The NICU is really cool. We get a call from his PA each morning with an update and are allowed to ask any questions we like. We can touch him during his care times at 3, 6, 9, and 12.
Ellis went on a bubble cpap to help his breathing and was set at a 7 originally. He had oxygen if needed but generally had only slightly higher than room air. The NICU started him on tropic feedings which are small feedings just to get his body used to milk.
By the second day I had stretched and walked so much I was able to change his diaper. That night we did our first skin to skin time. Skin to skin is where I hold Ellis against my chest and he can smell me, feel my warmth, and hear my heart beat. Skin to skin is great for the baby because it relaxes him and I love it because it makes me feel close to him.
Erin went with me to my first skin to skin time. She was like a photograph ninja. She was all over the place! I just closed my eyes and enjoyed holding my baby. When I looked up Erin was crying. What's wrong with me?! I didn't cry when he was born. I didn't cry when I held him the first time. .... Oh well.... Erin started reading "Love You Forever". Half way through the story as Erin read, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be" I started bawling! It was an ugly cry too. As I was sobbing I said, " this is a horrible book!". Erin and I both laughed and gathered ourselves together and finished the book. Holding Ellis the first time was so special. I'll never forget how that felt. It was the best feeling ever.
The nurse told us that she was going to give him a bath that night and I asked if I could watch. She moved her schedule to a time when Erin and I could come. I was so excited I couldn't sleep. We woke up at 5:20 and headed to the NICU for his first bath. The nurse let me help. I soaped him up, washed his hair and combed it, and rinsed him off. He seemed to like and not like a bath.
From there Ellis has improved and changed each day. He moved from a 7 on his cpap to a 5 and today he moved off the bubble cpap to a lower pressure machine. He breathes room air most of the day. They have also increased his feedings and after losing some initial weight he has started to gain. He currently weighs 2 lbs 9 oz. Ellis loves to sleep on his side and hold hands. He loves food and is currently deciding if he's interested in a pacifier or his finger more. He likes stories, being held, and wiggling.
Ellis went on a bubble cpap to help his breathing and was set at a 7 originally. He had oxygen if needed but generally had only slightly higher than room air. The NICU started him on tropic feedings which are small feedings just to get his body used to milk.
By the second day I had stretched and walked so much I was able to change his diaper. That night we did our first skin to skin time. Skin to skin is where I hold Ellis against my chest and he can smell me, feel my warmth, and hear my heart beat. Skin to skin is great for the baby because it relaxes him and I love it because it makes me feel close to him.
Erin went with me to my first skin to skin time. She was like a photograph ninja. She was all over the place! I just closed my eyes and enjoyed holding my baby. When I looked up Erin was crying. What's wrong with me?! I didn't cry when he was born. I didn't cry when I held him the first time. .... Oh well.... Erin started reading "Love You Forever". Half way through the story as Erin read, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be" I started bawling! It was an ugly cry too. As I was sobbing I said, " this is a horrible book!". Erin and I both laughed and gathered ourselves together and finished the book. Holding Ellis the first time was so special. I'll never forget how that felt. It was the best feeling ever.
From there Ellis has improved and changed each day. He moved from a 7 on his cpap to a 5 and today he moved off the bubble cpap to a lower pressure machine. He breathes room air most of the day. They have also increased his feedings and after losing some initial weight he has started to gain. He currently weighs 2 lbs 9 oz. Ellis loves to sleep on his side and hold hands. He loves food and is currently deciding if he's interested in a pacifier or his finger more. He likes stories, being held, and wiggling.
Hi Shea! We've met a couple of times through Holly & Glen Warren. I followed your blog some time ago and was so happy to see you updating again. We've been praying for you and your family. Hang in there!!!
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