Add Five

Eleven, Two, FIVE and Eight.

We started off our day running behind. I got ready while Jeff slept until 10:10a. (We need to leave no later than 10:30 to be to the hospital by 11a). We ran out of the house with no camera for the day. UGH!

We drove through the local McDonalds and ordered our usual fruit parfait with a water - and I called the NICU to let the nurse know that we would be running a little behind - - but to wait so that we could be there to feed Ryan. The nurse offered to let me start breast feeding today - which was a surprise because I assumed that they would not be able to allow this if they were trying to keep the feedings measured.

We arrived at the NICU and Ryan had been taken out of the incubator and was put into a crib-style bed. His IV was removed from his arm and he was in a onesie. Wow. What progress. The nurse weighed Ryan before and after his feeding to see how much he was taking in while being nursed. While he was only supposed to take in 65 cc's, he took in 80. This was okay by his doctor. As long as he would consume it, he would allow it.

Because of the breast feeding schedule, we incorporated the 5p feeding into our scheduled visits today. It made for a very long day.
- From 11-12:30 we were with Ryan. Grandma Norton came to visit and then we headed to lunch and then back to the NICU.
- From 2-3:30 we were with Ryan. His Nasogastric tube was removed!!!! Now all he has on him is his heart monitors. Pete and Jennifer Coorey came to visit and then we headed out for a stop at Babies R Us for some supplies. Back again to the NICU
- From 5-6:15 we were with Ryan. Jeff and I went out for sushi and then back again for the 8p feeding.
- From 8-10p we were with Ryan. Dom and Michelle Vinci came to visit and then we headed home for the night. With this visit, Ryan was moved to a new room in the NICU. He is now placed with the babies who are getting ready for discharge.

We arrived home at 10:30p.
- No tarantulas thank GOD. But I do wonder if that creepy thing has crawled up one of our palm trees - Anyways...

Dylan has been home alone all day. I went upstairs and spent some time visiting with him. Jeff spent time playing with the dogs. We feel bad that we have obligations to provide attention to those in our house who need us but have not been here to do so. Dylan is being a great sport. Parker is his usual characteristic self - see photo!

We are not sure if discharge will come tomorrow or Monday. Either way, we know Ryan is close to coming home. We can't wait. We are so excited about his progress. Today had a lot of milestones!!!!

Tomorrow we will incorporate the 8a feeding into our visitation schedule because the NICU only has enough milk storage on hand to get Ryan through the 5a feeding. Tomorrow will be another long day.