January 18, 2010
NICU

A short update on Baby Amelia (short because I'm in serious need of a nap!)

Overall, Amelia and I are still doing well.  I was discharged from the hospital today, but due to some dips in her body temps, the pediatrician decided that Amelia should spend a few days in the NICU.  I admit that I was a little bummed by this because we thought we would be bringing her home yesterday.  That being said, I also know that the docs are doing what is best for her.

Amelia was in our room and the regular baby nursery for our first three days with her.  During that time, we were spoiled because we could have visitors and hold her anytime we wanted.  The NICU has a very different set of rules.  You have to "scrub in" to enter.  Bill has to wear a mask because he didn't get a flu shot, and we can only hold her for about 30 minutes every three hours when it is feeding time.  Those are the down sides.

The good news is that Amelia seems to be stabilizing her body temperature.  She is now eating like a champ and moving very quickly towards her escape.  Because we've both finally gotten the hang of breastfeeding, she's no longer losing weight.  We hope to be able to take her home in the next day or two.

Below are a few photos of Amelia's adventures in the NICU.  The first two show her in the little warming box where she stays.  The others are of Bill doing "burping duty" during feeding time.  She weighed in at 4 lbs. 5 ozs. last night.  That's up from 4 lbs 4 oz the night before. 

With having to go there every three hours for feeding and pumping (including throughout the night), I'm beginning to understand the true meaning of exhaustion.  I have to say though, it's a very happy exhaustion.

(click on the thumbnails below to view the larger version)