Three Weeks Old

Sleeping during tummy time My cousin Maggie came to see me Aunt Babo, Aunt Tenna and Maggie came to see me on Tuesday. This is Babo and Maggie.

My papaw came to see me. He was afraid to hold me because I'm so tiny.

I was just ready for the world to go away and let me sleep...

I turned 3 weeks old on Monday. I am really enjoying being home with my parents. I like to eat and sleep and lift my head up when I lay on my tummy. I've had to go to the doctor twice this week. I had my 3 week appt with my pediatrician and I gained a whole 2 ounces in one week. I am 3% on weight and 6% on height, but I'll catch up to the other kids soon enough. My doctor said this isn't enough so my mom has to feed me an additional bottle 3 times a day to make me gain weight. I am also still anemic so I have to take an iron supplement and get my blood tested regularly. I had to go to Children's today to have my blood tested. The pediatrician called and said my anemia is stable and I have to go back Monday for another blood test. I am really tired of getting stuck with needles although my mom says I am tougher than she is. Here are some pictures of the past week.

Two Weeks Old

This is my favorite place to sleep. Four generations: Fred & Lib Heaton, Teresa Steele, Chris Reid and Matthew

Today I am two weeks old. I am really enjoying being home. I am making my parents stay on their toes! I have been to two pediatrician appointments and they say everything is looking really good. I weigh 6 lbs and 2.5 ounces and my parents have to feed me every two hours to make me gain some weight. Gigi is getting used to me too. She wants to sleep under my blanket with me.

Day Eleven - February 5th

HE'S HOME!!! and sleeping great in his bed. Thank you so much for all of your prayers! I'll add more pictures when I get some sleep :). It has been a long day...

Day Ten - February 4th

Today I sacked out in Dad's arms after my bottle. I've had an eventful day. They removed my NG tube and IV. I've been eating almost 2 ounces at every feeding. I got to try my car seat out for the car seat test (I had to stay in there for 20 min which is the time it takes Mom and Dad to get home). I had the Tennessee PKU test and my hearing test. I should be released tomorrow assuming everything goes well tonight. I am so ready to get home and sleep in my bed.

Day Nine - February 3rd

This is my new big boy bed. It is much better than my isolette!

I found my nose!

Today has been a great day. My parents came to see me and they both had a chance to feed me a bottle. I am now getting all of my feedings from a bottle and should have my IV and NG tube removed tonight. My doctor said I am doing so well that I should be able to go home by the end of this week. My parents were so excited! My mamaw also had a chance to hold me.

Day Eight - February 2nd

Today I am breathing on my own and doing really well. My nurse removed my central line from my belly button and I am finished with the light therapy for jaundice. My next couple of days are going to be spent learning how to eat from a bottle and once I conquer that I should be able to go home with my parents. They are estimating next week if everything goes well.

Day Seven - February 1st

This picture shows a note my family in Florida left for me. It says, "Your family in Florida is praying for you." Love the Alexanders

Today has been a really good day. The doctor removed my chest tube last night and I feel so much better. Now, all I have left is my NG tube in my nose and an oxygen hood. They are planning on removing my oxygen hood tonight if all of my blood gases look good. I am now getting 10cc of milk every 4 hrs and if I digest it good enough, I will get to try eating from a bottle tomorrow. My nurses seem very optimistic about my progress. Today I mostly relaxed under my lamp. My dad did get to change my diaper again. He is getting really good at that. These pictures are of my dad holding my hand.