making memories at home, week 1

Dear Colton,

Your first week home has been a memorable one. You've done a lot of sleeping and eating, and at times, I find myself wishing that you were awake more so we could hang out. But…I know with time you will become awake a lot more often so Mommy will be patient.

This week, of course, was quite the learning process for Mommy and Daddy. When we got home Mommy had to sit and think about your eating routine. We had to mix in vitamins twice a day and mix in fortifier to make sure you are getting enough calories. Mommy finally got it and taught Daddy so now we both are all set to feed you anytime! Then there were the diaper changes. I'll cut Daddy some slack here since Mommy changed many more diapers during the day than Daddy since he had to go back to work during the days. You made sure to initiate Daddy to fatherhood and gave him a nice big poopy diaper that exploded outside of your diaper and onto your clothes. It took Daddy a good 20 minutes to clean you up, but he did a great job and you seemed to feel a lot better afterwards too!

You and Daddy hanging out after he fed you

Mommy and Daddy are getting your sleep routines down as well. You're sleeping around 3-4 hours at a time which has been helpful. And you let us know when you're hungry by letting out a cry. When you're alert we've been tummy time and you have been able to lift your head and move it from one side to the other. You're getting stronger each day!

You're growing daily just as you were in the NICU. A nurse came to assess you at the house twice this week. Both times she said you look great, and in her last visit you weighed 5 lbs, 11 ounces. She said that in a week from now you most likely will be up to 6 pounds! She will come back to assess you one more time, and as long as all looks well as it has been, that will be her last visit.

We also went to your first doctor's appointment this week. Again, you have a clean bill of health that we are so truly thankful for. Dr. Parrish said that your measurements, although they are not on the charts yet since you're only 36 weeks gestational age, are on the track to being right on target for when you were supposed to be born around April 4. Before your doctor visit, Mommy experienced for the first time what it felt like to try to get a newborn out of the house, as well as myself. It was quite the challenge to make sure you were fed, with a clean diaper and resting quietly before making the trip! It will take a lot of practice but we'll get it right eventually!

You slept through your first doctor's appointment

You also had a number of visitors this week! You met your Uncle Bryan for the first time. You got some of his looks, in addition to a lot of your Daddy's!

Hanging with Uncle Bryan. You look a little bit like him, especially from when he was a baby.

You also met your Grandpa Dave and Nana Karen for the first time as well. Grandma Jibby and Granddad Lloyd also came to visit, you met them during your stay in the NICU.

Grandpa Dave was so happy to hold you for the first time

You and Grandma Jibby. Youk is starting to realize you're not leaving, he watches over you lots.

Nana Karen holding you for the first time

Nana Karen, Granddad Lloyd giving you some love

You also met your Aunt Kristen you was so excited to meet you, along with your second cousin Charlene, your mom's good friends Aunt Jean Marie and Aunt Gina, and your Aunt Shannon came to hold you for the first time. Aunt Shannon came to the NICU many times but never was able to hold you, so she was excited to see you now at home.

Aunt Shannon just loves you so much. This is the first time she held you.

Aunt Jean Marie came over when she had a snow day for work.
She bought you Red Sox stuff but don't tell anyone, she's a Yankee fan.

Aunt Gina came to meet you for the first time. Her son is named Easton.
The two of you will grow to be best buddies just like Gina and Mommy are.

Daddy spent the majority of the weekend taking care of you, from feeding to changing diapers so we could get used to everything. Daddy did a great job and now is pro after his first weekend home with you.

Altogether, we had a great week…definitely one to remember!

Youk sniffs you a lot. He watches over you when Mommy is in the other room.
He is a good older brother. 

Little Snuggle Bear

First time in your swing. You loved the music and watching the mobile.