DAILY PROGRESS REPORTS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19th
Daytime Nurse: Lynne (primary) Evening Nurse: Chris Costa
Things are still looking better from her possible infection of two days ago. After 48 hours, nothing grew in the cultures. However there is still some concern (since yesterday) about high blood pressure, 100/56. The doctors have some medicine standing by since about 4pm today. If her Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) exceeds 75 or Systolic Pressure exceeds 90, then they will start her on the medicine. However, since they made that decision Nyssa’s pressure has been fine. I think she knows that they might be giving her some medicine so she is behaving. They could not find any clots in her arteries so they called in a kidney specialist. WOW – it was the same one that saw Becky only a few short weeks ago. He said that it is possible there is a blood clot in there but it is nothing to worry about because it will pass in time. A bit longer for Nyssa since she is so tiny, but not to worry.
Anyway, she is up to 12 cc’s of lipids (fats) today, and she gained almost a full ounce since yesterday!!! They almost might start feeds again tomorrow or the next day. We gave her a bath tonight. I removed the dirty diaper and Becky pretty much took over from there.
If you noticed the new picture on the front page… We (Becky and Kirsten) finally found some Cabbage Patch Preemie clothes at Toys-R-Us or something like that. So we got her first shirt on her. Those are little froggies on the front. I also slipped my wedding ring around her arm so you can better visualize how tiny she really is. As a side note, the stuffed dog in the background is “Murph” named after her godmother and (middle) namesake.
THURSDAY, JULY 20TH
Daytime Nurse: Sharon Evening Nurse: Chris Costa
Nyssa is doing very well again today. Her weight jumped up over an ounce since yesterday and she has gained her birth-weight back already. They told us that preemies usually are back to their birth weight by two weeks. Tomorrow will be two weeks!! Nyssa had no recurring problems with blood pressure either. They never had to give her the medication for that because it kept lowering on its own. The nurses attempted to wean her off her canula (the tube by her nose which only provides pressure not oxygen) today but as soon as they took her off it she had a series of three bradycardias. A bradycardia is when her heart rate dips below 100 bpm (her HR is typically in the 150-170 range). We were told not to worry too much about bradycardias because sometimes the babies just get so comfortable that they forget to breathe. Nyssa usually corrects herself, otherwise a nurse just needs to touch her and she is fine. Anyhow, they left the canula in and Chris will try to remove it again later tonight.
A huge plus, besides the weight gain is that they are feeding her again. Full strength breast milk every 4 hours. So far she seems to be tolerating it. This is the third time they have tried to feed her orally rather than intravenously. Hopefully it sticks because that is how she will gain most of her weight. By the way – she pooped again today!!
FRIDAY, JULY 21st
Daytime Nurse: Jeanne Evening Nurse: Nicole/Michelle
First note: Becky did not visit the hospital today because she was coming down with a scratchy throat and did not want to get Nyssa, the nurses or any of the other babies sick. A very brave and smart move on her part. Second, I had the pleasure of showing of my little girl to Mrs. Kathy Nelson today. Mrs. Nelson is the secretary at Cathedral High School where I coach. She was simply in awe. She said that Nyssa is the smallest baby she has ever seen.
On to health related issues… she is doing very well today. The canula is still in her nose but the reduced the pressure to 0.5 liters. The increased her feedings – 1cc of full strength breast milk every 2 hours. The next move is to increase the amount she gets every two hours. She seems to be handling the feedings very well. When I gave her a bath tonight, she was pooping up a storm. I apologize – this is not supposed to be an “R” rated website, but “OH MY GOSH”. I was very impressed. I might also add that I am not near as efficient and quick at bathing the little girl as Mommy is. The poor girl got the chills while Daddy fumbled around. Practice makes perfect. Her blood pressure is still being monitored and it is still doing well. She is still receiving 12cc’s of lipids per day. That’s about it. Grandpa Brown arrives tomorrow!
SATURDAY, JULY 22nd
Daytime Nurse: Tyna Evening Nurse: Nicole/Michelle
First note: Becky did make a brief 10 minute visit to the hospital today, but only once. Poor girl, it is hard on her to not be there all the time.
Today was another bumpy day for a while. Between 7am and 7pm Nyssa had 8 bradycardias. Her heart rate dropped below 100 bpm and she stopped breathing. Nothing a little stimulation couldn't fix but the nurses were concerned that she had had so many.
They ran some more blood tests but those came back negative and they suspended her feedings (after they had increased them to 1.33 cc's per hour). The also checked her theophyline level, which is a drug they giver her regularly to help her to remember to breathe. That was within the normal range. So now they weren't so sure why she was having the brady's. It could have been due to her positioning and the good thing was she didn't have any between 7pm and midnight at least.
Grandpa Brown arrived tonight from Iowa and the first thing we did was go straight to the hospital. I warned him to be prepared for a small baby. He replies that he has seen lots of small babies (myself included). Well - when he saw her he was speechless for a bit. She was much smaller than he imagined. But just a cute as could be. While we were there they weighed her, she dropped a few grams - probably cuz the feeds had stopped. But right before we left they resumed feeding her!!!
SUNDAY, JULY 23rd
Daytime Nurse: Tyna Evening Nurse: Lynn/Deb
A much better day today – a total of 5 brady’s in all. A nice improvement over the 9 from yesterday. Mom was feeling better today so she was able to visit twice. I forgot to tell you about the nice card mommy made for you yesterday. I hung it inside your isolet for you to read when you get the chance! Not much else going on – they have increased your feedings to 1.6 cc’s per hour and will go up to 1.9 cc’s at midnight. Good luck!
MONDAY, JULY 24th
Daytime Nurse: Tyna Evening Nurse: Cindy
Another good day for you – only 3 brady’s! Mommy gave you your bath tonight. She did a much better job than I did on Friday. That’s what mommies are for I guess! Your feedings went up to 2.2 cc’s at noon and will go up to 2.5 cc’s at midnight tonight. Just to put it into perspective, a normal baby would be getting about 14-15 cc’s of breast milk per feeding. That’s a whole day for you!!!
Earlier today they gave you an extra dose of theophyline and it has seemed to help. That is the medicine to help you to remember to breathe. They also started giving you your eurythropoeitin (EPO) again. This is what helps to stimulate red blood cell production in your bone marrow. It will also increase your blood pressure but since yours has returned to normal it is okay for them to do this again. Also – congratulations on gaining a whole ounce! Wow you fatty. Actually we can tell that your cheeks are getting a tad bigger. How exciting!
I need to mention your visitor, your new friend Patrick Summers from the ECAC dropped in this afternoon. Of course it was an “all-business” day for us, but we needed a refresher, so we took a gander at you. Of course you were acting all cute for him. Way to be little girl!
TUESDAY, JULY 25th
Daytime Nurse: Michelle Evening Nurse: Chris Costa
Nurse Chris is back – yeah! She will be checking the website soon (as soon as her husband helps her turn her computer on). I just had to mention her because she thought I smelled like bug spray and I had just taken a shower!!! J
Anyway – another growing day. You gained .3 of an ounce, you are up to 13 cc’s of lipids and you were increased to 2.8 cc’s of breast milk. That will go up again at midnight.
Last night Cindy had to stimulate your bowels because your belly was distended (it wasn’t coming out), but all is well now. Everything seems to be going so well. Today Mr. Athletic Director/Coach Dan Walsh from Cathedral High School (where daddy’s coaches) paid you a visit. He was very eager to see you since his 13 year old boy David was in the NICU when he was born. He was a hair bigger than you (1 lb 13oz) but he was also a few weeks earlier than you too. Coach Walsh even shaved his beard for you so that you would remember him clean cut like that man that he is!!!
Mommy had a great afternoon with you as well. Unfortunately she hasn’t been able to hold you for quite some time, but today she got to kangaroo (chest to chest) you again. I wasn’t there but I am sure you both loved it! In our journal that week keep I also noticed that mommy was bragging about how she can count better than daddy and nurse Chris. Hmmm. Well for the record you are 18 days old, not 19. Today’s Lesson: Remember mommy is always right!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26th
Daytime Nurse: Anne Evening Nurse: Chris Costa
Today your weight went up to 1 lb 11.2 oz. You are doing well. Only 2 bradys so far today and no episodes of self-correction since Chris came on – Yeah Nyssa!!
Today they increased your Theophylline levels to try and cut down on your bradys. You are now receiving your theophylline through your mouth (nasogastro tube) which reduces the risk of infection through your pic line. You only receive your lipids and hyrdoal through the line now.
Today Grandpa and Kathy came to visit you after their trip to Vermont. They came back loaded with gifts for you. A bouncy seat, a pack-N-play, and two Harley outfits.
They have your bed propped up to see if reflux is causing your bradys. So Chris tucked you up all nice and snug to make sure you don’t slide. You are so cute! I got to bathe and dress you tonight. Wonderful! I love you so much. You take care! Stay strong! -MOMMY J
THURSDAY, JULY 27th
Daytime Nurse: Joyce Evening Nurse: Deb
Everything is going great! Your feedings are still being increased – up to 4.3 cc’s at midnight. Only two official bradys today. One of them was most likely due to reflux. Your Aunt Beth came to visit you today as well. She was very amazed at your tiny ness – aren’t they all? Your weight gains are still steady and you had two poops today. WOW! At least that is working well.
FRIDAY, JULY 28th
Daytime Nurse: Christine Evening Nurse: Lee Ann
Oh boy – you had seven bradys between 7:30 and 10:15am today. However Christine believes it was because you were lying on your belly. Once she moved you to your side you didn’t have another until mommy and daddy were visiting at about 10 pm. Congratulations – but why did you have to do it while we were with you? Mommy did your bath again tonight, she is becoming rather efficient at it. However, Mommy just talks and talks the whole time to you so I back away a bit so people don’t know we are together. Just kidding!
Grandpa Brown left today, he was sad but he is coming back for Thanksgiving. I figure by that time you will be at home crawling around, making noises, fussing all the time, and just acting generally cute for us. We can’t wait. You gained .7 oz since last night. You are now also getting 21 cc’s of lipids and are still at 4.3 cc’s on your feedings, but that will probably go up to 4.6 at midnight. Goodnight sweetie!
SATURDAY, JULY 29th
Daytime Nurse: Bonnie Evening Nurse: Cathy J.
Both mommy an daddy got to hold you today. We only get to hold you twice a week until you hit 2 pounds. It was a nice time. We both agreed that you look different and feel noticeably heavier than when you were born. Way to go (It is all in those cute little cheeks). I believe you only had 4 bradys today, two of them were in conjunction with swallowing. Oh yeah – I got to feed you today as well. Not that it was that difficult. Right now you have a feeding tube that goes through your nose and into your belly. So all I did was hold the syringe over your head so it could drain down to your tummy. At noon your feedings were up to 4.9 cc’s and at midnight they went up to 5.2 cc’s.
Aunt Sue had lots of little hats and some outfits made for you. Right now you are wearing one of the hats and you look so darling in it. Mommy bought you a laundry basket to leave in the NICU for your dirty clothes. She also bought you a couple of beanie babies (a polar bear and sheep) so we need to wash them and bring them in for you.
You did drop a little weight today. That’s ok, but you did have another bowel movement. They doctors and nurses just informed us that you needed another small blood transfusion tonight because your hematocrit was a tad low. At least that will increase your weight but it also means they have to give you an IV.
SUNDAY, JULY 30th
Daytime Nurse: Bonnie Evening Nurse: Donna
Mommy called at 6:30 am and Nurse Cathy said that your transfusion went fine and you were doing great! She has never watched you before and she is amazed at all of your cute little movements all the time. Last night we mentioned your feet were cold and she said she covered you up with a blanket but soon after you had wiggled out of it and kicked it off with those little feet of yours! You had a huge weight increase but that would be due to the transfusion and you have a little piece of cardboard on your arm to keep your IV in place. Oh well.
Donna is back now too!!!! She commented on how much your face has filled out. Told you so! Your feeding tube was moved to your mouth today to give your little nose a break, mommy thinks it looks much nicer. Everything is going pretty well – you have had only 4 bradys today. Once you hit your max feedings of 9cc’s and you are stable for a few days the doctors will be able to remove your pic line. That is something to look forward too.
