Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Big Day! He's officially 34 weeks today.

This is just after I fed him. I wanted to remember his size, in comparison to me.

He looks happy. :) He eats really well: very peacefully. A nurse showed me how to feed a preemie in a way that cuts down on swallowing air and choking.  It's going really well.
AND, today he nursed! He just did it. I have ZERO confidence that I can do it without a lactation specialist there to help me, but at least we have one success. I am SHOCKED that he did it! He's gifted.

He's on the edge of being jaundiced so they decided to just light him up today (billruben was 11.6 and 12 needs a light). Said it'd be hard on him because he couldn't be swaddled, he had to wear glasses. Babys hate it. But, to my relief, he's been completely fine. Watching him actually makes me laugh. He's such an AZ kid - already getting in the tanning bed! So cute!
Look how little he is...

This is how he looked when Blue got back. He looks like he's just chillin.

Notice NO IV in his head! That came out today as well. He gripped my hand and sucked a pacifier as the nurse did the dirty deed. He definitely felt pain a bit, but I am happy that he can be soothed. 
  So he's all bottle or nurse fed now.
Another big milestone- his oxygen monitor, the "pulse oximeter" came off today! That one we didn't want to come off: We like looking at a monitor and seeing his oxygen at 100% or close to it. I told the nurse she really didn't need to take it off, but she insisted he's doing so well he doesn't need it. I told her i feel like he's a gifted child every time I look at it and see him at 100%, well above what was expected of him. It helps me not be nervous about him. She just took it off anyway. :)
So, many many milestones today.
I should add that the lactation specialist wanted to know about his birth because she couldn't believe he eats so well. We said his cord was wrapped around his neck 6 times. She gasped, "So he's the one! He's the one..." She'd heard about him. She told us, like everyone did, that she couldn't believe he's alive. She said she thought her son had the record - 5. Same story - she insisted something was wrong and everyone told her no, he was fine... anyway, that's another story. But she said she's been in the NICU a long time and we should know that we are very lucky. As we still ache for our other baby's, we looked at each other and knew that no one needs to tell us we're lucky. We know exactly how different things could be right now and we are sooo thankful for a repose. So thankful for our little man who's a fighter, who's here and happy, who's healing dark places inside.

15 comments:

Jill said...

Oh my gosh! Could he be any cuter chillin' under the lamp? LOL He is amazing and has a great work to do here, I can feel it :)

Erin said...

I know you are not supposed to say that boys are beautiful but your little man is! I am so happy for your family. He seems like one special little boy. Congratulations on the milestones and thanks for the updates! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Arizona Allred's said...

I am soooo happy for you. What an amazing example you are for me and everyone else. Your family remains in my prayers. Thank you for sharing.

Bri said...

As Gracie likes to say, he is "divinely"...yes, that's really what she calls things she likes. I showed her that first pic of him you posted, with his eyes open, and she touched the screen and said, "He's so cute!" AGREED.

Lunt Family said...

Beautiful!

Cortney said...

Love the picture updates. I also loved Blue's post...such an amazing testament to the tender mercies of our lord. I still can't wait to love on my lil' man. It was so good to see you the other day. You look radiant, despite the lack of sleep. Thinking of you! xoxo

S. and A. Millar said...

What a big day for such a little man :) I so glad he is doing so well. He is so dang cute! I think in that picture of him with his glasses on next to the hat, that he looks so much like Caidgen! I'm so glad he caught on to nursing so well! Even full term babies have a hard time with that! I'm glad to hear your healing is taking place as well! Miss you guys!

codyandkristiboretsky said...

I am so overcome with joy for your family! What a beautiful little miracle! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

God Bless you guys. He is adorable. I love the updates. They are the first thing I do when I get up each morning.

Naomi H said...

I am so, so, SO happy for your family. Trey is so cute with his eyemask;) So excited that I get to see his pics on your blog!
You and your family are in my prayers. Enjoy every precious moment with your new baby!

MoDLin said...

Your posts are so uplifting and inspiring. What amazing growth and progress. I am so very happy that you both have been given this this blessing and that you share him so lovingly with all of us. Thank you.

Los Torrientes said...

Adorable little sunbather! The picture of him next to the hat is amazing. He's so tiny yet so perfect! Just make sure he cuts out on the sun worshiping... tell him it will age him too fast. He's already looking older :)

Jenn Comolli said...

Yay for nursing! That is awesome, and amazing! Looking good little man! :o)

Anonymous said...

Kelly,
I have been following your blog for a few months now and feel such a connection to your family. I am only 20 years old but have a love and a passion for children and look so forward to the day that I get to start a family. I admire your honesty, your sadness, your courage and your faith. I cannot tell you how happy I am for you and your family, I have been on pins and needles waiting for updates, checking the blog while Im at work, and feeling overwhelmed with a happiness for you when I see new pictures. You have, and continue to be in my prayers. Congratulations!!!!
Jenna

The Scotts said...

Seriously SO CUTE!!!! I love the chilling look.