2lbs, 7.3 oz.
After hearing some rumblings in Brother's belly, the nurse determines it's time to insert a feeding tube through his nose to his stomach. He will receive donor breast milk for approx. one week and then transition to formula. Brother officially weighs more than his original birth weight. He also received phototherapy today because his bilirubin level was slightly high; this condition is also known as jaundice. Brother wears sunglasses during his treatment. At 6PM and every 3 hours thereafter, Brother is fed 3 cc of breast milk. 30 cc = 1 oz. When Ella came home from the hospital at 4 lbs, 11 oz, she was taking 30 cc every 3 hours.
Vic's parents, his brother Kirk, and my friend Jenny came to visit today.
Monday, February 19
2 lbs, 7 oz.
Brother's bilirubin levels are normal and so phototherapy is stopped. His levels will be monitored and treatment can be restarted if necessary. Brother's feedings are doubled to 6 cc every 3 hours beginning at noon today. Ella goes to preschool today and Vic comes to visit. We have a marathon name meeting and come down to Carson or Gavin. We like both names. When Vic asks Ella for her opinion, she chooses Carson. We consider:- Carson James G.. or Gavin James G..
- Carson G.. or Gavin G..
- Mr. Carson G.. or Mr. Gavin G..
- Carson G.. with the winning touchdown and Gavin G.. with the winning touchdown
- Vic, Tonya, Ella & Carson or Vic, Tonya, Ella & Gavin
- Ella & Carson or Ella & Gavin
- and of course, when you're upset... Carson James or Gavin James
It's official - Carson James.
My friend, Lynn, and her daughter, Jordan, visit us today.
Tuesday, February 20
2 lbs, 7.2 oz
Carson was ready to eat and so they continue to increase his feedings. He will receive 8 cc every three hours beginning at 6PM. He has one spit-up in the early afternoon, of course while I'm holding him. That must mean he knows I am his mom.
I am discharged from the hospital and anxious to get home. Ella greets me and is ready to play. I am relieved to take a shower in my own shower and sleep in my own bed. I sleep like a little baby. The swelling is still persistent in my lower legs, ankles & feet. Even my stomach remains swollen. I am very impatient about these extra fluids and hope they'll go away soon. Vic's sister, Debbie, makes chicken and dumplings for us - they were delicious.
Since Ella is all of 20 months, I tried to explain that she would soon have a baby brother. I needed to keep the explanations as simple as possible. She came to understand that Brother was in momma's belly and that all blue clothes belonged to Brother. She pronounced Brother as "Bruh-fer" - too cute! About a month ago though, she spotted a box on the side of the road. I asked her what she thought was in the box; she replied "Bruh-fer". The response was completely unexpected and I am certain that I giggled. Thereafter, if you asked Ella where Brother was, she replied "box". It was a game to her and she loves to make you laugh.
So, when I came home from the hospital, I asked Ella where Brother was. She responded with the correct answer - "momma's belly". Keeping it simple, I then explained that momma's belly went pop and that Brother was at the doctor's office. I also told her that Brother's name was Carson. This is all mind-boggling data for a 20 month old. She does know that Brother is at the doctor's; however, she thinks Brother's name is "Bruh-fer". Lindsi, the nurse, said that Ella will be able to meet Carson through a window in a few more weeks. Ella has seen pictures of him and wants her toys back that she sees in those pictures. She's going through the MINE phase right now.
Wednesday, February 21
2 lbs, 8.2 oz.
Carson is doing well with his feedings so they continue to increase the amounts - 11 cc at noon and then 14 cc at 6PM. In the picture below, you can compare my size 5 ring to Carson's size. No need to say anything more...
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