Thursday, February 5, 2009

Dad and Loki at UCSF

I made it to UCSF by 2 PM. Loki seemed a bit fussy, but was better once he was flipped onto his tummy. (Update: Loki is 3195 grams. That is seven pounds!!! On his due date!)

In general, the hospital staff seems both very welcoming and considerate. Loki is in a room with just four other babies. The lights are kept dim, and it is fairly quiet. The big windows let in a lot of light and have a great view (see below). The nurses are kind. A few doctors and other staff members have dropped by to talk with me and check on Loki. Soon, one of more of the actual urologist surgeons will find me and talk. Then, I'll ask some questions.

The surgery will be second for this team tomorrow, and thus should occur after lunch.

Mom remains very sad that she can't be here. But she recorded about 30 minutes of her voice, reading books etc. I will soon play that for the little man.

I plan on spending this evening at the house of Christine, who is tied with one other as being my longest-standing friend. (We met over 18 years ago?!?!?) She lives just a few blocks away, so it will be easy. And I very much like San Francisco, and we are near the upper Haight neighborhood and Golden Gate Park.

Loki rests in his latest home:


Loki's bed, with his friends Hoosier Monkey, Sucky Ducky, Musical Bear, and Snowboard Ducky:


The room. That's nurse Michelle with him:


The view, which is to the northwest, of the ocean (a bit in the fog/haze), Golden Gate Park, the Presidio (a former military base that is now a park), and the headlands of Marin Country across the water. The Golden Gate Bridge is just off to the right, but can't quite be seen.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Looks like he's all settled in and sleeping peacefully. Lijn 's recording is a very good idea. Dad, get plenty of rest. Thanks for the quick update. love and hugs...nana

berkeleygal77 said...

Hey, I know snowboard ducky!!! For what it's worth, snowboard ducky is BPA-free (i.e. plastic but not toxic and if he mouths it will be okay). Am glad UCSF is going well so far and he looks peaceful/rested in that one picture. My mom went on vacation for a couple weeks when I was 3, and the stories she recorded for me before she left were some of my favorite childhood memories. I hope these tapes will be the same for Mr. Loki-Doki-Artichokey-hokeypokey. (sorry am feeling silly)

Anonymous said...

He looks good dad. Mama I hope you're getting some rest, so sorry you got run down. Continued thoughts of love and health for all of you from me and Matt and matt.
Big hugs,
Esti

Dad said...

Well, JM, you need not feel too silly with your rhymes. Mom has always been into rhymes. Out cat Abeltje is now Abeltje Pabeltje, etc. That is how Loki became the Dude, then Dudie, then Dudie Maludie.

Anonymous said...

Sooo glad loki is there safe and sound and sounds like he didn't mind the ride to UCSF:) My thoughts are with you guys and especially little Loki for tomorrow! Hopefully this will be the last obsticle and after tomorrow he can continue to grow big and strong so he can finally make the big trip home!! Thinking of you all always and hope kat feels better soon!

Love,
Amber

Janet said...

Good to know that Loki-Doki-Artichokey is all tucked in, safe and warm. The accomodations look pretty nice, too, what with the million dollar view and all. Good luck tomorrow....as a certain wise man once said:"fingers crossed, prayers said, and candles lit."
Knuffels all around,
Nurse Janet

marieke said...

Welcome in your new home Loki, mom and dad! Untill now it sounds good. Mom you'll feel sad, t is zoooo balen dat je er niet bij kunt zijn!!!
Maar je stem maakt voor Loki heel veel goed. Dad, great you could go so soon, thanx for the pictures and take care of yourself ok? Big hug and all my fingers are crossed. (In the same time I have to do paperwork, hmmm.:-))

About Loki Sky

Loki Sky is a special little man. He was a very early micropreemie, weighing only 610 grams (1 lb, 5 oz) after 24 weeks, 3 days gestation, born to an American Father and a Dutch Mother in Berkeley, California on October 18, 2008.

On January 11, 2009, while still in the hospital NICU, his one kidney stopped working. It was repaired after three surgeries. After spending time in three hospitals in three cities, Loki came home on February 17. He struggled with eating, and then stopped in July, leading to 8 days in the hospital, a failure-to-thrive diagnosis, and a NG feeding tube. On October 10, a minor surgery installed a G feeding tube. Another procedure replaced it with a new one, and then again with a Mic-Key button in Jan. 2010.

In August 2010, he and his parents moved to the Netherlands.

Read about his first name.
Read & hear about his middle name.
See photos.
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