MONDAY, JULY 31st
Daytime Nurse: Tyna Evening Nurse: Donna
NO BRADYS TODAY!!! OH MY GOSH – Way to go Nyssa!!!! Your weight dropped an ounce as we figured it might because they removed your hand IV and that extra piece of cardboard. Your feedings are still on schedule – 6.1 cc’s at noon and 6.4 cc’s at midnight. Mommy dressed you in a new outfit after your bath tonight. It was a cute little yellow hat and a beautiful dress that Aunt Sue had made for you. You were stunning! I got some great pictures of you so I will have to put those up soon.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1st
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Donna
Lynne removed your canula from your nose. It was only providing air pressure to keep your lungs expanded so we shall see how that treats you. Also – no bradys so far today either!! Your weight is back to what we would have expected it to be, you are up to 15 cc’s of lipids now as well. Your feedings are at 6.7 cc’s and will be 7.0 cc’s at midnight.
Your nurse Val (featured on your web page) made you a beautiful little dress. She is starting her own business of making preemie clothing that is friendly to NICU nurses. This allows them to get at certain things on the little babies more easily than normal clothing. Therefore, you will be in her catalog once she gets her business off the ground. I wonder if we will collect any royalty checks for your first stint at modeling??!!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2nd
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Heidi
Another super day – only one brady at 530 am Thursday morn. Your feedings went up to 7.6 at midnight! You are also still off the nasal canula which is very exciting to us. You did lose 6 grams though – don’t worry it isn’t much.
Mommy got to kangaroo you again today for 45 minutes. Aunt Beth visited with you too. Daddy was babysitting your cousin Zach who is 6 months older than you and at least 10 times your size! I am sure you will be playing buddies soon enough.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 3rd
Daytime Nurse: Sharon Evening Nurse: Annie
Daddy stopped in this morning to see you. He has to leave for Uncle Mike’s wedding this afternoon. You were doing very well yet. I am excited to go home and see some friends and family yet I am sad to leave you and Mommy behind. I can’t wait to see you again Monday to see how much you have changed because I know you will. You take care while I am gone and don’t get mommy worried, OK? By the way a group of physically challenged people stopped by the hospital today and wove 50 beautiful baby blankets. They let me pick one out for you. It is pink and green – very pretty, I know you will like it.
Bye!
“Big day for Nyssa!! You hit 2 pounds today! What a big girl you are!! You should start gaining weight pretty quickly now. You are going to be 1 month old tomorrow my sweet girl. So you reached 2 pounds by your 1 month birthday – that’s so huge! Your feedings are at 7.9 ml and will go up to 8.2 ml at 2 am. On Saturday afternoon you will hit 9 ml, which is your set max for right now. They will probably raise it. Pretty soon though you will be just on breast milk with no pic line. Mommy got to hold you today. Sharon wrapped you up very well and you warmed up nicely the whole time!” -- Mommy
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4th
Daytime Nurse: Cheryl Evening Nurse: Joe
“You are one month old today – or 4 weeks. Your feeds just went up to 8.5 ml at 6pm so you will start receiving 8.8 ml at 6 am tomorrow and 9 ml tomorrow night. Your weight dipped down a little tonight as well. Oh – they also just changed your max feeds from 9 cc’s to 11 cc’s. I am not sure what that means for your pic line removal now.
You have a new multi-colored shirt with teddy bears on today. It is mostly a blue green print with pink trim. I put pink socks on and a very cute striped hat (pink, green, blue, yellow, peach). You are a doll. I gave you your bath tonight and helped to move you to a new isolet.” – Mommy
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5th
Daytime Nurse: Sharon Evening Nurse: Joe
“Back up over 2 pounds my sweetie! Let’s stay here this time! I keep hearing rumors of your pic line coming out but Dr. Meyer decided to leave it in a little longer just to give you some extra calories. You are barely getting anything through it though, so in the near future – it’s outa there! Your feeds are at 9.5 cc’s and you are now going up by .5 every 12 hours. So at 6 am you will be up to 10 cc’s. They increased your max feeds today to 12 cc’s rather than 11 cc’s. Tats a good thing.
I got to kangaroo you today. I took you out myself and got you situated. You were so funny – last time you sat and looked around wide-eyed… Not this time! You burrowed down face down and would really squeak if I tried to move you into any other position.” -- Mommy
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6th
Daytime Nurse: Joyce Evening Nurse: Debbie
“Yeah! You jumped in your weight to 2 lbs 1.5 oz!! Aunt Beth came to visit and held you for a little bit. She was very excited. She also got to watch you being weighed.
I got to hold you – you are getting so big!! You feel so much heavier than the first time I held you and your head is so much bigger! Debbie got you so nice and bundled up – you looked like a little bug in a cocoon with your head sticking out. You have little rosy cheeks now and you are sucking on your pacifier big-time when you eat. That’s a really good thing!”
-- Mommy
MONDAY, AUGUST 7th
Daytime Nurse: Tyna Evening Nurse: Donna
“Happy Birthday – your official 1 month birthday today!! Mommy’s friend Kirsten visited you today along with Aunt Beth. Kirsten was just amazed at your size. She has not seen you in a while.” -- Mommy
Alright – Daddy is back in town. I had a great time at Uncle Mike and Aunt Bobbi’s wedding back home, but I am happy to in Mass again. Mommy picked me up at the airport and we came straight to the hospital. I brought gifts from Great-Grandma Brown, Great-Grandma Lux, your Godfather, Brian Ernst and many others! So anyway – I knew you were going to look different. Boy was I right. I could not hardly believe it. Your head is so much bigger, as well as those cute cheeks mommy told me about. Your arms and legs and hands are certainly meatier!! You are the cutest little thing. Plus you are up to 2 pounds 2.3 oz. WOW!! Way to grow girl!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8th
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Donna
We took your Aunt Beth and cousins to the airport this morning so they could go home to Texas and then we stopped by to see you after Mommy’s check up. Mommy is doing real well except she is still spilling 6 grams of protein. But that is down from the 17 grams. They will re-evaluate her in two weeks. My big news to report is that while I was looking at you lay on your belly this morning, you picked up your little head and turned and faced the other direction on me!!! I couldn’t believe it!!!!!! The nurse said it is surprising for your age but not for your weight.
It has also been another brady-free day. You have only had 2 in the last week! Your feeds are also up to 13 cc’s every 2 hours. Mommy’s best friend from Luther College (Katy Werner) is here with us now until Sunday. So we all came in to see you tonight and mommy and daddy got to hold you some more!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9th
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Donna
Let us dub today as your BIG MILESTONE DAY!!! First of all, mommy and Katy came to visit you this afternoon. Mommy got to kangaroo you and both her and the nurse (Lynne) noticed that you were really moving that mouth and tongue around. Lynne suggested that mommy try breastfeeding you and she did. Well it worked. You did such a good job. It wasn’t non-stop of course, but they will do this once a day with you now so you can get the hang of it. Great job Nyssa! Lynne was so amazed and proud of you that she brought the doctor over to see and she told all the nurses about it as well!!!
Later on, our friends Kirsten and Rob Pittenger came for a visit. We all got to witness your first real bath. No more of that sponge-bath. Donna (your nurse) filled a tiny bowl full of water and plopped you right in it. You seemed to really enjoy it – no fussing or crying at all!!! As soon as Donna put you down on the scale though, you started crying. I bet you like being held. After you were weighed (you lost 1 gram) and got to warm up in your incubator for a while, mommy and daddy got to hold you again. It was so much fun! Keep it up Nyssa, you are doing a spectacular job!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10th
Daytime Nurse: Michele Evening Nurse: Karin
Your mommy and Katy came by again this afternoon and then all three of us came in later that night. Mommy kangarooed you again. Your feeds are still at 13 cc’s and you had one brady today. Grandma Goggins sends her love!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11th
Daytime Nurse: Michele Evening Nurse: Karen
Your feeds got moved up to 15 cc’s today and they added some oil and milk fortifier to your feeds. They did this because you have been losing weight in the past few days because you are off your pic line and you are not receiving any lipids anymore. I also gave you a bath tonight. Much different than the last time I did when you were much tinier. I also dressed you in a cute little number Aunt Sue had made for you. Oh yeah – Michele bottled you today, you took 8 mls, nice job!! Happy Birthday also – you are now 34 weeks gestational age today, Congrats!! Your weight even went back 1 gram higher than your previous best – a PR!! Good job Nyssa.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12th
Daytime Nurse: Sharon Evening Nurse: Karen
Hey Nyssa! How are you? Katy and I ran our race today… IT was one tough course but we survived. Anyway we all came in to visit today. We tried bottling you but I believe since you had just woken up you weren’t quite in the mood so you only took 2 of the 15 mls. Oh well, it is a progressive thing.
Later on in the evening we returned with some more family. Aunt Sue and her daughter Kerry (Syracuse, NY), and Uncle Bill (Katy, TX) accompanied Katy, mommy, and daddy. Aunt Sue was very excited since she had already visited here when you were one day old. It was the first time Kerry and Uncle Bill got to see you. I think they were impressed! Your aunt Retta couldn’t come because she was watching the kids (they were tired); your cousins Maggie, Shannon, and Hannah!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13th
Daytime Nurse: Sharon Evening Nurse: Donna
When mommy called this morning, Sharon said that you were extremely upset. You were crying almost non-stop from 7 am until 1 pm. The doctors did some blood work and x-rayed your belly to check you out – but everything was normal. We later came to believe that it just might have been gas. That was our deduction based on the fact that your tummy was bloated earlier today.
Before your uncle and aunt Bill and Retta had to fly home today – we stopped by so they could both visit you. This was your Aunt Retta’s first time seeing you. Your friend Katy also flew home today as well. Now it is just mommy, daddy, and Buddy at home. I think Buddy is relieved, he slept extra long this morning. Pretty unusual for him. Mommy and daddy came back tonight to hold you and ogle. We gave Donna some of your bath pictures, she loves them. We also put you in a little chair and got some good pictures with the each of us next to you. Can’t wait to get those developed little girl! Have a good night.
MONDAY, AUGUST 14th
Daytime Nurse: Michele Evening Nurse: Donna
Mommy came in this afternoon for three hours and kangarooed you while she was there. The oil supplement in your feeds was increased from .25 cc’s to .50 cc’s. It is just extra fats for you that you are getting once per day. We both came in this evening and tried giving you a bottle but you weren’t in the mood. You had already taken 6 mls of a bottle earlier today from Michele.
We then gave you a bath and dressed you and mommy played with you for awhile. You are always so much more awake after your bath. Then we can see your big beautiful eyes. One of daddy’s runners, Chrissy Kane says hello. Actually she gives you a big hug, but you had to settle for squeezing my finger. Maybe someday you will be as fast as her, if not faster!!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15th
Daytime Nurse: Susan Evening Nurse: Deb/Lynn
Mommy came in for another three hours today. We both came in at night however. We pretty much just watched you sleep tonight. Everyone is concerned about your recent plateau in weight. Your feeds increased to 15.5 cc’s and will go to 16 cc’s. Based on your body weight however – you are taking more food than you typically would.
I showed the nurses your power point presentation last night, the one I made for you when I went to Uncle Mike’s wedding. They loved it and they are all talking about it right now. Many of them weren’t here tonight and now they all want to see it as well.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16th
Daytime Nurse: Michele Evening Nurse: Chris Costa
Mommy and daddy didn’t come in until night time. We are both coming down with a sore throat. I am sorry! When we got there we even put the masks on and then just looked at you. No touching! We stayed just long enough to say “hi” to you and then I had to do my presentation again for Chris and Val. Chris has been on vacation for awhile so she just got back and Val has been gone the last two times I did your “show”. They loved it. As soon as I was done a mother was brought into the NICU in a wheel chair. She is supposed to have a baby boy tomorrow who will be smaller than you. They were trying to alleviate her fears and I showed her your pictures to tell her how well they take care of you and what progress you have made.
