Our little leprechaun

Here is our little leprechaun yesterday:He definitely got into the spirit of the day! More pics on our pic website!

Finn did great with the bottle feeding yesterday. He ate two times for the evening shift and one and a half times for the night shift. That is really good considering it was his first time having a bottle ever. I breast fed him four times today and he did great each time. However, he had spells during them, but the nurses said that is very common and doesn't "count" as far as a real spell. I think he was tired and was getting too much milk at one time.

I asked the nurse practitioner who rounded on him today and his nurse about whether or not Finn will have a monitor when he comes home (per my concerns in my post last night). They both said that he will most likely be on a monitor when he comes home. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, he shouldn't come home if he isn't ready or if he is going to be having spells. On the other hand, if he has a monitor, we will have a certain level of comfort knowing that if/when he does have a spell, we will know about it. Oh, I can't wait until the spells are a thing of the past. Just one more thing to keep first-time parents up at night!

The end is definitely in sight as his nurse mentioned that I can bring in his carseat soon so they can test it and Finn can be tested while in it. They don't do that until close to the end. Don't get me wrong, I'm still thinking it will be near his due date (its not like next week or something), but it is reassuring just the same.

Okay, so I think I lied. A while back I mentioned that I thought Finn was going bald...but he never did! It is a little thinner on the back of his head (because babies lay on their back so much), but the rest is actually getting longer and a little curly. Somebody said he needs a hair cut...um...no! Maybe after his first birthday!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! As you can imagine, all the nurses were gushing over Finn today because of his name. When I got there, he had on his "Babies 1st St. Patty's Day" onsie and "Kiss me I'm Irish" sleeper (pictures to follow tomorrow!). AND his nurse had changed out all of his bedding and blankets so they were all green (plus a green hat)! It was really cute.

Today was our first day of feeding on demand. That means whenever Finn is hungry, I feed him. It was interesting and quite the juggling act between feeding him, pumping and figuring out when he'd be hungry next. It will be much easier when I don't have to pump between feedings, but we did really well today. I fed him three times and although he took his time getting started, he ate well all three times. I hate waiting until he is crying to feed him, though, but that is what the nurses tell me to do. Hmmmm, we'll see...

And the doctor decided to start bottle feeding Finn today. I was very hesitant about this and we discussed it in length. The bottom line is that preterm babies who both bottle and breast feed come H-O-M-E earlier. By bottle feeding instead of tube feeding for the feedings I can't be there helps to teach these little guys how to suck and to suck strongly (there's nothing like sucking well...ha, ha!). Plus, the nurses are experts on feeding babies and know all the tricks to get them to do it right. I left my camera there so they could take pictures of Finn's first bottle feeding (hence no pictures of St. Patty's day). I hope he did well. Jim will be able to feed him when he returns from New York.

I feel like things are progressing very quickly at this point. I'm having more emotions about Finn starting bottle feeding that I did when I started breast feeding him. I don't know, maybe because it wasn't ME doing it. I guess there are just a lot of milestones he is undertaking. At the same time, both Jim and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel (we are closer to the end than the beginning) and are getting a little nervous. I mean, right now, he is hooked up to monitors and is being cared for by professionals 24 hours a day. Can we manage once he comes home without the help of all of that? My head knows they won't send him home until he is very ready and they are certain he will be fine, but my heart just doesn't want anything to go wrong or Finn to have to suffer through anything else. I'm sure it will be fine, but just a little glimpse of how we're feeling. Plus, I really can't believe that our little guy is 10 weeks old today. Man, times flies by.

Also, I went with Kristine tonight to try on bridesmaid dresses for her wedding in Aruba in September and she decided on a dress (and color!) and ordered them. Yeah. Everybody always says they pick a bridesmaid dress so the girls can wear them again...but everybody knows they never will. Well, these are actually really cute sun-dress type dresses and we actually CAN wear again (we'll just have to call ahead to make sure we don't wear them at the same time!). Now she has to start thinking about HER dress!

I hope you all had a green beer for me tonight!

The Story That Never Ends

On our way back home from Psycho Suzie's tonight Stacy was singing "The Song That Never Ends" - I felt that was her subconscious way of relating our ongoing saga to a catchy tune she felt like busting out. BTW - Psycho's has the best deep dish pizza in the Twin Cities I don't care what anyone says.

So Finn and I decided to take a nap tonight. I left work a little bit early because I'm leaving for New York tomorrow and wanted to get to spend some more time with him and I realized how tired we were. After breastfeeding from Stacy (Finn not Jim), he chilled out on my tummy and we both took a little snooze. Stacy woke me up when she pulled back the curtain which is extremely loud in our "room" in the ICC. I sat there for a while "sleeping with my eyes open" doing my best to imitate Finn.

The doctor told us that she thinks he's doing well enough to start talking about getting him signed up for the hernia surgery. Sounds good to me - I want to get it done while he's still there - the last thing that either of us want is for him to come H-O-M-E (will still have to spell it so he doesn't know what we're saying and throw a "spell" into our plans) and then have to go back to the hospital in a month for the surgery. She said that we could probably plan on as early as next week.

So like I said I'm going to New York tomorrow. I've tried to avoid traveling for work for the obvious reasons. I guess it's a testament to our big/little guy that he's doing well enough that it's OK for me to be gone for a night but I still have mixed feelings about it.

His nursery is now done. Stacy gave you a preview with a few of the other posts. I have to say it is my new favorite room. I like to just go in there and sit like I'm waiting for him to come home. Here are a few more pictures with what it looks like. Thanks for reading; talk to you all next time (OK for me as of late that means like two weeks).

Visitors, bath and furniture, oh my!

Finn had a really good day yesterday. He had LOTS of visitors (Auntie Becky, Pete, Auntie NaeNae, Nick, Auntie Kristine, Vicky, Stacey, Sam and Connie), which is always fun. He was still off the cannula and doing really well (only one threatened spell while we were there).

Jim gave Finn a bath yesterday!A first for daddy. It went really well once Jim mastered the "football hold" as seen in this picture. Finn just sits there and looks around and doesn't make a peep. He is pretty slippery when he's wet, so it is a little tricky, but daddy did a great job. After the bath, Finn was pretty tired, so he didn't eat very well. Oh, well. I'm sure he'll do better today.

