Jaska's parents came to visit this last week. It was so nice to see them, and also so nice to have the additional help. It's amazing what a difference even one extra pair of hands makes. I find that after someone visits, I am suddenly wondering why I can't keep my house clean. :) (I have a bunch of fun pictures of Jonah visiting with Jaska's and my parents that I will post soon on Jonah's blog)



In the above pictures, the developmental specialist propped Isaac up to help his head from getting too flat (since he spends so much more time laying down than full-term babies) and put a heating pad on him to keep him cozy.

Part of Isaac's care is developmental. They actually call it "developmental care." It's a fairly new field, but one that addresses the very important human element in Isaac's care. The research findings behind it are causing many NICU's to implement this type of care. The idea behind it is to provide preemies the appropriate amount of stimulation, while protecting them (as much as possible) from things that overstimulate them--it's pretty easy to get overstimulated in a NICU. Preemie's nervous systems are so immature, they can't block out noise and stimuli like full-term babies can. I really appreciate this side of his care--they pay attention to his cues and stop when he gets stressed (they taught me that preemies actually have different "signs" for different moods--when Isaac is stressed, he will actually put his hand up in front of him like he's saying "stop"). I've always believed that babies really are communicating, but to see it in action like this is fascinating.

They try to make sure that Isaac is comfortable and secure whenever possible. It's so comforting to know that they are concerned about things like whether or not his head will be flattened in addition to all the other things they are worrying about him.

Today Isaac was evaluated by a physical and occupational therapist. He's got a crazy groove in the upper pallet of his mouth from the vent tube. It's very pronounced and they suggested some various massages and pacifiers to help it to resolve.

Feeding is still going pretty well. Isaac has taken his full feeding from a bottle many times, but still has yet to take a full feed while nursing. He's gotten pretty close at 32 mls (out of 35), but we're still working on it. He's been having a tough time gaining weight, so they upped the calories in his milk (they supplement the breast milk with progestimil powder to add much needed calories). Yesterday he was at 4 lbs 9.7 oz.

He's still on the FP cannula at 3 liters O2. Eventually they will wean him down to 2 liters and then off, but for right now they'll keep him at 3. He's been slowly going down on his O2 requirement and is now at about 25-26% (the goal is to get him to room air which is about 20-21% O2).

As for me--I am soooo ready for Isaac to come home. I thought I was ready all this time, but I guess I wasn't. Now that I am truly ready, I can tell the difference. It's getting really hard to wait when I know that it shouldn't be too much longer. They aren't giving us a time frame, but I think there's a good chance Isaac will make it home by the end of April. (Holy Cow!)

I don't want to focus on how hard it is getting to wait, but I am unbelievably tired of caring for Isaac in the NICU. Despite how much we have to be grateful for, for the unbelievable care and competence of the NICU staff, for how beautifully Isaac is doing, I am SO READY for him to come home. (but still very grateful and happy :)

Today was a perfect example of how ready I am for Isaac to come home. Here's a synopsis of my day, which is actually pretty typical. (I don't always have Jonah with me, but I do much of the time).

Woke up. Pumped for 40 minutes while trying to keep Jonah entertained with a show and having him fill our easter eggs with candy for playgroup. Got myself and Jonah ready for the day. Made cookies for playgroup (cut up Pillsbury dough and put on baking sheet :) Called the hospital to see how Isaac's night went and told the nurse when to expect me. Pumped again.

Went to playgroup until about noon and then headed to the hospital. Jonah started begging for a drink (candy induced desperate thirst) and I realized we had left his water bottle at home. Went to grocery store to buy him something to drink b/c it was another 20 minutes till the hospital. Got to the hospital at 1 pm. Managed to get Jonah, my bag, Jonah's bag and my pumping supplies through the garage and up to the NICU all in one piece (that doesn't always happen).

Set Jonah up with a show on our portable DVD player and a treat to keep him occupied for a little while. Held Isaac while standing right next to his crib in case I had to put him down in a hurry to go chase Jonah. Held Isaac like that for about 40 minutes until Jonah got bored with his show. Entertained Jonah for about 30 minutes doing various ridiculous things like being his horsey, chasing him down side hallways of the NICU, (the staff is all used to us being there by now and are so fantastic about me bringing Jonah ) and looking out the windows and counting all the cars in the parking lot.

Gave Isaac a bath with the nurse's help--and Jonah's. It was easier to have Jonah help than to wonder what mischief he was getting into. (Jonah was awesome and terribly cute about it. He kept bringing me things like towels, hats and pacifiers for Isaac.) Screened off our whole section so I could feed Isaac with some modicum of privacy (right). Set Jonah up with a show and a treat. Unhooked Isaac from his wires. Weighed Isaac. Rehooked Isaac. Easter Bunny showed up and brought presents for Jonah and took a picture. Jonah wouldn't stay behind the screen because he wanted to follow the bunny rabbit around. Finally got Jonah settled. Fed Isaac for 15 minutes until Jonah started breaking free from the screened area and touching other babies beds. Weighed Isaac and put him back in his bed. Jonah reached his sitting still threshold. Brought Jonah to a pumping room and pumped for 30 minutes while Jonah climbed all over the bed and counter. Left at about 4 pm.

Crazy. Typical. Exhausting. Not that life with a new baby at home isn't all of those things anyway (this is good practice for me)--but......I am ready for Isaac to come home now. :)

Despite all this, I have been a bit giddy as of late. I am finally starting to feel joy again. The weight is lifting and I can see the end (of this stage) ahead. I am so happy knowing that my family will be together soon.