3 lbs, 6 oz.
Carson's doing better with bottle feeding. He took two of his feedings by bottle today. He is more awake and alert - and of course, cuter than ever. The nurses and doctors have been checking him out during rounds. If he's awake, they all comment on his BIG eyes. His bath days are Tuesdays and Fridays; they are typically given in the evening. His bath tub is basically a small Rubbermaid bin (not much larger than a shoe box) with a mesh sling. He will stay swaddled up during his bath; you expose and wash one body part at a time. Ella screamed during her baths as a newborn so Carson should be interesting. Vic & I will be observing his bath before he leaves the hospital so we have a better idea about how this works.By the way, Carson takes a normal size bottle nipple and pacifier. You can compare the size of his pacifier to his face and get a better understanding of his size.
Tuesday, March 6
3 lbs, 7 oz.
Carson has gained over 1 lb since his birth. He is still slow to take the bottle, but the nurses and occupational therapist continue to work with him. He's taking the easy way out.
Wednesday, March 7
3 lbs, 8.4 oz.
His formula quantity is increased to 30 cc - one whole ounce. This is how much Ella was taking when she came home. He should take his feeding in 20-30 minutes so that he isn't overtired. Nurse Lindsi adds a mobile with music to his crib since he is awake more often. They start a discharge folder for Carson knowing that he's heading in that direction. There are lots of things to do before discharge including shots, hearing tests, videos to watch, learning how to prepare the formula per the dietitian's formula, etc. Due to his birth weight, Carson will also have an eye exam including dilation at 6 weeks of age. Due to his age at birth, he'll receive monthly Synagis shots to protect against RSV. Lots and lots of doctor visits - thank goodness for medical insurance!
Thursday, March 8
3 lbs, 9 oz.
The NICU staff is preparing for Carson's discharge to occur towards the end of next week; however, he must be taking 100% of his feedings by bottle. Currently, he is taking 21% of his feedings by bottle; but, the lightbulb could click on tomorrow and he could start taking all of his bottles. The staff takes lots of pictures today because he is showing off his BIG eyes.
Friday, March 9
3 lbs, 10 oz.
Carson improves with bottle feeding - 30% of feedings by bottle. He tolerated his first bath and didn't raise too much of a fuss. The nurses think he is pretty laid back and he definitely doesn't cry or fuss often. He's probably saving it for us when he comes home... let's hope not.
Saturday, March 10
3 lbs, 11 oz.
Vic & I visit with Carson while we watch the videos required for discharge. He seems sleepier today. He does open his eyes when he hears our voices.
Sunday, March 11
3 lbs, 13 oz.
16.5 inches in length
Carson continues to put on weight and approaches the 4 lb. mark - pretty amazing! We are so fortunate to have such great staff at the NICU, especially Lindsi. She has been feeding him last so that she can hold him for a longer period of time. They change out his feeding tube to a larger size and he does fine with his next feedings. Today, he takes 50% of his feedings by bottle.
Since the warm weather finally visited Cincinnati, Ella went for a wagon ride with Daddy and drove her Jeep. In the evening, we celebrated Ella's second birthday with Vic's family. Her birthday is March 31, but we figured things might be more chaotic when Carson comes home and this would give her one last hurrah without Brother. When we sang happy birthday to her, she looked around and seemed unsure. She successfully blew out the candle and exclaimed "blowed it out." She slowly, ever so slowly, opened her presents. She, of course, wanted to play with each gift before opening another one. Ella had a really terrific time and was tuckered out. She didn't make a peep through the night.
Tuesday, March 6
3 lbs, 7 oz.
Carson has gained over 1 lb since his birth. He is still slow to take the bottle, but the nurses and occupational therapist continue to work with him. He's taking the easy way out.
Wednesday, March 7
3 lbs, 8.4 oz.
His formula quantity is increased to 30 cc - one whole ounce. This is how much Ella was taking when she came home. He should take his feeding in 20-30 minutes so that he isn't overtired. Nurse Lindsi adds a mobile with music to his crib since he is awake more often. They start a discharge folder for Carson knowing that he's heading in that direction. There are lots of things to do before discharge including shots, hearing tests, videos to watch, learning how to prepare the formula per the dietitian's formula, etc. Due to his birth weight, Carson will also have an eye exam including dilation at 6 weeks of age. Due to his age at birth, he'll receive monthly Synagis shots to protect against RSV. Lots and lots of doctor visits - thank goodness for medical insurance!Thursday, March 8
3 lbs, 9 oz.
The NICU staff is preparing for Carson's discharge to occur towards the end of next week; however, he must be taking 100% of his feedings by bottle. Currently, he is taking 21% of his feedings by bottle; but, the lightbulb could click on tomorrow and he could start taking all of his bottles. The staff takes lots of pictures today because he is showing off his BIG eyes.
Friday, March 9
3 lbs, 10 oz.
Carson improves with bottle feeding - 30% of feedings by bottle. He tolerated his first bath and didn't raise too much of a fuss. The nurses think he is pretty laid back and he definitely doesn't cry or fuss often. He's probably saving it for us when he comes home... let's hope not.
Saturday, March 10
3 lbs, 11 oz.
Vic & I visit with Carson while we watch the videos required for discharge. He seems sleepier today. He does open his eyes when he hears our voices.
Sunday, March 11
3 lbs, 13 oz.
16.5 inches in length
Carson continues to put on weight and approaches the 4 lb. mark - pretty amazing! We are so fortunate to have such great staff at the NICU, especially Lindsi. She has been feeding him last so that she can hold him for a longer period of time. They change out his feeding tube to a larger size and he does fine with his next feedings. Today, he takes 50% of his feedings by bottle.
Since the warm weather finally visited Cincinnati, Ella went for a wagon ride with Daddy and drove her Jeep. In the evening, we celebrated Ella's second birthday with Vic's family. Her birthday is March 31, but we figured things might be more chaotic when Carson comes home and this would give her one last hurrah without Brother. When we sang happy birthday to her, she looked around and seemed unsure. She successfully blew out the candle and exclaimed "blowed it out." She slowly, ever so slowly, opened her presents. She, of course, wanted to play with each gift before opening another one. Ella had a really terrific time and was tuckered out. She didn't make a peep through the night.
3 comments:
Wow, Tonya--it sounds like Carson is doing absolutely fantastic! That's just wonderful! Thanks so much for keeping us updated!
My sister said she saw him on Sunday. She actually recognized Ella's picture first. She said that he's adorable.
Yay for Carson! It sounds like he's doing wonderful. Ella looks so cute in her birthday shirt and her pink bow. We miss her! Hope to see you guys soon. Happy early Birthday to Ella!
He is so cute Tonya and Vic! And growing like a weed. We can't wait to meet the little guy. Please send Ella over anytime, Payton, Nathan and Camryn would love to play with her. Hope you guys are holding up okay.
Jason and Robin
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