So its been a loooong time since I've written, but rightfully so as Oliver is home now and he and his laundry consume most of my day. :) What a blessing he truly is, now that he is home for us to take are all the time parenthood truly has begun. There have been many times I wish that the wonderful NICU nursing staff was right around the corner but we are doing pretty well on our own I think. At least Oliver seems to be eating more and growing at that. We'll see just how much as we go to the pediatrician for a weight check tomorrow morning. He was 6 pounds 2 ounces last Tuesday an I am hoping for at least 6 and a half if not 7, that's probably a little high end but hey what the heck.
Where to start.... Well we came home last Sunday and it was an amazing feeling to finally leave Boone Hospital Center with Kevin's hand in one and Oliver in his car seat in the other!! Boy how I have been envisioning that day for a long time and it felt just as I imagined. We do have him home on a monitor for his apnea, but it does present some peace of mind for when you aren't "airplane mommying" him. However, in the dead of the night when it beeps, no matter what for, your heart literally stops! Everyday Oliver seems to be growing just a little further out of his apnea. I look forward to that day! But until then there is comfort in the little monitor.
Oliver was also sent home on a couple medications to help with his reflux. Sometimes I think it helps and other feedings not so much, but then again maybe I don't want to know what he would be like without it right now. :) Needless to say I am glad we have a lot of hand-me-down clothes Grandma Ruthie got for him, because he goes through the outfits like no body's business. I never thought you could be so proud of a poop and so surprised either. Last week during am morning change I was just getting ready to close up the diaper he decides to start pooping more, I went through 3 more diapers before he finally finished and I got him closed. Wow, I was spent! I've been peed on at least 3 times and even pooped on, what a boy Oliver is!! :) He has a little projectile vomiting and I've been caught in the face with that. :) Even though an average person would be grossed out by these events, each one brings a smile to this mothers face!! I am so thankful for each one of them!
Yesterday Oliver received his first bath at home, he didn't seem to like it nearly as much as the one in the hospital, maybe it was not being in the warmed isolette or the cute blonde nurse wasn't there, but the next one will be better!! And of course promptly at his next feeding he spit up all over and down his neck and over his face it went. Oh well!! I was combing his hair to dry it out and he had a natural fohawk going on. I seriously don't know if there is anything that he does or look he gives that isn't absolutely adorable!!
Grandma Pam (my mom) was here to give us some helping hand through the weekend. I wish her and my family were closer. She was so helpful in helping us get the house organized, laundry done, nursery a little more ship shape, taking some Oliver time - which I KNOW she was in heaven with!! She also cooked us meals and cleaned several rooms in the house. Next time I just want mom/grandma time and but I know she can't help but do things as she wants to be a helper!! I'm excited as Oliver gets older the more the three of us will be able to do and even with the rest of our family!! My mom is an absolute inspiration to me! I hope that I can be as hard working, loving, caring, helpful, selfless, dedicated mother to Oliver as she has been for me over the last 29 almost 30 years!! I know I forgot a descriptive out but amazing I think covers it. I am looking forward to her coming back this weekend for a baby shower.
Two weeks ago Thursday the faculty and staff at school had an shower for Kevin and I. They went above and beyond in giving such wonderful, useful gifts. As most of them are mothers they knew what we would need as we are kind of going into this blind. We cannot thank them all enough for all the kind words and prayers, actions, and thoughts over the course of this journey (as it begins). A special thanks to Jen for the daily cards to Oliver and her family for the welcoming home of Oliver! That is a day Kevin and I will never EVER forget. Your friendship is much appreciated! We have another shower this Saturday and I am excited to see many people I haven't in the past couple of months!! Many special people will be there and Oliver may or may not make a BRIEF appearance as he;s still out from his due date I don't think it is a good idea to overexpose him to people! Sorry in advance to those of you coming expecting him there, it just may not work.
IF any one has had a baby that spits up A LOT please send me a note -
et_two3@yahoo.com - He's on enfamil AR and a couple of medstv, and Oliver. I struggle with leaving him alone in a room, even if its to pee! I think I took the fastest shower known to man this morning to get back to him. He's so darn cute and when he smiles its a new level of love and compassion. I've received some great advice as the journey of parenthood has begun, but none better than enjoy every moment! No matter if it is good or bad or just a moment as they grow up SOOO fast.
It's all about state of mind at this point.I know that eventually he will grow out of the things that make us uneasy and him uncomfortable! All too soon he will be crawling, talking, and walking! It is going to be so much fun to watch him continue to reach milestone after milestone. I think the short term goal for now is to go half of his feedings without spitting up he seemed to be on the way to this but the last 24 hours have been a little harder on him and our laundry. :) Oliver seems to like his new home and room. He's pretty wide-eyed and checking things out when he is awake. We've been having our tummy time too and he is SOO strong!! Not only lifting his head, turning side to side, raising his legs - kind of doing a super man, but his arm and leg strength. His grip is pretty unbelievable and when he straightens those legs WOWZER!!
There are definitely challenges, like feeling helpless still when he is uncomfortable and seems almost inconsolable. But then he smiles or giggles (or so it seems to us) and everything else seems secondary. Our love for Oliver supersedes everything and it runs deeper than I thought humanly possible. Still watching Kevin be such a good daddy strengthens our bond and love. It amazes me that we created such a beautiful little person and that God blessed us with him. I know I can never say enough thanks for what we have been given!
Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep If I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take
Please continue to pray for our little family in the steps we take and the path we walk hand in hand guided by the light of the Lord.