Finn's room is almost done! I have to pick up the tools and vacuum the floor and then I'll post an updated picture. Thanks to uncle John for all his help (he made up for not helping with the border! Ha, ha). He went with to pick the crib, dresser and mattress up and then he assembled the dresser and crib with a little help from mommy and daddy (the crib was FAR easier!). Oh, and when I was painting the other day, I got some paint on the carpet. I didn't really care (it is a boy's room after all and I'm sure he'll do much worse!), but it bothered Jim. SO, I decided to try to get it out...and I did! I just poured nail polish remover on it and put some elbow grease into it and I challenge anybody to come over and try to find the spots! I was surprised at how well it worked (I assumed once you paint something like carpet, it is forever!).

No cannula today!

Finn has his cannula off again! It was off when we got there today. It was a very pleasant surprise. His stats dipped a few times when we were there, but nothing that caused any alarm (he was able to bring them back up himself fairly easily). This could be temporary like last time, but for now, he is breathing on his own again. It truly makes me so happy and makes him look like such a big boy. I didn't have my camera with me (darn it!) because I let Kristine borrow it for dress shopping. Hopefully he'll have it off tomorrow, so I can get a pic of him.

We read all of his books to him and a few chapters of The Swiss Family Robinson. He ate a full feeding from me (yeah, go Finn!), we both held him and then we left. I don't get to spend as much time with him on the weekends as I do during the week, which is a little hard. However, it is a lot less stressful than during the week when I have to coordinate all the aspects of his schedule while I'm there. I guess there are trade offs.

My friend Ryan is going to drop off Finn's glider/rocker that Ryan's mom graciously gave to us (she was cleaning out her basement!) today. We are hoping to run to Wal-mart and pick up Finn's dresser, crib and mattress today, too. I'm not looking forward to putting them together, but am looking forward to having them put together...ha, ha! Oh, and I fixed the vacuum cleaner (I think), so I can finally vacuum Finn's room (there was a lot of scraps left from painting and putting up the border).

Five pound baby

Finn had a really good day. He officially reached the five pound mark today! That is so crazy to me. That is a normal birth weight for some babies...like twins! He didn't have a spell all day and remained very stable on his oxygen. I asked if the doctor mentioned anything about taking off the cannula, but he didn't. Darn it.

Finn ate two full feedings from me today. I still don't know how much he is getting and after the 11:00am feeding, he was very hungry by a little after 1:00pm (he normally eats again at 2:00). So I fed him early. Oh yeah...the doctor changed the breastfeeding order to say that I can feed him at will...which means whenever he is hungry and as many times as I'm there instead of just two times like before. Yeah!

I went to visit my friend Becky and she wasn't at Abbott! I think that means she got to go home and no more visits over to Abbott for me. Boo, hoo...just kidding, it is so good for her to go home and finish growing those babies!

Not much else to report. I guess no news is good news!

Little baby not so little any more!

Remember our tiny, small, little, puny, iddy-biddy, fragile baby from only 2 months ago? Well, Finn is one ounce away from weighing FIVE POUNDS! The little bugger is 4 lbs, 15 oz as of yesterday! Crazy. When I really stop to think about it, I can't even believe it. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was praying and begging for a 2 pound baby?!?! Wow. And it shows, too. He has a double chin and the beginnings of rolls on his legs! I love it.

Other than growing a lot, Finn is doing great...most of the time. I say that because for the majority of the day, he is at 21% and doing perfectly fine. Then both his oxygen and heart rate drop and he needs to be stimulated and extra oxygen to recover. I know it is "normal" for preemies to do this, but I was SO hoping we were beyond it at this point. Looking behind me, he has come so far and I need to remember that. I just get caught looking ahead and wanting to be there so badly. Argh. We WILL get there!

Finn's dresser is here! I'm so excited to get his furniture in his room and start organizing everything. I know I'm not nesting in the traditional sense (because I'm not pregnant...duh!), but that is what it feels like. I just want everything in order so when Finn comes home, we can just focus on being with him. We are still waiting for the crib and mattress to get here...should be by early next week. My friend Doug has graciously agreed to go with to help pick everything up (he has a pick up!). How convenient that I had them sent to the Wal-mart closest to him?!?! Good thing he agreed to help! Ha, ha.

A personal note: I know this journey isn't about me, but I wanted to share that I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans that I wore when I first lost that weight last year! I haven't worn them since early this fall and it feels so wonderful because I LOVE these jeans. How often do you find a pair of jeans that fit like they were made for you and are even the right length (a HUGE problem for me!). Yeah! Oh, and I think I'm officially getting old. This morning I used, for the very first time, an anti-aging/wrinkle daily lotion! Ahhhhh! I've open the portal and there is no getting back now. Or maybe I can convince myself that I'm not necessarily old NOW, but I'm holding off being old by using these products?!?! Hmmm. I bought the lotion several weeks ago and just now got the courage to use it. Too funny! Good thing I don't really care about getting older...but it is still a milestone :)

Hungry little bugger

Finn got his cannula put back on yesterday. Boo, hoo. He had three pretty "major" spells over night Monday night, so they put him back on. He was up and down yesterday, but has been great today. It is just a temporary set back. I'm thinking he should have it off again in a day or two (still frustrating, though!).

On to good news...he is eating very well. He nursed three times yesterday (we got in "trouble" by his nurse today because the orders just say once or twice a day...oops!). Today, we started breastfeeding protocol. What that means is if he is sucking and swallowing for less than 5 minutes, he gets a full feeding through the tube. If he does both for between five and ten minutes, he gets half his feeding through the tube and if he does both for more than ten minutes, he doesn't get the tube feeding at all. Well, he got half feedings at both 11:00 and 2:00 today (and he was very tired because he had a yucky eye exam this morning)! That is HUGE. I'm so excited and proud of him for doing so well.

AND the eye doctor said that it is possible there was slight improvement in Finn's eye from last week. I know it isn't much, but up until now, the report has just been saying they remain the same. I'll take it. Hopefully that is one less surgery my little boy will need, which I'm all for! We are still waiting to find out when he will have his hernia surgery and if they can do his circumcision at the same time (less stress for him if done as one procedure instead of two).

We also started the Wee Read program today. Every Wednesday they provide us with three new books that are meant to stimulate preemie babies (I think ANY baby, but they say preemie babies). Today we got "Moo, Baa, La, La, La," "Brown Bear," and "Row row row your boat." I read them each twice to him this afternoon. The lady said the repetition, rhythm and rhyming are what is good for brain development. I'm willing to give Finn every leg up I can! Oh, and I don't think we mentioned we started The Swiss Family Robinson. It is a little tamer than Huckleberry Finn, but I think Finn likes us reading just the same.

