August 4 - So much has happened.

Wow, I can't believe is been over a month since I last updated. So much has happened since. Most of you already know this, but Alexander is home! He was able to come home on July 3rd - 35 weeks gestational age. While in the NICU, he progressed so well. He reached all the goals the doctor set for him at a faster rate than the doctor expected. I think he surprised everyone at how well he did. Let's see if I can summarize his stay in the NICU without going overboard - some of this is repeat information.:

• After week 1, he was extubated - yay! No more breathing tube. It was amazing to see him without a tube running down his throat. He let out a little cry and it was the most amazing sound I had heard.
• Afterwards, he was given a nasal canula to help him breath. He started out at 5L of oxygen flow, but as the week progressed, he was able to breath room air on his own.
• When his tube was removed, he was able to start feeding. He started out at 15 ml and by the time he left, he was taking around 60 ml. I couldn't believe it. We tried breastfeeding, but I just wasn't comfortable while in the NICU and he just wasn't having it.
• The second to last day he was there, they ran a battery of tests and everything looked great. The doctor thought he heard a heart murmur and had an echocardiograph (sp?) to check. Everything looked fine. He said there was a branch that was a little small, but would most likely get bigger as he got bigger. They also moved him from the NICU to the CCU (Continuing Care Unit). It is basically a "feed and grow" room.
• The doctor discharged him on Friday, July 3rd and it was one of the happiest days in my life. I was nervous at the same time as well. He had been under the care of the nurses and doctors for so long, I was afraid of what would happen to him once he got out of their care, but was so happy to have him at home with us.

The first night was very trying for us. We set him down in the bassinet in our room when we went to bed. Robert (and I) would wake at every little sound Alexander would make. For those of you who know him, know that he is a very heavy sleeper and know it takes a lot to wake him. Now, however, Alexander could be screaming in his ear and Robert would still not wake up. Alexander's first 4th of July was spent inside the comforts of our home, but it was the best 4th of July I have ever had. Robert and I spent all day just staring at our wonderful son. The following Monday, the 6th, Alexander went back to the hospital for his newborn checkup. Most newborns get this done at two days, but of course, Alexander is one of the exceptions since he was in the NICU. Everything looked great with him. He had even gained a few ounces over the weekend.

That same day, Robert's mom, Teresa (Mimi), came to visit from Alabama. I was at the appointment with Alexander, so we met at a restaurant for lunch. The first time she set eyes on Alexander, I thought she was going to cry. I almost cried. You could see the love in her eyes. We did some shopping, but mainly just hung out at home during the visit. Teresa stayed until the 16th and I wish she didn't have to go back. She was so helpful when it came to feedings and diaper changes. She even took Alexander a few nights in her room so that Robert and I wouldn't have to get up in the middle of the night to feed him. I still had to get up and pump, but was able to go right back to sleep. I truly believed Alexander enjoyed the time with Mimi!

After she left, Robert and I had a week to ourselves before his dad and sister came out to visit. During that week, I spent my days just tending to Alexander. I would find myself just sitting there and staring at him. Next thing I know, I have been sitting there for over an hour. He is just the most perfect baby and I couldn't help myself.

Robert's dad, Robert, and sister, Becka came in on the Friday the 24th and left on Wednesday the 29th. Grandpa fell in love with him at first sight as well. At least that was the impression I got. During his visit, Robert was a great help. He helped clean out the garage so that I could park my car in there and helped with the backyard. Kind of felt bad that he spent his visit working, but he said that he enjoyed it. Overall the visit was great.

I am sure that both grandparents will be visiting us more often now.

Let's fast forward to the present. Alexander is pretty much an easy baby for now. I don't want to jinx anything. He does have his days and nights mixed up sometimes. For example, yesterday, he slept for most of the day. Didn't stay awake for too long. At his 2am feeding, he stayed awake and has just fallen asleep 20 minutes ago at 5am. I thought he had fallen asleep at 4am. I put him down and within 5 minutes he was wide awake. But all in all, he is doing just fine. He is eating around 3.5 oz now. I can't believe how quickly he progressed with his feedings. I did try breastfeeding, but it wasn't for me. I do pump and he does get breast milk and that is the important thing.

Ok, I have updated a little bit. I will try my best to do a better job, but Alexander does keep me busy as well as keeping up with household chores.

Pics to come soon. Until next time...