The Andrew Report

Today was a busy day for the Deaver family.  It all began at 3:00 a.m. with the first meal of the day, followed by the second meal at 5:30 a.m.  But there was more to come... today was PICTURE DAY.  Mom managed to squeeze in a bath (for Andrew) by 8:30 and we were on the road to the studio by 8:45.

Of course, Andrew was a model model - very photogenic if I do say so myself.  And a good sport to boot.  Here are a few of the pics.

Andrew also had another check-up today with Dr. D.  He weighed in today at a hefty 7 lbs 2 oz. and was up to 19 3/4 in.  I think his mom is very proud of him.

Yesterday he rolled over by himself (sort of).  Sometimes he tries to help hold the bottle, but he still needs some practice on that.

He has had several visitors over the last few weeks and has enjoyed them all.  He keeps asking about Carrie P., though, wondering if she is ever going to come see him.

We enjoyed having Grandnana Sara stay with us for a week.  Granny Kidd also got to put in some babysitting time last week.  We appreciated the help.

And just because you can never have too many pictures, here are a few more that Justin took a couple of weeks ago.

It has been a good month.

Darin, Meredith, and Andrew

Andrew's First Week Home

Mr. Andrew has been home a week and I am just now finding the time to post an update.  I think that about says it all.

Turns out that Andrew is a rather fickle eater and we have been having a hard time syncing up with him on the feeding schedule.  The doctors have told us to feed him at least once every three hours, but he prefers to do things in his own good time.  If he's not ready to eat, he puts a padlock on those lips of his and there's no getting in.

He had his first visit to the pediatrician on Monday and everything checked out fine.  In spite of his fickle eating, we managed to put another 10 ounces on him in five days.  So as of Monday, he weighed in at 5 lbs 15 oz.

He also got his eyes checked out again yesterday.  That was a rather unpleasant experience for all of us, but the doctor said his eyes are improving and they should be fine.  He has another appointment for a follow-up at the end of the month.

Given the three-hour feeding schedule, neither Meredith nor I have had a good night's sleep in a while, so we finally called in the calvary.  We are looking forward to some relief from Grandnana Sara early next week.

Thanks to Uncle Julio for dinner tonight!

It was a rough week, but a good week.

NICU Day 68 - Discharged!

Day 68.  The last day in the NICU is finally here.  The doctor finally saw Andrew around noon today and gave him the green light.  We left the hospital around 4:30 with our precious 5 lb 5 oz cargo...

and all made it home safe and sound around 5.   The paparazzi was there to greet us...

Home, Sweet Home!

So far the big guy is taking it all in stride.

He has already had two dinners, a bath, and a nap tonight.

There are a few more pictures in the NICU album, but today's pictures are in a new album.

Thanks again to everyone for their support and encouragement (and all the wonderful food).  We couldn't have made it without you.

Check back here for regular updates - but not daily updates.  For the really adventurous reader, I think you can even subscribe to the blog, using this link or the Atom link at the bottom of the page, so you can receive the posts right in your inbox or news reader.

It was definitely a good day.  That is all.

NICU Day 66

Day 66. I thought the day would never come, but the MDs and the RNs
are actually using the "H" word and Andrew is taking his second car
seat test tonight. He should be home by Wednesday - Thursday at the
latest.

Other than that, there's not much new to report tonight.

It was a good day.

That is all.

NICU Day 64

Day 64.  Happy birthday to Andrew again!  Nine weeks old today (that's 38 weeks gestational).  5 lbs 3 oz tonight.

It was another exciting Saturday night at the NICU tonight.  First we gave Mr. Andrew a bath and then I fed him a bottle, which he handled well tonight.  Then, after he told me all about the car seat manual he read today, he took a short nap in the recliner with me before we had to leave for the night.

We are still optimistic that he will be home within a week, but nobody will tell us for sure.

It was a good day.  That is all.

NICU Day 63

Day 63.

Another day gone by in the NICU.  Andrew was advanced to 6 oral feedings a day.  He continues to do well, but is a little inconsistent with the feedings.  Andrew did not finish his bottle at the 2pm feeding today.  With all things considered the little guy is doing darn well.  All of the nurses keep telling us that all of the sudden a lightbulb goes off in their little heads.  So I asked Darin tonight if he thought Andrew's lightbulb had gone off.  He replied I think he has a dimmer switch.  The feedings are taking a little longer because Andrew was born at 29 weeks and does not have the energy stores like a term baby.  He still tires very easily.  His parents are very proud of him. Darin read Andrew The Three Little Pigs tonight and Andrew enjoyed it.  Thanks to Grandpa Rick for helping with the finishing touches on the nursery.  The nursery is finally ready and looks beautiful.  Andrew is going to read up on the carseat manual this weekend and we are ready to go.

A shout out to Mary Sue for the DELICIOUS chicken tetrazzani and salad.

Thanks to Grandnana Sara for the wonderful peach cobbler and fruit.

NICU Day 61

Day 61.

Aunt Stacey was able to be Andrew's nurse for the second time today.  It was a lot of fun for us all except that she had to give Andrew his immunizations.  Andrew did well with the shots but was not feeling up to par this evening.  Dad gave Andrew a bottle and he took some but did not look like he felt good.  I was very upset that my baby was not feeling well.  Andrew was just improving on his bottles and they had to give him shots.  I cannot tell you all how ready we are to take the little man home.  I just frustrated and upset, but Andrew will do things when he is ready.  His weight tonight was 2230 grams (4lbs. 14oz.).

Thanks to Aunt Stacey for taking such good care of Andrew.