The NICU Family

They say you can't choose your family.  Well, we are now part of the NICU family, and while I certainly would not have chosen to be a part of such a family, we are learning it is a pretty amazing one.  We were out to dinner last week, and being the nosy person I am, I overheard a conversation at the table next to us.  A woman approached this table (there were 2 women with 3 kids at the table) and told the mother she recognized her from the NICU.  The child was probably around 2 or 3, but the nurse recognized the mother and just wanted to tell her hello and ask her how things were going.  I know in a couple of years Dominic is going to be healthy and strong, so I sure hope we run into one of his nurses so they can see exactly what their work really means.  Last night we were at Babies R Us and I was still wearing my "Parent" badge.  The guy in line behind us (who was buying a lot of diapers) asked if we were at Community North.  He then explained that his wife had been in for around 3 weeks (me too!!) and she delivered their twins (which explains all the diapers) at 32 weeks.  They spent 7 weeks here.  We spent a few minutes talking to him about the NICU, the nurses, etc.  We parted ways wishing each other luck.  We had just met another member of the NICU family.  Tonight our nurse brought us a gift bag.  Apparently a few families who spent time here several years ago put together gift bags around the holidays for the families in the NICU.  The bag was full of books, homemade treats and even a Starbucks gift card!  It was our first gift from other members of the NICU family.  This is definitely a journey we never asked for and certainly weren't prepared for, but the people we meet along the way certainly help make it a little easier.

Dominic is continuing to thrive.  He is up to 4lbs 13.3oz and he is measuring 17.4in long.  So, in the last 2 weeks he has gained 13.3oz and grown almost an inch.  His preemie clothes are starting to get a little snug, so it's a good thing I have bought him some pretty cute newborn clothes!  The nurse laid his bed flat tonight (it has been up at an angle to help with reflux), so we will see if he has an increase in brady episodes.  If so, they will lift it back up and possibly address the reflux.  He still has his feeding tube in, but we have only used it once a day and that has only been to put in about 7 or 8ml (out of 36ml).  The nurse seems to think we will take it out tomorrow or Friday at the latest.  He has had a few bradys, with his last one being at 8am today.  Hopefully that was his last one and we can start this 5 day countdown.  I truly believe this will be the hardest part.  We are getting close to the end, but a single brady episode can set us back.  So please, say a little prayer that D is strong enough to keep his heart rate up.  I don't want to rush him, but I am ready for him to be home so my new little family can begin enjoying the holidays.

A little pre-dinner stretching