Happy Mother's Day; Lots of smiles

It is already Mother's Day where most people read this blog. Obviously, this holiday has taken on a new meaning for both of us because we are parents, particularly because Loki has needed extra attention. Besides the medical portion, the great majority of this attention has been provided by Mom, due to her biology (milk!), skills, and initiative. I simply cannot put into words how grateful and impressed I am with her effort and dedication. For now, the least I can do is wish her a happy first Mother's Day

Loki went to his general pediatrician on Friday. His weight increased 6 ounces in the 8 days since his previous visit (up to 10 lbs, 8 oz, or 4.76 kg). That is about the ideal rate of weight gain. If this continues, then the breast feeding will be a success.

But feeding continues to be difficult. Loki gets about eleven feedings per day, at least nine by breast. That's not too simple. Mom now sometimes has to swing and bounce and feed him, simultaneously, with a pillow strapped around her waist. And the bottle feedings are becoming more difficult. Sometimes, Loki screams quite loudly at the mere sight of the bottle. If we could choose, we would certainly pick for Loki to prefer breast over bottle. But a stronger bottle aversion would mean that only Mom can feed.

[Loki will have his appointment with the gastroenterologist on June 18.]

On top of this, Loki does sleeps well, nor enough. Particularly during the day, he has a difficult time napping, and requires lots of holding, especially by Mom, to get him to sleep. Loki has become quite the "Mama's boy."

Mom and I went out to dinner for our first time together, out of the house, without Loki, since he came home. We ate wonderful Mediterranean food on the front patio of a nearby restaurant. It was great to do so. But Loki stayed awake "talking" with Oma instead of sleeping.

In addition to the specialists (three per week!), Loki had a couple of extra visitors this week. Amber - one of his primary nurses from Alta Bates - stopped by, as did Graciella, Mom's former colleague. As usual, Graciella brought over many gifts. Loki very much enjoys the stuffed octopus, which he grabs from his seat and squeezes, and pulls to him. (Photos below)

We bought a glider chair, one that soothes Loki by moving side-to-side. Although it is very ugly, it seems to help getting him to sleep.

Loki's behavior continues to develop. He looks at sound and makes eye contact much more easily, and smiles a lot. I have been trying to capture smiles in photos. Some are below.

The ugly but comforting glider:



With nurse Amber:


With Graciella:


Hiding behind the octopus from Graciella:


Oh, hi!


Giggles:


Happy with Oma:


Sleepy with Oma: