BREATHING:
Now, he is on a regular cannula (the last cannula on his oxygen journey), 1 liter of oxygen (a very low pressure) and 21% oxygen (room air). Hopefully they'll start weaning him down on the liters of oxygen over the next week or so and he'll be able to come off oxygen completely!
After he came off the IVs he was swaddled and weaned out of his isolette into an open crib. He's been doing a fantastic job regulating his own temperature while swaddled!
WEIGHT:
He weighs about 2130 grams, or 4 lbs 11 oz. We're SO CLOSE to the 5 lb mark, which is one of the requirements for him to come home!
EATING:
We are currently working on getting him eating by mouth. I made the mistake of thinking "oh, he JUST needs to eat!"....this has been the longest, most tiring hurdle yet. We have to practice a LOT. I've been putting him to breast once a day for weeks, and a few days ago he finally started getting the hang of things. The speech therapist is helping him learn how to bottle feed, which is a whole process on its own.
Sam now makes noises when he cries; he's steadily getting louder and louder. He cries when he's hungry, when his diaper is dirty, when he sneezes (yes, and it's adorable), and when he just wants to be rocked. He ALSO cries if I put him down too soon, and will reach his arms out and grab my sides.
Weeks ago I wanted to hold him while he ate so he would associate me with his milk. Now he only sees me as a warm cow. I'm not exactly sure how to feel about this!
He is 39 weeks and 5 days old today. Friday he will be 40 weeks. I can't believe we've been in here for so long - 4 months! Time has gone by much faster than I ever expected it would, but...
As Sam continues to fight, so shall I.
PHOTOS!
His first day in the crib. You can barely see him!
"Oh for chrissakes Ma I'm tired! Stop it with the pictures!"
"Just kidding I'm happy you're holding me"
"For real this time no pictures. And stop cooing over the pom on my hat!"
"What is that large item you're holding over me? Please don't drop it"
"Okay okay this time I'll smile for the camera phone"
"Boob pillows make the best pillows."
"No what are you doing" *RAAAAAAAGGGGEEEEE*
"HELP!! Help me please"
"Is she gone? Is the coast clear now?"
"I'm keeping my eyes open at all times. Gotta protect my neck"
