I've had a lot of questions as to when Henry can come home, so I thought I'd make a post out of it. I also realized it's probably time for an update so this will be more of an informative post then a fun picture one. Henry has been doing really well lately! He is down to 2 liters of oxygen, and once he gets down to 1 liter he will get off the high flow oxygen and go to a regular nasal canula. Then his feeding tube will go back down his nose and make his face more visible. He is now weighing 3 pounds 3 ounces and right on track as far as weight gain goes. Once he is 4 pounds they will put him in an open crib and I will be able to dress him! I'm SO excited to put him in some of the adorable clothes we've gotten. Also, in 2 weeks or so I will start trying to breast feed him. They told me that it's a hard process and it takes a lot of practice, but anything to get me away from that pump is good news. So the requirements for Henry coming home are:
1. Being able to breath on his own for 1 week
2. Maintaining temp in an open crib
3. Being able to eat for 48 hours by breast or bottle
Every day we are getting closer to hitting all of our goals and I am beyond excited just thinking about having my baby home with me next month. Right now we are in the process of remodeling a house and call us crazy for taking on such a big project right now, but it keeps Alan and me occupied and we are excited to have a nice house for Henry J. Thanks for keeping posted, and I will work on getting some pictures this week!
The Roberts 2009
Henry J is the love of our lives! We have been told that as soon as he can eat by breast or bottle for 48 hours and still gain weight, and not dip too bad in his breathing for 7 days, we can take him home! So this week I am going to be spending a lot more time at the hospital so we can really get this eating thing down! Also, he has gone 2 days without a desaturation so only 5 more to go! The nurse practioner told us that Henry is "very healthy" and she thinks he's very cute. I might be biased, but I agree. Also, if you can't tell, he has been gaining some serious weight. He is now up to 4 lbs 14 oz! Way to go Henry! You are amazing.
Well we have had such an exciting week! Henry J has passed 1 of 3 major milestones. He has been keeping his temp in an open crib! Granted he is wrapped up in 2 blankets, and wears a hat but he has been doing wonderfully and it makes me miss my "baby" when I see him in a big boy bed. I know that sounds crazy, but to see your little baby progress as fast as he is it makes me cherish these days even more.
Such a sweet little boy. The nurses have commented on what a mellow baby Henry is. The only time he really fusses is when it's time for his "cares". That happens every 3 hours and we change his diaper, take his temp, measure his belly and listen to his heart and belly. Even then he only sports his best stink face and whines. I am hoping that he inherited Alan's temperment!
Unfortunately Henry has to deal with me as his mother, and once he got out of the incubator, the fashion show started. A lot of stuff is still too big on him, but it's fun to dress him up.
Look at that double chin!
This picture was taken before he moved to an open crib, but I couldn't pass it up. Big yawn!
As I sit here and type and look at this sweet face, I'm still amazed at what a precious gift Alan and I have been given. It's now been a month since Henry J was born and every day he has proven himself to be a fighter. He is now weighing in at 3 lbs and 9 oz, so for those of you that don't remember that is well over a pound since he was born. Alan was noticing the other day that even his little fingers are getting a little meat on them. It truely is amazing to see the differences in him every day.