Stinky boy becomes Clean boy

We had a great day yesterday. I got to give Finn is first "real" bath with a tub and water and everything because he was pretty stinky.He did really great and didn't make a peep the whole time. He was just looking around, trying to figure everything out. I usually don't like giving baths (don't know why...maybe afraid I'm going to drown somebody else's kid or something!), but I LOVED giving Finn his. I guess if I drown him, it's my problem, not somebody else's (just kidding!). I think I felt like I was doing something that all "normal" moms get to do with their babies. I started out by wiping his face, then I washed his hair. Then I put him in the tub and washed his body. With the help and guidance of Finn's nurse, Katie, I did a great job. It was a great moment for both Finn and me.

As you can see from the picture, Finn still has the cannula off and he is doing really well. He continues to have dips on his stats and a few spells, but nothing they are concerned about. This makes me SO happy. Now he can wear regular onsie outfits because before, the cannula made it so we couldn't put things over his head. Also, because of the lack of cannula, Katie said I could take him for stroller rides along the unit hall! I don't think I'm quite ready for that, but it is amazing Finn has made such huge steps in the last couple of weeks.

His is also growing like a weed! On Sunday nights, they do their weekly measurements. So, as of Sunday at midnight, he was four pounds, 10 ounces, 17" long (he grew 3/4 of an inch in ONE WEEK!) and his head circumference was 31" (it was 23" when he was born)! I guess I should be glad his head was so much smaller when I had to deliver him!

We decided to give him his bath before his 11:00am feeding because he usually doesn't do as well at that feeding as he does at the 2:00pm feeding and a bath usually tired babies out quite a bit. Well, not the case with little Finnegan. He was wide awake after the bath and latched on and ate like a champ! I didn't know how much he got, but when Katie tested his stomach before his 2:00pm feeding, he still had a lot of milk in there, which was probably all from me (he usually digests all that he gets via tube before his next feeding). Then, to make fools of us, he didn't eat and feel right asleep at his 2:00pm feeding (just because we said he usually eats good at 2:00 and not at 11:00!). I guess I better get used to him making a liar out of me (or so I hear from other parents!). I don't mind. He is doing really good with breastfeeding overall.

What is he missing?

Notice anything different on Finn?As of Noon yesterday, he got his cannula taken off! He is officially breathing completely on his own. I am so excited I can't believe it. The doctor said it might be temporary depending on how he tolerates it, but I don't care. It is a HUGE step closer to H-O-M-E! He had a spell while I was there last night, but recovered and didn't need the cannula put back on. Now if we could only get rid of that darn naso-gastric tube, we'd be all set!

I asked the nurse about when we can go H-O-M-E and she said sometimes it is a week sooner than the babies due date, but we should still be expecting right around his original due date (April 15). I was hoping it was going to be sooner, but it really all depends on him eating well. He has to be maintaining his weight while eating "on demand" and not getting any food from the tube. We are a ways away yet, but it is good to know. I was afraid it would be like, "oh, you're going home in two days" or some short notice like that.

Finn's temperament was really good yesterday, considering he had four shots the night before. They gave him Tylenol throughout the day to keep him comfortable. The only time I noticed a difference was when I was changing him (had to move/touch his legs) and then he cried a little. Poor guy. Given the fact that he got his shots the night before and he got rid of his cannula yesterday, I think he was doing VERY well. They said he should be feeling better today from the shots.

Finn's room is painted and the border is up!I think it looks like such a cute little boy's room! I obviously still need to clean up the supplies, but you get the idea. I think it turned out really well and it feels so good to have it done. It is hard to see on this picture, but the border is little animals in pairs (hence, the Noah's Ark theme). Jim's parents came over last night to help him put the border up. I stayed at the hospital to spend some extra time with Finn and try to nurse him again. It was all done when I got home! Now we are just waiting for the crib and dresser (probably arriving next week).

And Lisa (Finn's favorite NICU nurse) stopped by last night to check in on him. It was great to see her and show off how far Finn has come in a couple weeks. I tried convincing her to transfer to the ICC, but for some reason, she wouldn't do it. Hmmm. Wow, I guess it was a big weekend!

He got shot?

My little baby had his 2 month immunization shots last night. I think it was a total of three (maybe four) shots. His nurse said that when the babies get the actual shot, they are a little upset right away but calm down fairly quickly (thanks to their very short term memory). However, they are sore and upset for up to two days! I didn't necessarily want to be there for the shots, but wouldn't have minded being there to cuddle afterward. Oh, well.

I was able to attempt nursing once yesterday. He latched on very well, but I had pumped about an hour and a half before, so I don't think there was much for him to get. Maybe today will be another story. He is now getting 35 mL through his tube at each feeding (he was getting 32 before). As anybody who has seen our freezer (even after two trips of milk to DeAnn's freezer) knows how happy we are when he is eating more!

Oh, and I was charting my pumping and output last week. Well, in the first full 24 hour period, I pumped 43.5 oz. You are supposed to pump between 25 and 35 oz...so I am getting far more than is necessary. The lactation consultant said I can reduce to 6 pumpings in a 24 hour period (so I'm trying to do 3.5 hours between during the day and 5 hours between at night). So far so good. You'd be shocked at how much longer it seems to have 3.5 hours instead of just 3 hours between pumpings. Weird.

Oh, and Kristine and I painted Finn's room yesterday! I took pictures, but then left my camera at the hospital (oops!). It is a sky blue on top and a dusty darker blue on the bottom. I LOVE how it turned out and will post pictures as soon as I have my camera. Jim still needs to put up the border, but I was told that would happen today (I might need to enlist John's help since he helped with the living room stripes!). When I got up this morning, I just smiled when I walked out of our room. It is sunny and so cheerful and such a BOYS room! I'm glad we/I decided to change it from yellow to blue. Now I'm just waiting for the crib and dresser to arrive...

We should have learned our lesson

Our little munchkin is 2 months old today! Wow, I can't believe it. I feel kind of bad because we didn't "do" anything special. I know he wouldn't know the difference, but I kind of feel like any reason for celebration should be embraced. Oh, well. The lack of celebration doesn't diminish the milestone. Finn looks like a burrito, so I had to take a picture:Who wouldn't want to buy that burrito?!?! The multiple layers help to keep his temperature within the acceptable range which is 36.5 degrees C and 37.5 (so far he hangs out right around 36.6 or so). For those of you who don't speak in Celsius, that is 97.7 and 99.5 degrees F.

