I’m happy to say that today’s will be a short post…not much to report!  We’ve had a fantastic 24+ hours.  This morning Ethan was wonderful and has gained some weight.  Dr. Najar, the Attending, was visiting with Ethan before rounds even started.  She ordered his feedings to be increased and said he needs a little more time under the bili lights today because his levels increased slightly.  We were expecting this because day five is always the peak of bili levels.  Dr. Najar is really wonderful and just loves Ethan…she spends extra time talking to us every day.

Nicole, our current day-shift nurse, has mentioned several times (again during rounds with the docs) that she thinks Ethan will be ready to take a bottle/breast as soon as next week.  This is incredible news, because the suck/swallow/breath doesn’t usually catch on until babies are about 34 weeks.  The reason she thinks this will happen is because Ethan is waking up for his feedings every three hours, sucking on a pacifier, and seems satisfied when his tummy is full.  He doesn’t cry for food, he just opens his eyes and is very alert when chow time is approaching.

We spent a long time holding him this morning and he made lots of eye contact with us.  We are even starting to catch some little smirks here and there!  He has a very sweet and calm personality…only a little crying sometimes when he gets unswaddled.  He loves to stretch his legs out and they are LONG!  Now I know why I had rib pain when I was pregnant.

We went  back to the hospital after a long walk in Forest Park in the beautiful weather.  It’s a little crisp but feels great to be outside and out of the house.

Here are a few pictures:

Little foot under the Bili Lights

After dinner nap with Dad

This is the 'Deep Sleep' face

You may also like: