July 21, 2013:
I'm bummed that all my family has left now. It was a great help having my lil sis Emily here this week to help take care of RJ. She did may feedings, changed her first diaper, burped him, played w/ him, and had her first real spit-up happen. It was also helpful to have someone feed RJ at the midnight/1am feeding while I pumped. Really helped to speed up the process. Now I have to get used to doing it all on my own again. Boo boo...
This morning my mom took RJ after his morning feeding around 7am and let me sleep a lil longer. Good thing I set an alarm b/c I was deep in sleep and could have kept sleeping for hours. I might just have to take a nap this afternoon. :)
This week RJ's sleeping pattern was a lil off. He had a few nights that were more like 2.5-3hr segments between feedings. My body has gotten used to 4-5hr segments, so switching back makes it really hard. The past couple nights we've gotten back to our regular schedule. I switched back to giving him 2 bottles at night versus trying to breastfeed at the 4-5am feeding. It's helped him sleep much better.
Monday was Robert's birthday and RJ had his first baby-sitter experience. Emily was here of course, but I also had a couple friends come over who just happened to be doctors. :) I took Robert out to eat at his favorite restaurant, Bone Fish Grill. We had a nice date night for the first time since our lil man was born. RJ did pretty good and didn't cry too much while we were gone.
Tuesday Emily helped me complete a 24hr power pumping session. I began it at 12am Tuesday morning to pump q3hrs during the night. When I woke around 7am I started the q30 min pumping at 7:30am. I pumped for 3 min simultaneously on both boobs q30 min. I would just put my pumping gear in the fridge until I got a full bottle and then would attach a new set, versus cleaning everything after each pumping. It was quite the experience. It didn't hurt at all. It was just very time consuming. We watching movies all day long and Emily helped w/ RJ a lot. Emily actually had to keep waking me up for the last few pumpings before midnight b/c I was so tired. It was a success b/c I'm not ahead on bottles for the next day since Tuesday!! Thanks Stacie G. for informing me of this process!!
It's exciting to announce that RJ is almost 10 lbs!!! He was 9.6 lbs Friday night before his bath. I think he's going to be a tall lean lil guy. I think my arms have been getting more toned too carrying him around w/ his increased weight. :) His pooping has gotten better as well. Although I say that to brag and it's been about 4 days since his last poop. He was doing better. Silly lil boy.
Another first for the wk was taking RJ to the grocery store. I kept him in his carseat and just hooked him to the sitting part of the cart. He was awake looking around while we were in Krogers and started to get fussy while we were checking out for his next meal. Then we went to Sams after he was fed and sleepy. He ended up sleeping through that whole shopping experience. It was quite tricky trying to navigate the cart while trying to look over and around the carseat. :) It's definitely more complicated than shopping alone. :) Of course we didn't spend any extra like we could have if Robert was with us. My silly husband finds all sorts of extras to add to the shopping cart. :)
I just realized that today marks 3 months since we brought RJ home from the hospital. Wow... so much has happened between now and then. He has come soooooo far. He's made such amazing progress and has totally lost the preemie look. He's grown out of diapers and clothes, and gotten rid of all tubes and cords. He's started smiling, cooing, rolling over, tracking our faces, and just becoming more interactive. He's been gaining just over a pound per month too. I can only imagine what will happen in the next 3 months...
We are so incredibly blessed. He is such a special lil boy. I love my new job of being a stay at home mom. It's definitely more exhausting, but also way more rewarding. I've had a part in helping our lil guy grow stronger. All my around the clock pumping sessions is paying off. We have a beautiful lil boy. I can't wait for each of you to meet him.