Finn did and didn't eat well today! For his 11:00am feeding, he was OUT! He was very tired and just played around with it. The other lactation consultant had stopped by and she said to just let him sleep while he was fed through the tube and she would be back for his 2:00pm feeding. Well, that feeding was a completely different story. He was wide awake and latched on like a seasoned pro. We figured he had about 5 minutes of solid good sucking and swallowing! If he keeps this up a few more times, they will start to reduce the amount he gets through his tube. I am really pleased with how he is doing as far as breast feeding. I've heard horror stories on how babies won't latch on or the mom's anatomy isn't right or the milk doesn't come in properly, etc, so for Finn to be doing so well after only three days trying AND being only 34 weeks GA, it is really good.

So, remember how when we mentioned to Finn that he was going to be going to the ICC the first time and he ended up getting the intestinal infection that made him stay in the NICU (we think it was intentional on his part to stay with the nurses he liked so much)?!?! Well, he might have pulled the same shenanigans again today! You'd think I would have learned. His nurse and I were discussing how we didn't think he really needed his cannula any more because he is at 21 most of the time and resolves any dips he has and that she was going to mention it to the doctor. Well, over the next hour, he kept dropping and staying down and needed a lot more air (nothing to be concerned about). The nurse looked at me and said, well I guess he isn't ready to go without a cannula yet! And she threw away the note she'd made for the doctor. What a little stinker. So now we know not to mention anything around our little guy as he is far more perceptive than we give him credit for. The nurse said to for sure not mention the "H" word (home) when it comes times or he'll end up staying in the ICC forever! Ha, ha.

Happy 2 month birthday, little guy!

Jim's poopy diaper

Jim changed his first poopy diaper tonight! I didn't see the diaper, but he said there wasn't much, so that was probably a good transition for him. We're finally over that hump! I'm sure it was nothing compared to the massively poopy diaper I changed this afternoon (the first poop is over 15 hours for Finn, so you can imagine), but it is a start. I hope you don't mind the child nudity, but I had to catch the moment for the record.

Finn had another eye exam this morning. He was VERY tired all day because of it. They have to force and hold the eyes open and hold the baby down, so the babies can get pretty stressed during the exam. His ROP is the same as last week, so not better but not worse, either. He has another exam next Wednesday.

Because he was so tired, he didn't really latch on for his 11:00am feeding. He was just too tired, so we just cuddled during his feeding. He was more awake for his 2:00pm feeding and latched on for a little bit, but didn't get any milk. The nurse said he was probably still tired. So tonight for his 8:00pm feeding, he was wide awake and latched on for about 10 minutes. He probably sucked and got something for about one minute total...not much, but it is something. I'm still not very good at telling if he is just sucking for fun or if he is getting some milk. Hopefully I get better at that!

I continue to chart my milk production and pumping schedule to find out how much milk I'm getting. After three or four days of charting, based on the results, I might be able to start to reduce the number of pumpings in a 24 hour period! Yeah.

The "discharge" nurse met with me yesterday to start the paperwork. But before you go and get too excited, it was just routine. Nobody has even started to mention about WHEN Finn will be discharged. Each day and each step he takes is that much closer to home, though. I don't think they start talking about "when" until it is in the near future. Finn still has some major obstacles to overcome before it is in his near future.

Still stuck in The Garden?

So, want to blow your mind (okay, probably just mine but still...)? If Finn hadn't been born when he was, the new adjusted due date was today! They said they would deliver him at 34 weeks because the risk of infection would be higher than the risk of him being born early and Finn is 34 weeks gestational age today. I could have been stuck in The Garden this whole time instead of getting to know my son (Becky and I could have kept each other busy!). Crazy. Just a weird, random thought.

The lactation consultant stopped by today just as I was starting to feed Finn. She was GREAT! She showed me exactly how to hold him and the tricks that get him to latch onto the whole breast and not just the nipple. AND he actually sucked and swallowed my milk! She calculated it was only a few minutes total, but he did it! He still got a full feeding through his tube. Eventually they will reduce the tube feeding as he gets more from me. I am so happy that he is figuring it out and really likes it (he didn't let go when we tried to pull him away...ouch!). She also kept reminding me that not only is Finn a preemie, but he is only 34 weeks. Babies born after 34 weeks still have problem with this, so that is very encouraging. She will stop by next week to check in to see how we are doing.

The even better news is that she said I'm producing more milk than I need to. Which means I get to reduce the number of times I pump in a day (eventually). First I need to chart each time I pump and how much I get. Then I can slowly adjust the time between and see how it affects my milk. She said that eventually I should be able to pump only 4 or 5 times a day! I thought I was going to cry when I heard that.

And for the record, Finn was switched over to a big boy crib last night (just before we got there). It is so great to see him in a regular bed and we can touch him whenever we want (and take pictures that don't glare off the isolette walls). One step closer to home! I took pictures, but haven't had time to upload them yet.

He latched on!

Okay, so I guess DeAnn was right! Today at Finn's 11:00 feeding, we thought we'd just see what Finn did if we put him to the breast (sorry if this is too much information). I had already pumped, so there was no danger of drowning him (since I pump far more than he eats). I sat down and put him in position and he leaned forward and latched on. And wouldn't let go! He sucks very strongly (which we already knew from his pacifier). At the same time, he was getting his milk through the tube, so he would associate filling his tummy with sucking. We did this for about 10 minutes and then he start pushing away. That is about how long they wanted me to do it to start out with anyway. Then we just kangaroo-ed for the rest of this feeding.

I was so happy. It just felt so right. I know it is a small thing and I tend to probably over react, but it was a great moment for both of us. We did it again at his 2:00 feeding, but he was exhausted. The nurse said that breast feeding to a baby is equivalent to running a marathon for an adult. I would be tired, too! He sucked a little and then just played around with it for the 10 minutes. That's okay. I spoke with the doctor and she said tomorrow I could try not puming first. Then she asked me how much I'm getting and she realized that would be far too much for Finn. So, I'm hoping the lactation consultant stops by tomorrow so she can help me figure out the best method. I guess we know that Finn isn't a "leg man"! Ha, ha.

Oh, and his crib was at 30 degrees today when I got there and Finn was maintaining his temperature. The nurse had to wait until the doctor rounded on him and wrote the order to switch him over. Which she did around 4pm today. He should be in a crib when we get back there tonight. Jim will be excited so he can put up the Gopher mobile Finn received (it even plays the Minnesota Rouser in soothing baby tones!). Poor Finn, he doesn't have a chance!

So many milestones. I am amazed at how well Finn is doing with everything. Even his oxygen was turned down to 1/4 L and he was at 21 most of the time I was there. The good news just keeps on coming (I hope it stays that way).

He is how long?

