Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Sweet Boy

Apparently when you make a slideshow it likes to post itself in its own place! I only included the "newer" pictures in the slideshow, so they should be nice and new for everyone to view! You will all have to forgive me, I have been a little busy falling in love with Connor Johnson the last few days and I am going to back track a few posts so that I remember everything.

The little boy is doing well! He is still "dialed in" in the NICU and the estimate is his stay will be anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks (though, it could be sooner!!!). He has lost a little bit of weight (perfectly normal) and now weighs 3lb. 12oz. -- though he keeps bumping up the feeding so I am sure he will beef up soon. He will hopefully start bottle feeding (I have been pumping and he gets my milk -- as soon as he masters that he will be on to breastfeeding!) tomorrow or the next day and his departure time will be up to him. In order to leave the NICU and come home he needs to maintain his body temperature in an open crib and be able to suck/swallow/breathe all at the same time. Hopefully he is like his momma and he can master the eating and breathing in no time at all! He was able to lose his oxygen the other day and he now only has a feeding tube, iv and phototherapy lights. He has a case of jaundice but hopefully we will be able to lose those pesky lights and silly purple mask in the next few days.

We have been able to snuggle with him twice a day -- I make sure no one forgets that I want to snuggle in the morning and I always take daddy's time in the evening if he has to work. I can't help it, it's the highlight of my day. I like to think it is the highlight of the little man's day too :) He is as sweet as can be and I think we fall in love a little more each day. The hardest part about being in the NICU is hearing him cry and not being able to do anything about it. It literally tears my heart out, if he is upset his momma should be able to hold him. I just keep telling myself soon enough he will be home and he won't remember any of this. Luckily he has crazy parents who have documented his every movement upon arriving into the world! Granny and Uncle Dave were here to visit and it was wonderful to have them. I think they are smitten and it was so nice to be able to show the little guy off! We celebrated Christmas on Saturday and just hung out with the little guy the rest of the long weekend. We were sad to see them go, but looking forward to hanging out with them when they come back to visit!

**That is all for now...be sure and read past the slideshow so as not miss anything!**

2 comments:

Courtney said...

Ellen he is gorgeous and it's great that you're journaling your thoughts. I am glad he is healthy and seems to be persevering even though he was a tad early. You already have a strong little man on your hands!

MissyP said...

Just beautiful Ellen! We are so very happy for you guys! What a happy holiday!