Your feeds are still at 16 cc’s and they are supplemented with MTC (an oil) and Polycose (a sugar) to help you gain weight. You did have a small weight gain last night – 0.6 oz.
PS. It was very hard to come in and not be able to touch you.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17th
Daytime Nurse: Michele Evening Nurse: Chris Costa
Okay – this is very difficult for me. Sorry honey but I won’t be in to see you today. My sore throat has progressed to a small head cold. I think I am healing though. Mommy is feeling better so she is coming in to see you tonight. I called Michele and she said you were having a great day. You did have one brady but you took two bottles!!! She said you were just so awake and alert that it was very easy! Hopefully you are in store for a bigger weight gain tonight. I miss you!
Mommy is home from her visit. Your new neighbor was born today. He is only 15.4 ounces but he is doing very well so far. You got a tough example to lead now Nyssa. Also – big weight gain, +1.4 ounces. You are up to 2# 6.3 oz.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18th
Daytime Nurse: Christina Evening Nurse: Kim/Chris Costa
Your days are becoming routine now dear. Not too much excitement anymore, but that is good. That means you are just plodding along. You took one bottle today and you lost 2 grams in weight. Not much though. Did I mention you are starting to outgrow some of your little hats? I can’t hardly believe that. I didn’t come in today again. I think I need one more day of rest – just to be sure. Mommy paid you a visit though – don’t you worry.
Today was also mommy’s six week check-up (that means you are SIX WEEKS OLD TODAY!!) and everything was good. She even got to start running again today. She was very happy about that! Buddy and I went with her.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19th
Daytime Nurse: Tyna Evening Nurse: Kim/Chris Costa
Mommy and daddy stopped in this afternoon. I was able to witness you suck down a bottle – I was very impressed. I had heard that you could do it, but I never saw it with my own eyes. It is still hard to believe, but you did it for mommy! We didn’t stay long because I would have to guess I am up to 95% so I didn’t want to touch or breathe on you. It sounds silly but nobody can afford for you or the nurses or the other babies to get sick. Mommy came back in tonight for some one-on-one time with you. Another big weight gain, 0.8 ounces. Almost one pound over your birth weight now.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20th
Daytime Nurse: Tyna Evening Nurse: Karen
Daddy is all better now! I came in with mommy this evening and I got to give you your bottle. How fun! You only took 10 of the 16 mls so Karen had to gavage the rest. I also took a whirl at burping you. They told me I need to pat you a bit harder – I don’t know if I can do that, sorry! Nice going on a 1.5 ounce weight gain. Tomorrow is a big day – your first eye appointment.
MONDAY, AUGUST 21st
Daytime Nurse: Evi Evening Nurse: Mary
I had a meeting to go to today down on the Cape so I stopped in this morning at 6:15am. Good thing I did, I got to witness your eye appointment. Not the most attractive thing, but it only took about 5 minutes. And guess what? You passed with flying colors. Congrats! The doctor said he will be back in two more weeks for another check up. I guess your eyes aren’t fully vascularized yet so he will keep checking you until they are…
The new schedule is as such: Mommy gives you a bottle at 8 am and I give you one at 8 pm. That’s pretty good – two bottles a day for you. Sometimes you get more - if you whine enough a nurse will break down and give you another. That is great because you are learning to regulate your suck/swallow/breathe mechanisms!! They also switched from an Enfamil milk fortifier (to supplement your breast milk) to a Similac fortifier. The Similac has more proteins in it an therefore will help you with your weight gain.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22nd
Daytime Nurse: Sue Evening Nurse: Donna
Today you had 3 bottles and you are growing into bigger clothes now. Not much else happened. I got to give you your 8 pm bottle so that was very enjoyable of course. We found out tonight that your old neighbor Olivia who is in the CCN currently gets to go home on Friday. She is 11 weeks old (born June 7th) and was 4 pounds 10 ounces (or so…) too! Great job Olivia! J
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23rd
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Chris
Today was a six bottle day – oh my gosh! While Lynne was trying to replace your nasogastric tube this morning you were VERY feisty about it. You kept pushing that sucker right out. Lynne could also tell that you really wanted a bottle so she didn’t put the tube in at that time. After that you woke up every two hours and were ready for a bottle so they gave it to you. Mommy was very lucky and she got to give you three of them. You lost 3 grams since yesterday but you may lose more tomorrow since you were awake all that time today and had all those bottles. Luckily your feeds did increase to 17 cc’s.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24th
Daytime Nurse: Joyce Evening Nurse: Kim – Deb
Mommy came in for the third time with me tonight. I gave you your bottle and boy did you WOLF it down. I could not believe it, I think it was a PR. Way to go. The doctors weren’t so happy that you had 6 bottles yesterday so they limited you to a bottle only when we are there. That’s ok because you do need to sleep and grow. However – just to prove them wrong you gained 1.8 ounces. You are now 2 pounds and 10.6 ounces. Congrats!! Your feeds had also been increased from 17 cc’s to 19 cc’s but they didn’t like that either and dropped you down to 18 cc’s. Oh well, but after I bottled you, you were still pretty darn hungry!!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25th
Daytime Nurse: Michele Evening Nurse: Lisa
Mommy came in today at 8am and 4 pm to give you your bottles. I came in at 8 pm by myself so mommy could get some extra sleep (that’s a VERY GOOD THING!). So I was flying solo and Lisa helped me out. I gave you a bath and then bottled you – you did very well. You made me look rather talented. Thank you Nyssa! You had one brady today – it’s been a heck of a long while since one of those. Oh well, you look great. Keep it up girl! J
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26th (50 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Donna
Well today you had another big gain….you are up to 2 pounds 13.3 ounces! Good job!! Over a 2 ounce gain! You now have the cutest little dimples in your cheeks which just cause Mommy and Daddy to ooh and ahh even moreJ Prior to this you have been gaining fairly slowly so the nurses spent quite a while today figuring out how to get you to put on some more weight. The doctors don’t want to increase your feeds to fast because of your small size, so basically we need you to conserve calories. You are going to be bottled only when you are awake, otherwise they will gavage you when you are sleeping. You also get swaddled most of the day how to keep you from flailing your arms and legs about…you have a habit of being very active even when you are sleeping. They also added some more sugars to your feeds.
Your pediatrician was contacted today and she should come in next week to visit you. Thus far, you have been looked after by the neonatalogists in the NICU because they are the most qualified. Once you get transferred to the CCN, your pediatrician will take over your care and instructions. So, they want to get her involved in your care before you head on out of the NICU. You have to reach 3.3 pounds before that can happen. Getting close!!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27th (51 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Donna
The doctor’s have decided to wean you off of your Theophylline. That is the drug that helps you to remember to breathe. You really used to need that to help prevent you from having all of those brady’s. And it is just natural for preemies to need it. You are now only getting every 8 hours instead of every 6 hours.
Mommy bottled you three times today (8 am, 4 pm, 8 pm) and you did very well. You had company today – Mrs. Kathy Nelson and Erin Nelson. Mrs. Nelson works at Cathedral High School where I coach and Erin is one of my track stars! Mrs. Nelson visited you on your two-week birthday and this was the first time Erin met you. Mrs. Nelson was quite amazed at how big you had grown (your head, your pudgy hands, meaty arms and legs….). Both of them noticed your blonde little eye lashes and your strawberry blonde hair. I only visited you at 4:30ish with them. I am getting some much needed work on my thesis done tonight. Sorry I couldn’t be there honey.
My schedule is going to get really crazy now. I start school tomorrow (3 classes plus my thesis), work will get extremely busy with hiring students in addition to the added workload of the school year, and cross-country has started. WOW. I will still make time for you honey, don’t you worry.
MONDAY, AUGUST 28th (52 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Tyna Evening Nurse: Donna
A great day of tests for you today Nyssa. They examined your liver and your bilirubin levels were fine and you passed another head ultrasound. Your polycose level in your feeds was increased to 1 ml/ 30 cc’s of breast milk. They are still concerned with your weight gains however. You were fussy for mommy and the nurses today – you wouldn’t take a bottle. You did take one for me tonight though. Oh yeah – you had another “bath in a bowl” tonight courtesy of Donna. Of course you were ever so cute!!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29th (53 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Heidi
You had two very important visitors today Nyssa!! Coach Dan Walsh from Cathedral stopped by again to check up on you. I am coaching XC with him right now and every day at practice one of our first orders of business is for me to tell him how much you weigh. He’s a super nice guy and he understands everything because his boy was a preemie! Your Godmother is in town as well. Becky Murphy is with us – that’s your mommy’s best friend and that is where your middle name came from – for a whole week. That will be lots of fun.
Another good day for you, you gained .6 oz, and they decided that you can be bottled at every other feed now. You are looking so good, keep it up!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30th (54 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Shannon
Not a lot new today, just lots of visits and bottles for you. Mommy came in this morning for your 8 am bottle and then Mommy and Becky came back around 2ish I believe to feed you again. That Becky and I ran a XC race and met Mommy at the hospital. Mommy had bathed you already and then I gave you your bottle. The big news was a nice weight gain, however!
You added another 1.5 ounces to that frame of yours. You are pushing 3 pounds… Just knocking on that door!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 31ST (55 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Helen Evening Nurse: Chris Costa
YOU ARE THE BIG 3 POUNDS TODAY HONEY!!! WHAT A FUN DAY FOR US. ALL THREE OF US (MOMMY, DADDY, AND GODMOTHER/AUNTIE BECKY) GOT TO WATCH CHRIS WEIGH YOU. MOMMY EVEN MADE A 3 POUND SIGN FOR YOU. SECRETLY WE HOPED WE COULD USE IT TODAY BUT WE WEREN’T SURE, THINKING TOMMORROW PROBABLY. BUT YOU DID IT. WOW! FUN! WOW!
Your feeds have also been increased to 19 cc’s and you are darling as ever. Your nurse, Helen, today is actually from the Continuing Care Nursery (CCN) so she requested to be your primary nurse once you move over there. Not too long now. 3 pounds and 5 ounces is approximately 1500 grams – the requirement to go to CCN. So by Monday we will be leaving all of our wonderful nurses behind and moving on to the big girl nursery. Sad and exciting all at the same time L J
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st (56 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Cheryl Evening Nurse: Chris Costa
Mommy and Godmother Becky came in today for your 8 am and 6 pm bottles. Becky and I came back later at 8:30 to stare at you. Fortunately Mommy stayed home to take a nap – she needs to get more sleep these days with the busy hospital schedule she keeps. Becky and I just sort of stared at you and she wants me to tell you that I tormented you while you were sleeping. You are so cute – it is hard not to touch your hands or feet or nose!!! Also you had another visitor – Theresa Hoffman. She is a nurse at the hospital and I work with her husband (they are from Nebraska!!). Have a good night!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd (57 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Sandy Evening Nurse: Heidi
Progress today – your feeds were moved from every two hours to every three hours. This started at noon and because of this your amount will go up as well (so will your weight!!). Every 6 hours your feeds will be increased by 1 cc up to a max of 30 cc’s. They gave you 20 cc’s at 3pm and 6pm. Then at 9pm you went up to 21 cc’s. On another note, mommy tried bottling you this morning but you were extremely cranky. Same thing when the nurses tried later so both times they had to use your NG tube. However – when I gave you your bottle at 6pm you sucked it right down. Thank you!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd (58 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Lynne Evening Nurse: Donna T.
Your feeds are increasing speedily now. Like I mentioned yesterday you are changing to every three hours. When I bottled you at 9 pm you had 28 cc’s, then at midnight you were going to get 29 cc’s and at 3 am you would get 30 cc’s. 30 is your max right now because it is equal to what you were getting before. Now you have 30 cc’s 8 times a day = 240 cc’s daily and before you received 20 cc’s 12 times a day = 240 cc’s. You seem to be handling it pretty well. Tuesday you are going to start receiving some of your vaccinations. The doctor’s said that this will make you cranky and you will probably get a fever but it will only last for a day. Sorry about that.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th (59 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Sharon Evening Nurse: Mary
I don’t know what to say today besides CCN!!!!!!!!! That means, Continuing Care Nursery. You have been upgraded girl!! Nice job. Congratulations to you. This means you are doing so well that you don’t require as much attention. Now there is one nurse per every six babies instead of 2-3 (on average). It is also much quieter here as well.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th (60 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Terry Evening Nurse: Shannon
First things first – you had another eye exam today and that went well. Second – they gave you your polio virus vaccination. You did very well with that. They are going to take your vaccinations slowly. One at a time and every few days. Mommy had some troubles with seizures when she was a little one, so they want to be extra careful with you. Your god-mother Becky is still here. She has been faithfully visiting you every morning-noon and night with Mommy. She has been a big help!! Unfortunately she is going home tomorrow. L Have a good night!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th (61 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Sue Evening Nurse:
You had a good second full day in the CCN. You have finally reached 1500 grams, which is a benchmark for babies. You are doing so well!! It’s a little hard getting adjusted to the CCN routine after having 2 months in the NICU, they bathe and feed at different times, but we’re getting the hang of it! Your NICU nurses miss you though. You are filling out all of your preemie outfits very well now and are looking bigger every day! Your pediatrician said that you are a very good babyJ Mommy and Daddy cannot wait to take you home!! Becky (godmother) left today and is missing you already. She has pictures to show everyone back in Wausau. Take care and sleep well!!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th (62 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Evening Nurse: Alice
Mommy went in this morning and gave you your feeds at 9 am and noon. I got to give you your 9 pm feed. You sucked it down! After you were done, I burped you and then we just lay there for a bit and then you spit up almost half your bottle!!! I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it. I had never seen you spit up before and never on me. Yeah, my first spit-up!!!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th (63 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Katherine Evening Nurse: Becky
They removed your NG tube at 2pm today when they weighed you. You were back up to 3# 5.3oz again!! Mommy took some good pictures of you while you were out being weighed also! Hopefully you will keep your NG tube out now, but who knows? I had a difficult time with your bottle tonight at 9 pm. But you must have had a rough day. Yesterday you received another vaccination H.I.B. Tomorrow you will get your DTP vaccination (Tetanus). This is the one that will make you very cranky all day. Good luck! Love you!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th (64 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Helen Evening Nurse: Alice
You received your DTAP vaccination today around 2:00pm. We were both there for you even though Mommy couldn’t bare to watch. You only cried for about 2 seconds AFTER the needle was out. We held you for about 1 hour afterwards and you didn’t seem cranky one bit. You didn’t even run a fever all day.
Helen gave you your 6 pm bottle and you didn’t take about 13mls of it. Then at 9 pm when I gave you one you stopped with about 3 mls to go. Not so bad but you probably burped the whole thing up throughout the feed. You were rather difficult to feed this time. I couldn’t get you to take it very well. You took the rest of your feeds throughout the night OK. Donna came in and stole you back to the NICU for awhile, she gave you your 3 am feed.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th (65 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Helen Evening Nurse: Alice
Mommy gave you your 9 am and noon feeds without a hitch. She kangarooed you then too. We came back for your 9 pm feed with our friend Kirsten Pittenger. You took that feed well also. Helen said she had some problems with your 6 pm feed again though. You did gain 1 ounce since yesterday so that was good.
They are guessing you will get an open crib in about 10 days (4 lbs) and then between 4 ½ to 5 pounds (but closer to 5#) you can come home. We can’t wait Nyssa!!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th (67 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Maureen Evening Nurse: Beverly
Mommy was upset this morning. When she came in (as usual) for your 9 am feeding the nurse had just finished you up L She was more sad because she couldn’t stay for your noon feeding like she usually does because she had to go pick up a piano. Yes a piano. Mommy got a piano and now she is excited because she can play lullabies for you.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th (68 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Evening Nurse: Becky / Val
Your weight dipped a hair today but that is ok because they just increased your feedings. This morning you were still at 35 cc’s but by 6 pm you were up to 40 cc’s. I came in tonight and gave you your bath and fed you. I was amazed at how fast you chugged your new 40 cc’s. I guess you have been waiting for that, huh? Love you! Guess what? At 11:00 pm your favorite Nurse “Auntie” Val gets to take care of you. She doesn’t know it yet so she will be surprised when she gets here. Val is the nurse who special - made your dress for you!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th (69 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Helen Evening Nurse: Debbie
What a super day – when Mommy came in this morning for your feed she found a note on your isolet from you. Here is what it said:
Dear Mom & Papa!
I think you made “Auntie Val’s” night… Seeing as she got to take care of me all thru the night & all!
I didn’t give her any hassles – I ate all my food & really, really tried not to poop but I just couldn’t help myself at the end of the shift L … Turns out she wasn’t mad & actually thought I looked awfully apologetic & “stinkin” cute (no pun intended!).
Aunt Val & I read Stories –
Lucy and her Clackety Claws (of course) – but now we have a new favorite – She
is making me a new ballerina outfit with a tutu so I can wear while we read “My
Mama had a Dancing Heart”. Mom, you can wear one while you read it to me
(again) – but NOT YOU DAD – You would look a little silly J
hee hee!
Mom & Dad, I love you very
much and I can’t wait to come home soon.