Finn is having a really good day. I got to the hospital around 10:30 and helped with his cares. Then I held him while he ate. Then I pumped and went downstairs for a quick bit to eat. Then I went over to Abbott to visit Becky and Lynn. Then I had to head back for Finn's care, eating and my pumping. Yikes! That sounds busy even to me...but I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm just thankful Becky and Lynn were at Abbott (selfishly, it makes my life much easier!).

Finn is doing very good on the transition to a big boy crib. His isolette temperature was at 30.6 degrees C (I think) when I left this afternoon. Once it is at 30 degrees and he is able to maintain his temperature, he will switch over. Yeah.

He gained 30 grams last night and weighs 1840. The more impressive (and less updated) number is his height. As of last night at midnight he was...SIXTEEN INCHES LONG! He grew just over 2 inches in 2 months. I don't know what is expected, but that sounds like a lot to me (and also helps to explains how he has managed to gain all his weight!).

I spoke with the doctor today and we are going to start trying to breast feed tomorrow! At first, it will just be nuzzling and getting Finn used to the idea. Then he will try to eat. I think they expect this process to take around a week or week and a half. I hope he agrees with it! Like DeAnn said, with how he has been progressing and amazing us with what he has been able to do, he will probably be eating full feedings right away (maybe a little exageration, but who knows?!?!)!

What's the big deal?

Finn officially weighs 1810 grams as of this morning. What does this mean? We are excited about this number for three reasons. #1. This is just over the 4 lb mark! I can't believe our little munchkin is 4 lbs already...but am so happy (he is eating 32 mL every 3 hours now). #2. Finn has now doubled his weight since his birth weight! He was 880 grams when he was born, which means when he passed 1760 grams, he passed the double threshold. That is very exciting for us. #3. Once babies are 1800 grams, they start to transition them to a regular crib! We are really excited about this. He has to be able to maintain his temperature with his isolette set to 30 degrees C and then he can go into a big boy crib. He is at 31.1 degrees right now. Yeah! So many things to be grateful for.

He is currently at 0.5 L for his air flow and hangs out in the low 20's for oxygen most of the time. He continues to intermittently fluctuate up and down for his oxygen saturation numbers, but it isn't a huge concern. They increased his caffeine dose to hopefully combat that a little bit. He is doing really well.

One update that I haven't mentioned is that Finn has a hernia. Hernias are a weakness in the muscle wall of the abdomen. Some premature baby boys develop a hernia in their groins called inguinal hernia (has to do with when their testes drop). Inguinal hernias require surgery to repair. Most babies tolerate surgery very well. We were originally told he would have the surgery when he was older, but the doctor told us today that if he is strong enough, they will do it before he comes home (she said it makes it easier on mom and dad, which we completely agree!). So, we'll update you on that situation as it unfolds. I don't know a lot about hernias, but the doctor doesn't seem concerned about it (just another thing that needs to get taken care of).

After the crazy weekend, we were able to have some family time today and it felt really good. I held Finn while he ate (through his feeding tube) and Jim read from Huckleberry Finn (we only have 20 pages left!). Then Jim kangaroo-ed with Finn while I read and then pumped. Here is a picture of my boys kangaroo-ing: This was Jim's first time kangaroo-ing and both dad and son LOVED it. Finn was stating high so they kept having to turn his oxygen levels down. I think Jim was surprised at how much he liked it, but I have a feeling I have competition on kangaroo-ing with Finn now (which I'm perfectly okay and happy with).

Aftermath of a tornado

What a weekend! Feels like a tornado went through. But nothing we can't handle. Well, where to start...

Saturday started out early for me. I got up at 6am to pump before leaving for the Murdock shower. Usually when I pump that early, I get to go back to bed! But once you're up and going, it doesn't really matter (it just hits you later). The Murdock shower was fabulous. Thank you everybody who came. It means a lot to us. Everybody was far too generous, but I know Finn will love everything he was given (now we just need to get him home to enjoy it). Don't worry, Zoe...I won't try on any of his clothes or play with his toys!

I really want to take this opportunity to show appreciation for my wonderful sisters. Saying thank you to them for hosting both a friends shower and a shower for my family and the community I grew up in seems like such a small thing. My heart just about bursts when I think about all you've done for us. The things Finn has received from these two showers is amazing, but more importantly, you've given me the chance to celebrate with those closest to me the birth of my son, even when I can't have him at home with me. You will never know how much that means to me. Jim, Finn and I are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Also, I was able to meet our friends Holly and Matt's little three week old baby boy (Odin) at the shower! I'm so glad that Holly and her mom were able to come. Odin is beautiful and I got a huge "baby fix" when I got to hold him. I have to say, he seemed small to me even though he is over 8 lbs, so now I understand why everybody thinks Finn is so small! Odin might be younger than Finn but I'm sure Holly will be giving me tons of advice! Congratulations, Holly and Matt!

Well, we got back to the Cities around 5pm at which time I had to...yup, pump! Then Jim and I headed up to the hospital. Lynn was pretty tired when we got there, but because of wonderful pain killers, wasn't in much pain. We stayed for a while and then I headed over to spend some time with Finn and Jim went to work (you gotta love month end!). The new thing we are trying with Finn is to hold him while he eats so he associates eating with being held (and eventually breast feeding, hopefully). We also give him his pacifier while he is getting his milk so he associates filling up his tummy with sucking. All these little things that give us a better chance of him breast feeding. We'll see. I think we are about a week or so out from actually trying!

Here is a picture from last night of Finn without any clothes on:Now that he wears clothes every day, I like to see his body every once in a while and think it is so cute!

Now on to another day. I'm sure we'll spend most of it at the hospital. When I'm spread between different thing, I feel like I end up supporting nobody, which is a yucky feeling. Hopefully today I can make up for it a little bit (to both Lynn and Finn...ha, they rhyme!). I also need to run some errands, so hopefully there is time. I really want to get Finn's room painted (now that we have super cute Noah's Ark bedding!), but I'm realistic enough to know it probably won't happen today. Darn. There is always "tomorrow."

So much to do, so little time

There is so much to update and no time! First, Finn is doing well. They started him on iron supplements again, which is what caused his setback two weeks ago. So we are watching him closely to make sure all is well (so far, so good). Second, we've been at the hospital all day...Abbott not Children's. Jim's mom had surgery today. It went well (from what the doctors tell us) and she has just been wheeled to her room. Hopefully she enjoys a deep, drugged-up sleep tonight.

Now, I'm off to pump and then to bed. I have another big day tomorrow!

Let it snow?

