NICU Day 10: Your First Snow Storm

Dear Colton,

Today you experienced your first snow storm. The nurses even made you a cute snowflake to commemorate your first big snow storm. Mommy and Daddy stayed in a room in a house just next door to the hospital last night so we could be close enough to walk to see you through the snow. We got about a foot of snow so driving wasn't really an option.

Mommy & Daddy walking to see you in the snow

Colton's First Snow Storm

It was the perfect place for us to stay. Daddy's work was closed for the day so the three of us spent the whole snow day together. Just like old times like last week when Daddy was with us every day.

Today when we walked in for your 9 a.m. feeding you were no longer on the jaundice light. Mommy was sooo happy. Of course Dr. Mike said that you most likely will have to go on and off of it over the next week or so. You have a bruise (which is common) above your scalp from birth that takes weeks, and sometimes even months to go away. As it heals Dr. Mike said the red blood cells breakdown which causes your bilirubin levels to fluctuate so frequently. Mommy gets sad when you go back on the light but Dr. Mike has been so nice and insists you are OK and your bilirubin levels are not hurting you at all.

Daddy read you a couple stories this morning which you seemed to really enjoy! He's such a good Daddy! And later on this afternoon you did a good job of breastfeeding for about 10 minutes. The nice nurse weighed you after your feeding and you gained an entire ounce (30 grams!) Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you! Yesterday you weighed 1641 grams and today you weighed 1671 grams! We can't wait for you to get chubby cheeks :) So you are now almost back to your birth weight. Today your total weight is 3 lbs 10.9 ounces!

Daddy reading you a story about doggies

Daddy changed a couple poopy diapers today…we had to give him his fair share since when he goes back to work tomorrow he remembers what it's like! The doctors said the more you poopy the better because that helps get your jaundice levels down too!

Mommy and Daddy went back to their room to rest after your 6p feeding and came back for your 9p feeding. Tonight Mommy fed you by the bottle for the first time. Early this morning around 3 a.m. the nurse fed you your entire feeding by bottle, which is so, so great! Mommy fed you about half of your feeding by the bottle tonight before you feel fast asleep. We fed you the rest of your late night snack through the feeding tube.

On our walk back to our room, Mommy and Daddy were talking about how proud we are of you. The nurses and doctors say you are doing so well and you are ahead of the game when it comes to feeding. Normally babies don't obtain the suck and swallow reflect until they are 34 weeks. Tomorrow you will be 33 weeks. We are taking it slow and following your cues so we know when it's too much and we need to slow down.

Thank you for being so strong! Your strength helps Mommy and Daddy get through these tough days without you home and especially the nights when we have to say goodnight to you and go home.

We love you so much Colt! Stay strong buddy!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy