Day 48: What a fun day this was!

Today was a day of some really fun firsts! Nurse Annette knew yesterday was a little rough with dad leaving and a breast infection significantly impacting milk supply. She told me yesterday I could bring in some clothes. Thus, today we played dress up! In the video, which I will try to upload, you can hear Annette, nurse practitioner Blanca and me gushing over our little handsome guy! It was so amazing to see him in clothes. He looks like a big baby boy, even though he is still very, very tiny. You can get a good sense of his size in the picture where I hold him in my arms. This was also a first, as we have kangarooed him up till now. Although Kangarooing him is amazing, holding him in my arms and being able to look at him and make eye contact was quite an amazing experience as well. I needed a perk-up and Annette certainly provided that BIG TIME!!! Thank you so much!!

Loki did incredibly well throughout all these different events. He was off the SiPAP for a bit, under supervision of Blanca. His heart rate stayed steady, his breathing was steady and calm, and he only needed some extra oxygen a few times. You can hear Blanca talk in the background about how Loki is showing us he maybe ready really soon to go to CPAP, and from there have some breaks on the nasal cannula. The nasal cannula provides only oxygen and no breathing support. It is the last step before he goes completely without oxygen. Once on the nasal cannula, we can start recreational breastfeeding, which will make Loki become familiar with the breast before he is necessarily ready to really suck well and get milk out. Eventually this will hopefully leads to actual breastfeeding.

We have been very fortunate over the last week and a half with our nurse assignments. We have seen a lot of our favorite nurses, except for Margaret whom we are missing very much. She has been summoned to labour and delivery as the NICU is slow at the moment. In addition, on the days we did not have primaries, we had great nurses as well. It does make a huge difference to feel comfortable and often very excited about the people taking care of Loki.

Loki received his private mail at the NICU this week. Janet sent him a card when she was on a short trip. It means so much to know that so many nurses are so fond of our little guy. He is surrounded with love, even in the hospital!

We are missing dad very much, but feel fortunate to receive great support from so many friends. I have received wonderful food, friends help with groceries and keep me and Loki company! In addition, the NICU staff provides ongoing support. Thank you all so very much!