Finn is doing okay today. He seems to still be adjusting to his new home. He had two spells from the time we left last night until this morning. He hadn't had any in several days before he moved. Also his oxygen levels keep dropping and then coming back up after a few seconds (sometimes a little longer). He was much more level in the NICU. Sometimes his oxygen is at 21 and sometimes he is in the upper 20's which is still good...everything considered. I'm still getting used to his new home...trying to find out where the pumps are, or the bottles or what to do with the bottles when I'm done or what they'll let me do with Finn, etc. New home, new way of doing things!

He now weighs 3 lbs 9.5 oz (1630 grams). He is getting so big. We also found out that once he reaches 1800 grams, they will start to transition him over to a regular crib. Man, he is facing so many milestones all at once. I'm guessing he won't be 1800 grams for at least a week or maybe a little more (although, you just never know with this little guy). Having him in a crib seems like such a big deal...like he is a normal baby or something. Yeah!

He had his eye exam this morning. He was very tired and sleepy when I was there today but the nurses think it was because the eye exam takes a lot out of these little babies (they have to lay there with their eyes pried wide open for who knows how long...poor little guy). I spoke with the doctor and he said Finn's eye disease (ROP) has gotten a little worse since last week and he will continue to monitor him every week (it is still in stage 1, though). The disease could still go away on its own, but if it doesn't or if it continues to get worse, Finn will need surgery. Hopefully we won't get to that point.

I was able to go over and visit my friend Becky at The Garden at Abbott. It is so weird being over there and being able to be out of bed. Becky is pregnant with twins and all things considered, they are doing very well (she is 25 weeks and 4 days, which is just two gestational days short of when Finn was born). She has been "in" since Saturday and could potentially stay until she delivers. Oh, the wonderful memories! Ha, ha. Keep up the good work, Bec!

Oh and weird side note, Finn's nurse today was from Clara City! For those of you who don't know where that city is, it is a small town about 20 minutes south of where I grew up (that is close when you're in rural MN). And even weirder, she has relatives (the Neil family) that go to KMS, the school I went to! It really is a small world. So we had fun exchanging notes and "who do you know" type stuff. Too funny.

How about the weather? It wasn't snowing at all when I started kangaroo-ing with Finn around 11:15 or so. By the time we were done a little over an hour later, there was a blanket of snow covering everything and schools were closing early (somebody said over an inch an hour)! Driving home wasn't easy, but made me very happy I got to the hospital early, so I didn't mind leaving a little early. I hope everybody drives safely!

Today is the day!

Stage two of our journey began this evening. Today, at 5:30pm, Finn moved over to the Infant Care Center (ICC) which is a level 2 nursery (the NICU was a level 3)! I still can't believe he is well enough to make this momentous location change. When I walked into the NICU today, Mary (his primary day nurse) said she heard that a bed was opening up and he was good enough to go over today! We waited until the doctor rounded on him and she confirmed he would be moving over to the ICC. We still didn't know when. Eventually we found out it would be right after his 5:00 cares. I kangaroo-ed with him until he was ready for his cares, he had his cares, ate his dinner and then we went. Simple as that (well it wasn't very simple as everything had to be reconnected and stashed away and everything). God is good.

I'm so happy, I can't even concentrate. I was planning on going home after a few hours, but when we found out when he would be moved, I wanted to be there with him when that happened. We went to dinner at Figlio's in Uptown once Finn was moved and all settled into his new room. Man, I forgot how much we love that place.

I don't know what else to say! The doctor still heard his heart murmur, but it is intermittent and not a concern (no, Nana...this is not a set back...you worry too much!!). They are just keeping an eye on it. Speaking of eye, Finn has his follow up eye exam tomorrow morning. There probably won't be much change, but I'm hoping for some improvement.

Finn's new address: ICC c/o room 24 bed 2.

Seven weeks already?

Our baby is now SEVEN weeks old!

I talked with Finn's doctor today. She said she heard a heart murmur, but wasn't concerned enough to do anything about it (if it gets worse, they will do an echo of his heart). She said it could just be "turbulence" in the blood stream or it could be a sign of a physical problem with the heart. So for now, I'm hoping it is option #1. She also said that as soon as a bed opens up, Finn will be on his way over to the ICC. Good job, Finn!

We had a sad night last night. It was Lisa's (Finn's favorite nurse) last night. She is moving to Ohio so she is taking a vacation to find a house. By the time she gets back from vacation, Finn will be in the ICC (again, barring any shenanigans on Finn's part). I am so thankful she was Finn's evening nurse. I felt that at least when I couldn't be there, he was well taken care of by somebody who really cared about him. I wonder if these NICU nurses comprehend what a huge impact they have on the lives of the babies they care for and the babies' families...

Pumping is going well. I only have to get up once during the night and try to pump every 3 hours during the day (sometimes it gets pushed to 4 hours if I have things going on). The freezer is two ziploc bags short of being completely full! At least Finn is eating 30 mL (about 1 oz) every 3 hours. Yeah!

In the last couple of days, Finn has started showing signs of the rooting reflex...for you non-moms out there, the rooting reflex assists in breastfeeding. A newborn infant will turn their head toward anything that strokes their cheek or mouth, searching for the object by moving their head in steadily decreasing arcs until the object is found. I find it promising that Finn is starting to do this and hope it is a sign he will be ready to breastfeed before too long. Last time we asked, they said it would be between 34 and 36 weeks when a baby can figure out how to suck, swallow and breathe all at the same time. Finn will be 33 weeks gestational age tomorrow (Wed). I know it can be tough and I also know Finn may not be able to breastfeed, but I'm really excited to try.

Barring any shenanigans...

I talked to Finn's doctor this morning. Of course, she had to mention again how cute he was (I guess I never get tired of hearing it...shame on me!). Then she said that when a bed opens up in the ICC, she doesn't see why Finn couldn't go over there (although I don't think she has written an official order yet). Hopefully he doesn't pull any shenanigans this time so he can really go over there!

Here is a pretty cute pic of Finn sleeping today (I think he looks like an angel):Also, when I got to the hospital today, Finn's oxygen level was at 21! That is the same that you and I breathe. He has been close to the level before, but I'd never see his dial actually turned to it. He is really doing so very well. His nurse had to make a point to tell me that he hasn't been at 21 all day and goes up and down (um, duh! I know my son and that is what he ALWAYS does!). Oh, well. I'm sure she was just trying to be helpful.

We kangaroo-ed today and he LOVED it. He settled right in and with the exception of a couple dips on his monitors, he was content for an hour and a half! Of course, mom was in heaven and only put him back because I was late for pumping (I kept trying to justify pumping really late, but I guess I'm pumping for him, so I decided I could let go of him!).

And Finn is 1,600 grams today. I didn't look at the chart to convert it, but I think it is just over 3 1/2 lbs! I don't see how small Finn is except when the nurses take his clothes off to kangaroo and hand him over to me. However, today when she did that, he didn't seem so small. I guess my little baby really is getting big!

I think Finn is going bald! I know babies often lose their hair, but to this point, I hadn't noticed Finn's getting thinner. But I did today. I love his dark hair. I hope it comes back in the same.

Ding dong the IV is gone

Finally, the darn IV is OUT! I am so happy. No more sticking my baby all the time and it is much easier to get him in and out of the isolette without the IV tubes. Oh, happy day. Finn is doing very good on his oxygen, too. Every so often, he de-sats and his oxygen levels and sometimes his heart rate go down and bounce around for a while, but he is usually able to pull it back up on his own. When we got there today, he only had one prong of the cannula in his nose and he was fine. I guess we are that much closer to not needing oxygen (I'm getting ahead of myself, but I don't care!).

They spoke again today about him going to the ICC. No concrete date and no order has been written, but if he doesn't have any set backs, it shouldn't be long now. We are being careful not to mention it to Finn since he seems to want to stay in the NICU so badly!

Here is an picture of the little guy from our visit today. He is wearing the cuddly hat that auntie Kelsie made him:He was sticking out his tongue...naughty boy! Daddy got to take Finn's temperature and change his diaper...no poopy diaper for daddy! Darn it, mommy was hoping! But Finn has been very regular and surprised his nurse last night at the amount he is able to get out. Keep it up little boy.

Three things I'm grateful for: being able to only have to get up once during the night to pump (yeah, sleep!), all of our wonderful visitors who have come to see Finn (makes us see how much our little boy is loved!) and that Jim and I can (in a very small way) help our friends Becky and Ben as they embark on their journey in the Garden at Abbott (keep growing those wonderful babies, Bec!).

Just keeps truckin' along

Finn has a new doctor this week that we haven't had before. She just called and said how adorable Finn was (what mother doesn't love to hear that?!?!). She also said that Finn makes the other patients look bad because he is doing so well. She asked where we wanted Finn to go for level 2 care and I told her the ICC. But there aren't any beds available right now (he missed his opportunity last week when several babies went home!). She said she isn't writing the order to send him over, but going to keep an eye on the bed situation over there. I guess that means he could be going over soon! (don't worry, we won't tell him that!)

Here is a cute picture from Thursday (I didn't take any pictures yesterday, shame on me!):Three things I'm grateful for: that my mom made it home safely from Las Vegas last night in the midst of a snow storm, that Finn has recovered from his last scare and doing so well, and for all of you continuously reading this blog for updates on little Finn (your comments, emails and support mean everything to us).

Down with the IV

Another good day. They aren't talking about Finn going to the ICC yet, but he is advancing in that direction. We aren't going to tell him since he wanted to stay in the NICU so badly last time he was supposed to go to the ICC!

Finn is up to 21 ml every 3 hours. I think that will be increased tomorrow and HOPEFULLY his IV will be taken out. He has had 6 IVs in one week. That is a lot. The mom in me is so ready for him to not need the IV any longer (he is getting supplemental vitamins through them right now until he is back to full feedings).

We didn't really get a detailed update about Finn's eye exam. Basically the ROP hasn't improved or worsened and he will have another exam next week. So, more to follow on that later.

Three things I'm grateful for: our amazingly supportive friends and family, financially being able to not work in order be with my son, and Finn being as "big" as he was when he was born (the baby next to him weighs 13 oz and can probably use some prayers!).

17, 18, 16? That doesn't seem right.

Finn was having an uneventful day when I was there today. Uneventful is a good thing. He is up to 18 ml every 3 hours of breast milk. They think he will be able to get rid of the IV tomorrow (yeah!).

Finn is playing musical rooms. He is now in room 16 (yes, remember he was in 17 before he was in 18). He is still in bed 1, so same spot, different room. I think I like room 16, as we are in a little more private of an area. In room 17, Finn's bed was kind of in the flow of traffic. The baby in the bed next to Finn is very tiny...makes me stop and think about how far Finn has come in a relatively short amount of time. We have been blessed in so many ways.

We crossed the halfway point of Huckleberry Finn last night. Finn just loves it when daddy reads. I didn't need to pump, so Jim just read...over an hour, I think. The nurse laughed when she heard some of the book and asked why we were reading about whiskey to Finn! If only she knew the half of it.

I had my 6 week postpartum doctor appointment today. It went well. My body (at least the inside) is back to normal (the outside is still stretched out...to be expected, though). I had some questions about pumping and other things, which she answered for me. I can't begin to say how thankful I am that she was on call at North Memorial the night I went into labor and that she made the decision to transfer me to Abbott. She is a great doctor and we are very lucky to have her. Our next appointment with her will be when Finn is home (she will also be Finn's doctor). Yeah!

Finn had another eye exam this morning, but I wasn't able to get a recap (his primary nurse was scheduled to admit any new babies and one came in). I think they said he needs another exam next week, but that is all I heard. Hopefully I'll get more information tomorrow.

I was reading an article today about how to cope with the difficulties associated with having a premature baby. One thing they suggested was to write down three things you are grateful for. So, three things I'm grateful for: my beautiful and stubborn son, my supportive husband and the amazing doctors and nurses at Children's.

Guess who weighs 1,500 grams?

When we were busy growing Finn in the garden at Abbott, we were told at some point by some doctor that the milestones for weight with premature babies were 1,000 grams and 1,500 grams. We knew Finn would be smaller than both of these numbers if he didn't stay in my tummy for a LONG time. Well, he didn't (stay in) and he was (smaller). However, guess who is now over 1,500 grams?!?! Yup, little Mr. Finnegan. As of last night at midnight, he officially weighed 1,520 (3 lbs 5 oz). And he managed that on no milk most of the week and only a small amount yesterday! Yeah!

His feedings are up to 13 ml every 3 hours and they will continue to increase that as he is able to tolerate it. They ran out of room to store his milk at the hospital today (every baby is allotted one basket), so now if I pump at the hospital, I have to bring it home! I can't wait until he is back to 30 ml every 3 hours (or dare I hope for more?!?!).

We were a little concerned when we left him last night. He was very lethargic and his stats kept fluctuating, which were some of the signs that there were problems last week. I talked with his nurse about it and she was very receptive and helpful. It was probably me being overly protective, but regardless, he was/is much better today.

