Monday, December 14, 2009

So it's Monday evening and Henry is officially 1 week and 2 days old. Saturday night Henry had his head ultrasound and everything came back negative (good)! This means we can hold him now, and on Sunday we were finally able to do so! I posted a few pictures of us holding him for the first time. As you can see, they had to move his IV to his head. I guess there was a more accessible vein in his head. He didn't seem to mind, even though it looked like it hurt. It was awesome to finally hold him! It really didn't feel like I was holding anything because he was so light! Stacie was Henry's nurse last night and she had the duty of adjusting all his wires so he could be moved....she did a great job! Henry also moved from his open crib to an incubator box yesterday. I think Henry will like this because of the heat, light, and sound control it provides. Today was the first time Jenny performed the "kangaroo care" with Henry. This is when he is able to have skin on skin contact with us. It really helps him thrive and become more acclimated with a natural setting. Jenny said Henry fell right asleep on her chest and had a minor heart drop because he was in such a deep sleep. We can do this "kangaroo care" once a day for an hour. I think the "kangaroo care" time will increase as Henry tolerates it. Henry is also opening his eyes quite frequently. As long as the lights are dim, he opens and closes his eyes and tries to look around the room. Nurse Stacie said at about 34 weeks (5 weeks from now) they will begin trying to bottle/breast feed him. This will be a good indicator of how soon he can come home. Oh I forgot, they also weighed him after the head ultrasound and he was 2lbs 7 oz. He lost 2 oz in the first week, which the nurse said was common, primarily due to the jaundice light and it depriving his skin of moisture. The nurses don't seem too concerned with his weight; their priority is his breathing, bowel movements, heart rate.
Well, not much else has changed, but I will be sure to inform you when it happens. Thank you again for all the prayers, love, and support! :)

3 comments:

  1. So glad you guys got to hold him! With love from WA State, Paolo and Amanda.

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  2. Nick, I am positive that don't remember me *I'm a friend of your moms* I wanted you to know though...that I am praying for your family and the newest little one. I know first hand about preemies and the NICU, our youngest came home after 6 months in July.
    Many prayers!

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Henry and Mom

Henry and Mom