Love your little Dancin’ Ballerina,
Nyssa Y
First – Nyssa, thanks for the beautiful note!! When mommy called again around 6 pm the nurse said that they had a surprise for us when we came in. Well we were very excited. When we got to your bed we noticed this little outfit on top…. When Val got off work this morning at 7 am she went straight to the fabric store and bought some material. She sewed you and another little girl in the NICU ballerina outfits. It is a cute little red dress complete with a fluffy white tutu (with sparkles of course)!!!!! What a riot. We put it on your and Val was working in the NICU, so we got her over to see you and she snatched you up and showed all the nurses. They loved you Nyssa. You are quite the show girl at such a young age. Unfortunately we didn’t bring the camera tonight so tomorrow after your bath we are going to put you in it again (for the benefit of those who might have missed the show tonight) and take lots of pictures. Click on the following link to see more of the beautiful ballerina. http://www.geocities.com/nyssabrown/photopgballerina.html
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th (70 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Helen Evening Nurse: Debbie
Mommy slept in this morning – she needed the rest, so she came in at noon for you feeding. I had a XC meet in Chicopee today, so I stopped in to say HI around 6 pm and you were sleeping soundly. Helen had just fed you. We both came in at 9 pm for you feeding and you were STILL sleepy. I fought you with your bottle, it took about an hour but eventually you took the whole thing. The real battle is just getting that sucker into your mouth. You like to press your tongue up to the top of your mouth so we can’t get the bottle in. However, as soon as you lower that tongue and the bottle goes in – you really chow down!!!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th (71 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Mahnaz Evening Nurse: Debbie
Mommy was in for your 9 am and noon feeding today. She kangarooed you as usual. We went out for dinner before
our visit with you tonight because we needed to celebrate. Your godfather – Brian Ernst and his wife Sarah just had their baby boy today. They were due the same time we were. Braden Scott Ernst was born at 9:06 am and he was 6# 15 oz. Twice the size of you currently and 4 ½ times the size you were when you were born. WOW!!! By the way – you and I had another bottle battle tonight. You won – I gave you over to mommy so she could finish it. You are one tough cookie!!!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th (73 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Terry Evening Nurse: Mary
Guess what? We decided to go home for Christmas now. We were going to have xmas at our house with Mommy’s family, but Mommy’s not up to it with everything that has been going on. You had another eye exam today and that went well. Sabrina – one of your neighbors is going home tomorrow. How exciting for them!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th (74 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Terry Evening Nurse: Mary
Today Nyssa, you threw an absolute fit. You were just not in a great mood! You finally settled down and Mommy read you some stories. Mommy also took an infant CPR class today. It was reassuring as well as nerve-racking!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th (75 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Katherine Evening Nurse: Debbie
You are so close to 4 pounds! You weigh 3 lbs 15.5 oz. Mommy has to make a new sign for our 4-pound celebration. You will also get a big girl crib then. Hopefully only a half pound more and you can come home. Mommy needs to finish your room!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st (76 Days)
Daytime Nurse: BJ/ Mahnaz Evening Nurse: Beverly
What a huge day for Nyssa!!! When mommy arrived for your 9 am feeding your Oxygen saturation monitor had been removed from your foot! Later the pediatrician came in asked why you weren’t in an open crib yet…. So by 3pm you had a big girl bed! AND you hit 4 pounds right on the button tonight!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd (77 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Mahnaz Evening Nurse:
First things first, happy 11 weeks today! This is your due date! Dr. Clarke told mommy today that tomorrow you will be taken off of your heart rate monitors. Then you will be off of everything!! We also need to bring your car seat in for a test. You need to sit in it for 1 hour without dropping your heart rate. And you will be going home either Tuesday or Wednesday. WOW!!!! Today was a terrible feeding day however. You didn’t finish a number of your bottles!!! We are glad that this had happened while still in the hospital though. You had some visitors. We went out for dinner with Jeff, Theresa and Ben Hoffman. Theresa is a nurse at Baystate and Jeff works with Daddy.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd (78 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Helen Evening Nurse: Ann
Ann says that your 3 am bottle was the worse, but your 6 am bottle was perfect. You ate it all up (you were probably extremely hungry!!). The doctor didn’t think the odd eating behavior yesterday would set you back any. Nothing out of the ordinary too much. Your feeding did increase to 50 cc’s today as well. Oh yeah – it is your Grandma Lux’s birthday today. Be sure to remember that for next year… HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANN!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th (79 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Evening Nurse: Debbie
Okay tonight is the big sleep-over. At the hospital they allow us to spend the night with you before you go home. There is a private room right off the nursery so we can wheel you right in there with us. It went ok I guess. What should I expect, right? First Debbie helped us give you a bath in a baby bath tub (I got pictures!). We then moved in to our room. We tried to go to sleep around midnight after that bottle. You weren’t ready to sleep just yet. I must apologize but I threw the pillow over my head at this point and I believe mommy soothed you. Mommy started to feed you your 3 am bottle then I finished. We started around 2:45 and finished about 3:30. Then you slept. So we all slept until about 6 am and I helped give you that bottle as well…
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th (80 Days)
Daytime Nurse: Mahnaz Evening Nurse: Ivanna
First thing we did was give you your car-seat test. They hooked up your HR monitor and sat you in your seat all bundled with blankets rolled up around you. You passed with flying colors!!! Mommy stayed here until noon and then I came in to see you again. I came back at night to feed you after work while Mommy put the finishing touches on the house for your homecoming! I spoke with your NICU nurses, Donna and Val before I went home. They were very sad to hear you are leaving them, but happy you are going home. You really brightened their days each and every day Nyssa. You are a very special little girl to many of the nurses here.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th (81 Days)
Daytime Nurse:
The day has finally arrived. Debbie came back in this afternoon to see you off. Mommy hung out all morning and you had your OFFICIAL BABY PICTURE taken today. Mommy fed you at noon and I came in to pick you up. It was a weird feeling after we finished the discharge process. I had to make two trips to get you and all of your stuff to the car little girl! As we were walking out the door, some of the NICU nurses caught us and said their goodbyes. Then they took us back inside to the NICU so all the other nurses could say goodbye to you. I guess we weren’t even thinking about the goodbyes cuz we were so dazed and happy with disbelief that you were on your way home. After all of the goodbyes, daddy took plenty of pictures on the way out of the hospital and into the car. Mommy sat in the back seat with you and we drove home very slow and careful!!
Wednesday, September 27th (Day 1)
The first night is over. You didn’t really sleep at all until about 7 am after I had left for school. You also weren’t very good about eating all of your bottles. That worries me a little bit. I figure that when you are hungry – you will eat. That makes for a long night. It was so great being able to see you ALL the time and whenever we want to. AND no more treks to the hospital every day. As I have told many people, my greatest feeling right now is that of RELIEF. Over the weekend I was very nervous, but that has all gone away. Like the nurses told us, we left that hospital with much more experience than most first-time parents. We are lucky, of course we are, we have you Nyssa. Now you continue to brighten every moment of our days. Even if you are crying at night or fussing over your bottle. WE LOVE YOU NYSSA!!!