Tragedies

Two tragedies in two days.

I am really counting my blessings today. I'm so grateful that my little guy is home, though on oxygen, he's home and eating well. At his doctors appointment he measured 8lbs, 2oz and is very healthy.

Tragedies. Yesterday I learned that one of my students was murdered. Today I learned that my coworker friend delivered her baby- he is in primary children's for holes in the lungs, kidney failure and several other issues. I really hope her baby boy will be able to pull through.

NICU

James to go home list:

1. Learn to suckle/ get rid of feeding tube. He now takes 2 bottles out of every 3 feedings.

2. Suckle at least 71 mL at each feeding. He is up to 65 mL

3. Lungs mature enough to not need oxygen- or mommy and daddy trained on how to use an oxygen machine. Still destats within 5 mins of not having O2.

4. Car seat test. Last test before he will go home.

James actually suckled down 2 bottles today in less than 10 mins! Woo hoo! I am having to pump and feed through bottles, because nursing stresses him out too much- as a preemie he doesn't quite have the energy.

NICU

Baby James is doing alright. He is still in the NICU on oxygen. His lungs are just a little preemie. I have had several nurses ask if I had gestational diabetes-no. He is the largest preemie in the nicu and actually has cute little chubby cheeks. For a few days he was the only one, but now he has been joined by several girlfriends. As the only boy he is teased by the nurses because "he just wants to be with the ladies."

It's interesting to listen to the other parents in the nicu. Optimism is high in the nicu. Parents celebrate the tiny successes, quietly whispering to their newborns. The parent next to me has been saying, "the first thing I noticed about you." to his newborn and in response to others. Funny though that he has now said " the first thing I noticed about you was playing with your tongue." yesterday it was something entirely different.

So, James the first thing I noticed about you was how active you were. I felt you jump as early as 13 weeks. I noticed you jumping strongly the entire time and when you got too long you jumped your way out 4 weeks early. At birth the first thing I noticed was your high squeaky cry. When I first saw you I noticed the dimple in your chin- just like your daddy has. When I saw them checking you I noticed your cute little toes, and how active you were kicking. When I held you the first time I noticed your curly light brown hair and dark eyes. I noticed your long fingers and the way you love to grab at everything. Lastly, the very first thing I noticed about you, is how much I love you.