Day 24: Holding again

A very tired update from mom, as dad is with Loki in the NICU to wish him a good and calm night.

The highlight of the day was another kangaroo cuddle with Loki this afternoon, with help of Margaret (thank you again!!). It was so wonderful to be able to hold him again, snuggle together and connect with my beautiful baby. Although getting in and out of the incubator was a little rough on him, and he had a little bit of a desat and bradie when the ventilator tube disconnected (poor little boy needed to breath on his own), Loki did really, really well. Afterwards he needed much less oxygen support for a little while, which according the doctor and his nurses has everything to do with the fact that he feels happy from being held. Proud mommy. Hopefully dad soon will have a chance to hold Loki as well.

Overall Loki was a little less energetic today, but clearly getting over his infection. He had another blood transfusion, and our little pale guy turned bright red again! His platelets are still looking good and his blood culture (which shows infections) came back negative, so hopefully the infections are gone, or at least growing very, very slowly.

I am starting to get to know this little dudy better and better, which is very exciting. I am getting a better sense of what he needs and how he feels. Fortunately the staff very much believes in mothers' intuition, which makes me feel an important part of his team. They take my concerns seriously, and more than once have confirmed that I need to share my thoughts about how Loki is doing, as it may give them important information. It all adds to my admiration of Alta Bates NICU staff.

Have a good night, and I promise, soon more pictures!