Holidays, RSV, Family and Friends...Oh My!

As a preemie Dominic's immune system is not as strong as term babies.  During the winter months RSV is passed around like crazy.  In adults it manifests itself like a typical winter cold.  Even term babies show typical cold symptoms.  But, it can be much more serious for preemies.  Luckily, D was almost 33 weeks when he was born, so his risk isn't quite as high as some preemies born earlier, but we still have to be cautious.  So, we have a giant bottle of hand sanitizer by the front door.  We aren't letting kids come visit the house.  We are only letting grandparents hold him and we have to be annoying and ask everyone if they are feeling sick before they come visit.  We won't be taking D out to busy places (i.e., the store on a Saturday afternoon).  It may not sound like much, but it is tough and it bums me out sometimes.  I am proud of my son and I think he may be the cutest baby ever (so what if I am biased!), so of course I want to take him out and show him off.  But instead, when we do go out, we go when places are the least busy, we leave him covered and we shy away if we see someone approaching.  I want my friends to come visit and be able to cuddle with him, but instead, we hold him while we have visitors and allow them to just look at him.  I want my friends with kids to come visit, but it's hard when we say no children.  I want to go up and celebrate the holidays with my friends and family, but it's just not feasible until D is stronger.

We are hoping our insurance approves the Synagis shot for D, which acts as somewhat of an RSV vaccination.  However, like everything with insurance, we are getting the runaround!  D's neonatologist has said his risk for RSV is low, so if we aren't approved, it's not a big deal.  D's pediatrician has said it's important we do leave the house sometimes.  We just need to go during less busy times.  Several of D's nurses told us numerous times that we should welcome visitors, we just need to be aware.  So, we are trying to take everyone's advice.  We will go out to dinner on a Monday evening, we won't meltdown if D isn't approved for the Synagis shot and we will welcome our friends and family into our home and share our little miracle with them!

Now that we're home we don't get to weigh D every night, but at his pediatrician appointment this week he weighed 5 1/2 lbs!  He is still very sleepy and we have to wake him up for most feedings, but he is staying awake more often.  I can't believe I already had to pack up all of his preemie clothes...but, he has some pretty cute newborn clothes!!

Dominic and his puppy dog