Thanks again for all the prayers, love, and support. We couldn't be happier with RJ's progress. God is so incredibly amazing. RJ is complete proof that there is a God up in heaven who answers prayers.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Saturday, July 13, 2013
July 13, 2013:
What an eventful week we have had!! We saw the Grad clinic on Thursday and daddy was able to come after his 24hr OB shift. They were very impressed with is progress. He's 8 lb 11.5 oz and 21 inches long!!! He's uped his weight gain to 18grams per day from 16grams. He's meeting his milestones appropriately for a 2 month old. He will be 3 months adjusted next wk on the 17th. Him being able to roll from stomach to back is advanced and not normally seen till 4 months, so that's awesome!! Since I've had to start supplementing his feedings w/ some straight formula, they gave me a recipe to make it 24 calorie like I do when I fortify my breastmilk. We have also dropped a bottle to add a breastfeeding. The speech therapist saw him and observed him sucking on his bottle. She said he has an inefficient suck since it makes a smacking noise. I thought that was a good thing. :) Anyways, there's an exercise we can do w/ the paci to help that. He's still eating great and gaining weight, so I'm sure he will grow out of it. We were able to stop the Beneprotein powder, so one less powder to mix!! Counting them down!! We roughly tried to figure out how much he drinks her day w/ bottles and breastfeeding. The nutritionist gave us the estimate of 10.5 ounces per day and 5 breastfeedings. Since being home I've decided that I can get the 10.5 ounces in, but can only get about 3 breastfeedings in w/ his new sleeping. He hasn't been eating as frequently. He's even decided to give me a 5 hr stretch during the night. I thought it was a fluky thing since he didn't get much of a nap on Thursday, but he's done it the past few nights!!
Today was a super special day. It was RJ's first time to church!! Today daddy got ordained as a deacon. RJ and I slipped in after most all had sat down for the service to start and darted out at the closing hymn. Robert was able to get the pastor to come out to the truck and say a special prayer of Thanksgiving. It was special. My mom, Bruce, and Emily were able to be here this weekend as well. We even had a special Sabbath lunch that RJ will get remnants of. I made a Tofu Parmesan that was delicious w/ Kale and bussel sprout salad. Both are winners!!
I keep forgetting to mention that RJ has outgrown the nipple shield!!! Now feeding is much less messy and we don't waste any milk!! That's been going on for about 2 weeks now.
This morning as we were getting ready for church, I decided to give RJ a lil tummy time while still in his PJ's. He rolled over for the grandparents to see in person!! He did it a few times. We tried it this afternoon after lunch and he just laid there. Silly boy.
It's such an incredible feeling to hold him and snuggle w/ him during feeding times. I love how he holds my finger during our breastfeeding sessions... Melts my heart. It's so sweet his lil smiles while changing his diaper or when waking up in the morning. It almost feels like he's hugging me sometimes. :) I'm totally and completely in love...
This week the bumbo was delivered. It about swallows RJ up. He's getting used to it. On Friday while I was eating lunch I sat him in it. I was wiping his face w/ a paper towel and he kept smiling so I kept doing it. :) I waited too long to take a video b/c then he really spit up and it made him cry. :( Poor lil fellow.
This coming week my lil sis Emily is going to be here w/ us to help take care of RJ. Time for a baby-sitting crash course!!
Thanks again for the continued prayers, support, and love. RJ is doing fantastic and making great progress.
What an eventful week we have had!! We saw the Grad clinic on Thursday and daddy was able to come after his 24hr OB shift. They were very impressed with is progress. He's 8 lb 11.5 oz and 21 inches long!!! He's uped his weight gain to 18grams per day from 16grams. He's meeting his milestones appropriately for a 2 month old. He will be 3 months adjusted next wk on the 17th. Him being able to roll from stomach to back is advanced and not normally seen till 4 months, so that's awesome!! Since I've had to start supplementing his feedings w/ some straight formula, they gave me a recipe to make it 24 calorie like I do when I fortify my breastmilk. We have also dropped a bottle to add a breastfeeding. The speech therapist saw him and observed him sucking on his bottle. She said he has an inefficient suck since it makes a smacking noise. I thought that was a good thing. :) Anyways, there's an exercise we can do w/ the paci to help that. He's still eating great and gaining weight, so I'm sure he will grow out of it. We were able to stop the Beneprotein powder, so one less powder to mix!! Counting them down!! We roughly tried to figure out how much he drinks her day w/ bottles and breastfeeding. The nutritionist gave us the estimate of 10.5 ounces per day and 5 breastfeedings. Since being home I've decided that I can get the 10.5 ounces in, but can only get about 3 breastfeedings in w/ his new sleeping. He hasn't been eating as frequently. He's even decided to give me a 5 hr stretch during the night. I thought it was a fluky thing since he didn't get much of a nap on Thursday, but he's done it the past few nights!!
