this evening.  Thanks so much.

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

NICU Day 34

Day 34. A quiet day in the NICU. Mom and baby started "nuzzling" today. That's all I have to say about that.

Andrew is still behaving himself - breathing on his own and all. He gained another 20 grams today, so he is now at 1410 grams (3 lbs. 2 oz.). He got an early bath tonight and was already sound asleep when I got there. I don't think he moved a muscle while I was there.

I think we are probably about halfway home by now, but his nurse tonight was a little more optimistic and thinks we are a little closer than that.

Speaking of home, Grandnana Sara delivered Andrew's bookshelf today. The nursery is getting pretty full. If only he had a mattress to sleep on when he makes it home...

I don't like to shout at people that bring me food, but Meredith wants to give Grandma Ada a "shout out" for bringing us dinner tonight.

That is all.

NICU Day 33

Day 33.  Andrew had an eye exam today and the doctor tells us that he has mild retinopathy, which is common in premature infants.  They will keep an eye on it (no pun intended), but it should improve as his eyes develop.  And so far he is breathing well without his nasal cannula.  I hardly recognized him tonight without that tube under his nose or all of the tape on his face.  His legs have been getting pretty chunky for a while, but now his face and shoulders are starting to fill out a little, too.  No weight report yet tonight, though.  My guess is 5 lbs...

That is all.

NICU Day 32

Day 32.  Dad didn't get to see Andrew today because he had to work late tonight, but Mom says he had a good day with her.  She sang to him and she swears he liked it.  She also claims he smiled at her.

The doctors removed his nasal cannula and he seemed to be breathing OK this afternoon.  He is scheduled for an eye exam tomorrow.  The doctor told Meredith that he wasn't really at high risk for any eye complications, but we still worry.  Keep your fingers crossed.

That is all.

NICU Day 31

Day 31.  Happy Birthday to Andrew.  Hard to believe, but he is one month old today.  Coincidentally (or not) he is also a 3-pound baby today.  Congrats to Mr. Andrew. 

He had quite a few visitors today for the big occasion, including first-timers Uncle Justin, Uncle Dallas, and Aunt Carrie.  He was a sleepy guy today - not one of them saw his eyes open.  I guess all that growing really takes it out of you.

We also made some progress on his room at home this weekend.  I got his crib (sans mattress) ready for him this weekend and Grandnana Sara is putting the finishing touches on a bookshelf he inherited from his great-great-great Aunt Goldina.

New pictures are also up just in time for the birthday party.  (Note: the URL has changed so be sure to update your bookmarks.)

That is all.

NICU Day 30

Day 30.

Andrew is doing well these days; however, it was a rough time when his parents arrived today.  I attempted to change Andrew's diaper and it somehow ended up all over the inside of the isolette.  At the same time Andrew was spitting up and his sats were dropping.  After all of this Andrew got a bed change and new feeding time.  Welcome to baby world, right?

Andrew still has his nasal cannula; the doctor tells us he is still breathing shallow.  It will be nice when he is able to let go of that.  He sure has a time keeping it in his nose.  Andrew spent some awake time with his dad today. Andrew is now up to 1270 grams(2 lbs. 13 oz.).  Darin is with Andrew this evening.  We look forward to the day we can have baby Andrew home with us.

A shout out to grandpa Rick and Grandnana Sara for a wonderful dinner and strawberry pie.

Comments anyone?

NICU Day 29

Day 28 and 29. Yes - we missed a day. Meredith told me she was going to take care of the blog last night while I was spending time in the NICU. Instead, she went to sleep.

While she was sleeping, though, Andrew managed to put on another 10 grams. He now weighs 1240 grams - 2 lbs 12 oz.

Thanks to the Smiths for the wonderful Mexican fare and brownies last night.