Today was a super special day. It was RJ's first time to church!! Today daddy got ordained as a deacon. RJ and I slipped in after most all had sat down for the service to start and darted out at the closing hymn. Robert was able to get the pastor to come out to the truck and say a special prayer of Thanksgiving. It was special. My mom, Bruce, and Emily were able to be here this weekend as well. We even had a special Sabbath lunch that RJ will get remnants of. I made a Tofu Parmesan that was delicious w/ Kale and bussel sprout salad. Both are winners!!
I keep forgetting to mention that RJ has outgrown the nipple shield!!! Now feeding is much less messy and we don't waste any milk!! That's been going on for about 2 weeks now.
This morning as we were getting ready for church, I decided to give RJ a lil tummy time while still in his PJ's. He rolled over for the grandparents to see in person!! He did it a few times. We tried it this afternoon after lunch and he just laid there. Silly boy.
It's such an incredible feeling to hold him and snuggle w/ him during feeding times. I love how he holds my finger during our breastfeeding sessions... Melts my heart. It's so sweet his lil smiles while changing his diaper or when waking up in the morning. It almost feels like he's hugging me sometimes. :) I'm totally and completely in love...
This week the bumbo was delivered. It about swallows RJ up. He's getting used to it. On Friday while I was eating lunch I sat him in it. I was wiping his face w/ a paper towel and he kept smiling so I kept doing it. :) I waited too long to take a video b/c then he really spit up and it made him cry. :( Poor lil fellow.
This coming week my lil sis Emily is going to be here w/ us to help take care of RJ. Time for a baby-sitting crash course!!
Thanks again for the continued prayers, support, and love. RJ is doing fantastic and making great progress.
Monday, July 8, 2013
July 8, 2013 Take 2:
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| Our lil man is growing up!! |
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| Such a happy lil boy |
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| Road trip feeding time... |
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| Thought he might drive for daddy |
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| Met Uncle Chad for the first time |
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| Loved his boat rides. Would fall right asleep |
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| Full of the goofy smiles |
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| Flying baby!! |
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| Priceless moment. Love that lil frown |
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| RJ's not so sure about the pond and feeding the ducks |
July 8, 2013:
Looks like it's been just over 2 wks since I posted last. There's been no dull moments since last writing either. We had a great rest of our vacation with family. RJ did well with all the traveling. At the grandparents house in Georgia, RJ and I slept a lot. I tell ya, taking vacations is not the most relaxing anymore when you have a child to worry about. There's so much to think about with keeping him fed, pumping, and making sure he gets his rest. Whew.... It's good to be home and get back on our schedule. RJ had a couple rough nights trying to get back on track. Turns out he got spoiled w/ complete darkness in the room at night at Robert's parents house, so I ended up closing our light canceling curtains, and he's slept much better. Silly particular boy. :) Robert make the comment the other day that he now lives w/ two particular people. Watch out! :)
Last week we had doctors appts on Monday and Tuesday. I met w/ the vascular surgeon to f/u on the duplex ultrasound that was taken. It wasn't able to show very much, so he recommended still to f/u w/ CTA in 3-4 months. That's what the stroke doc I've been seeing said also. So, I'm only going to be followed by the stroke doc now so we don't get conflicting instructions or have problems w/ scans being scheduled. RJ saw the Peds Surgeon and they are happy w/ the diameter of his anus. They said to continue doing the dilations for another 3 months and then f/u w/ them. He's actually started to poop on a more regular basis since Friday. Oh mercy, I guess I should be carful what I wish for. I was ok w/ a couple poops a wk. Looks like we are on a start to daily poops. :) RJ saw the eye doc as well. Things are looking great there. The vessels have almost grown to the appropriate place. We f/u w/ him in a month and hopefully that will be our last visit!!
Robert has started his OB anesthesia rotation this month. It's been going well. This past Friday he was post call. In the evening I was making dinner and Robert was playing w/ RJ. He set him down on his activity mat in the kitchen for some tummy time. We were both impressed how high RJ was holding his head. All of the sudden he cocked his left elbow and rolled over to his back!! We were both watching!! It was so amazing!! We put him back on his stomach again to see if he'd repeat and he did!! We got it on video too. :) We did if a few more times before bedtime. I got him to do it a few times on Sabbath, but really haven't been able to get him to do it since then. It takes a lot of energy. :)
I think the lil man has awaken from his nap. I will resume later...
I'm back again. I've fed him twice, ate lunch, and pumped in the past couple hours. So, I think RJ is trying to wean himself off the bottle. This is just one example of what he's been doing over the past week or so. I fed him at 11am and he took most of his bottle. Then around noon he acted hungry again. I tried feeding him the remainder of his bottle and he took maybe half of it, but still acted hungry. I gave him the boob and he was all happy and after feeding fell asleep. This makes things tricky b/c I'm supposed to feed him 4 bottles a day and trying to find time to pump between his feedings and still be able to give him enough milk is a lil tricky. Sometimes he wants to feed every 1-2 hrs. It's funny how he will look up at me after eating part of his bottle and be like "Mom, come on you know I want the boob." We see the Grad clinic on Thursday, so I will be discussing his feeding/nutrition regime.
So with adding breast feedings during the night, He wants to eat q3hrs versus q4hrs. :( Last night I was so tired, I was in bed by 9:30pm and was able to get some good sleep before he woke up around 11:45pm. Now I guess we need to get a new routine in order. Awe the changes....
He's getting so expressive now and full of smiles. He's holding his head up really well also. I just love cuddling w/ him and covering him w/ kisses. :) The past couple bathes after I wash him, I take him out of his chair and hold his head while he floats in the water. I'm trying to get him used to floating and being in water like in a pool. I can't wait to take him in the water next summer. :)
I have a handful of pics I'll post here in a sec. He's turing into such a handsome lil man. We are so blessed. I'm in awe every time I look at him. He's come such a long way. It's incredible how much he's changed. We have pics of his NICU days up in the office and RJ's bedroom to remind us from where he came. What a blur it all seems now. It's hard to believe we were actually in the NICU for 94 days plus the 6 days of being in the hospital before he delivered. Home has never felt so good. :)
Thanks again for all the prayers, support, and love. We continue to need them all as the lil guy grows bigger and bigger. We pray it will be smooth sailing and that he will develop appropriately. I can't help but worry just a lil if something else will happen. I know the Bible tells us not to worry, that it doesn't accomplish anything. We just have to enjoy each moment we have w/ him. Each moment is a miracle in and of itself. It's a moment in time that modern medicine and divine intervention allowed us to have. Thank you Jesus for our miracle baby...
Looks like it's been just over 2 wks since I posted last. There's been no dull moments since last writing either. We had a great rest of our vacation with family. RJ did well with all the traveling. At the grandparents house in Georgia, RJ and I slept a lot. I tell ya, taking vacations is not the most relaxing anymore when you have a child to worry about. There's so much to think about with keeping him fed, pumping, and making sure he gets his rest. Whew.... It's good to be home and get back on our schedule. RJ had a couple rough nights trying to get back on track. Turns out he got spoiled w/ complete darkness in the room at night at Robert's parents house, so I ended up closing our light canceling curtains, and he's slept much better. Silly particular boy. :) Robert make the comment the other day that he now lives w/ two particular people. Watch out! :)
Last week we had doctors appts on Monday and Tuesday. I met w/ the vascular surgeon to f/u on the duplex ultrasound that was taken. It wasn't able to show very much, so he recommended still to f/u w/ CTA in 3-4 months. That's what the stroke doc I've been seeing said also. So, I'm only going to be followed by the stroke doc now so we don't get conflicting instructions or have problems w/ scans being scheduled. RJ saw the Peds Surgeon and they are happy w/ the diameter of his anus. They said to continue doing the dilations for another 3 months and then f/u w/ them. He's actually started to poop on a more regular basis since Friday. Oh mercy, I guess I should be carful what I wish for. I was ok w/ a couple poops a wk. Looks like we are on a start to daily poops. :) RJ saw the eye doc as well. Things are looking great there. The vessels have almost grown to the appropriate place. We f/u w/ him in a month and hopefully that will be our last visit!!
Robert has started his OB anesthesia rotation this month. It's been going well. This past Friday he was post call. In the evening I was making dinner and Robert was playing w/ RJ. He set him down on his activity mat in the kitchen for some tummy time. We were both impressed how high RJ was holding his head. All of the sudden he cocked his left elbow and rolled over to his back!! We were both watching!! It was so amazing!! We put him back on his stomach again to see if he'd repeat and he did!! We got it on video too. :) We did if a few more times before bedtime. I got him to do it a few times on Sabbath, but really haven't been able to get him to do it since then. It takes a lot of energy. :)
I think the lil man has awaken from his nap. I will resume later...
I'm back again. I've fed him twice, ate lunch, and pumped in the past couple hours. So, I think RJ is trying to wean himself off the bottle. This is just one example of what he's been doing over the past week or so. I fed him at 11am and he took most of his bottle. Then around noon he acted hungry again. I tried feeding him the remainder of his bottle and he took maybe half of it, but still acted hungry. I gave him the boob and he was all happy and after feeding fell asleep. This makes things tricky b/c I'm supposed to feed him 4 bottles a day and trying to find time to pump between his feedings and still be able to give him enough milk is a lil tricky. Sometimes he wants to feed every 1-2 hrs. It's funny how he will look up at me after eating part of his bottle and be like "Mom, come on you know I want the boob." We see the Grad clinic on Thursday, so I will be discussing his feeding/nutrition regime.
So with adding breast feedings during the night, He wants to eat q3hrs versus q4hrs. :( Last night I was so tired, I was in bed by 9:30pm and was able to get some good sleep before he woke up around 11:45pm. Now I guess we need to get a new routine in order. Awe the changes....
He's getting so expressive now and full of smiles. He's holding his head up really well also. I just love cuddling w/ him and covering him w/ kisses. :) The past couple bathes after I wash him, I take him out of his chair and hold his head while he floats in the water. I'm trying to get him used to floating and being in water like in a pool. I can't wait to take him in the water next summer. :)
I have a handful of pics I'll post here in a sec. He's turing into such a handsome lil man. We are so blessed. I'm in awe every time I look at him. He's come such a long way. It's incredible how much he's changed. We have pics of his NICU days up in the office and RJ's bedroom to remind us from where he came. What a blur it all seems now. It's hard to believe we were actually in the NICU for 94 days plus the 6 days of being in the hospital before he delivered. Home has never felt so good. :)
Thanks again for all the prayers, support, and love. We continue to need them all as the lil guy grows bigger and bigger. We pray it will be smooth sailing and that he will develop appropriately. I can't help but worry just a lil if something else will happen. I know the Bible tells us not to worry, that it doesn't accomplish anything. We just have to enjoy each moment we have w/ him. Each moment is a miracle in and of itself. It's a moment in time that modern medicine and divine intervention allowed us to have. Thank you Jesus for our miracle baby...
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