This picture is from last night and I like to call it "Reverse pledge of allegiance":I guess we have a little patriot on our hands...somebody will just need to show him the right way to do it!

Poor little Finn...he is on his 4th IV is 6 days! They have officially run out of limbs if this ones needs to be replaced. His nurse last night said that the antibiotic he was on is tough on the veins, which is probably why he had to get new IVs. I don't know...I saw the first IV be put in and while I probably wouldn't have done a better job, I would have been faster with somebody telling me what to do. She just didn't seem like she knew what she was doing (we think she was a new nurse). Oh, well. He should be off the intravenous vitamins and fluids tomorrow, if all goes well, so he won't need the IV any longer.

What do ears and nipples have in common?

Today's update from the doctor:

"Finnegan looks real good today and has nice bowl sounds. He is stooling [i.e. pooping; for you lay people out there] and we are going to start some feedings (not at full feedings but at 10ml every 3 hours for now). Then if things go well we will be a little more aggressive tomorrow and the next day. He looks good. He hasn't had any apnea since 10pm the night before last, so I think the caffeine is agreeing with him."

That is all good news. Especially the part about his feedings again...I'm putting more than my share in the freezer on this end and he needs to take it out on his end! His cannula flow was decreased from 2 L to 1 L and his oxygen was under 30 when I got there today (it has consistently been in the mid to upper 30's for a while).

I forgot to mention that Finn changed rooms (still in the NICU, though). They were waxing the floor of room 17, so they moved him over one room to room 18 (still in bed position 1, though). So if you've visited before and come to visit, he isn't in the same spot! Wouldn't want you to gush over the wrong baby!

Some developmental things I've noticed in the last couple of days: Finn officially has nipples! He wasn't born with nipples, even though you could tell where they would develop. Now, they are colored and more textured (you know how nipples are). Yeah! AND, he ears are almost completely "hardened" and not floppy any longer. The very outer edge is still a little soft, but they look great. I know, two small things, but when you look at him every day, you some times don't stop and really LOOK at him.

We kangaroo-ed again today, but he wasn't nearly as relaxed as he was last night. It is official, he likes daddy's voice (Jim was reading to him last night). Oh, well. I still enjoy the closeness even if he is stretching and wriggling a little bit. His nurse said that he should be able to start wearing clothes again soon. We better not tell him he is on the list to go to the ICC next time he is put on it...I think he must have just wanted to stay in the NICU!

It's hard work getting big

Finn continues to improve. The doctor wasn't willing to let him start feedings yet today, but is hopeful Finn will be ready tomorrow. His intestines weren't making noise, which made the doctor think things weren't moving through them properly yet. They took out the tube from his mouth that helped vent the air from his stomach to force the air to be "digested." That means little Finn should have lots of toots, if all is working properly!

They also took him off the aminophylin and changed the medication to caffeine. It is just another medication that can help babies breath...and it seems to be working very well for Finn. Jim and I were there for over 2 hours tonight and he was very stable the whole time. I was able to Kangaroo with Finn (he tolerated it SO much better than last time!) while Jim continued to read Huckleberry Finn (we are almost half way through and Finn loves it...or probably loves dad's voice). It was very nice family time.

My mom caught him yawning this afternoon:It looks like a full body work out! So cute...it is hard to catch him yawning or smiling because it is so fleeting and sporadic. Good job, Grandma! Finn was wide awake for about 15 minutes while we were there. It is rare for him to be that awake for that long. I couldn't leave! I just wanted to stare at him and talk to him. I love moments like that.

Jim and I had a wonderful Valentine's Day. We visited Finn in the afternoon. Then Jim surprised me with a beautiful arrangement of white and pink roses. Then later he surprised me with a big box of Godiva chocolates (so yummy!) and then with garnet earrings (mine and Finn's birth stone). Very romantic. Oh and that doesn't take into account the dinner he made: stuffed mushrooms, home baked bread, bacon wrapped filet minion and crab legs, which he cracked for me! Of course we ended the evening like we always do by watching Moulin Rouge. It was a wonderful day. I hope you all had a special Valentine's Day, too!

I was supposed to have my 6 week postpartum doctor appointment today, but they called to reschedule about an hour before...my doctor was busy delivering a baby! Priorities, I guess. I rescheduled for later in the week. I can't believe it has been 6 weeks already. I remember when they said I have to make this appointment for 6 weeks after Finn's birth and thinking, "man, that is a long time away." I guess time flies, doesn't it?!?! I'm cherishing every moment of it.

Happy Valentine's Day, Finn

Finn is doing much better today than he was when we left him last night. It just kills me because he is so small and I hate to see him struggling or in pain. Well, I suppose it doesn't really matter his size, as all moms probably feel that way, but his roller coaster ride so far in this world makes my heart break even more.

That being said, Finn gave us a wonderful Valentine's Day present today...he was back to his old self...stretching and wiggling and putting his head where he wanted it, not where the nurse put it! It was good to see. You can see him wiggling in this picture from this afternoon:Also, as you can see, he is back to no clothes. That way they can see when there is a problem better and the clothes don't get in the way (he probably likes no clothes better anyway, but the clothes are so darn cute!). Mommy likes to be able to see his body once in a while, though.

This morning the doctor said that Finn won't be getting any milk at least until next Tuesday. They will assess how his intestines are doing and decide then if he can handle milk again (not good for the milk storage space shortage!). He will be on antibiotics for a total of 72 hours to make sure his intestines are not infected nor become infected. His tummy was much smaller today than it was last night, so that is a sign that he is getting better. They are going to leave the tube in his mouth for now, but just discontinued the suctioning (so the air can still leak out through it, if air builds up). The stuff that he already digested will have to come out the old fashioned way! Last night the doctor ordered him to go back on CPAP, but since we all know how much he hates it, the nurses are trying to keep him comfortable and stable on the cannula. So far, so good!

Two Forward, One Back

I have three theories:

1. Either Finnegan was disappointed by the readership drop of this blog and wanted the numbers to come back up by capturing peoples' attention, or

2. Finnegan thought it had been long enough since dad wrote a post and knew that a sure fire way was to be naughty because mom doesn't like to write about that, or

3. Finnegan doesn't want to leave the comfort and attention of the NICU for the scary unknown ICC.

And so we advance to Valentine's Day with one step back. Fortunately that had been preceded by the requisite two steps forward.

As we were driving into the parking ramp at Childrens Hospital at about 4:45 this afternoon, I received a call from his doctor. Generally early morning calls and late afternoon to evening calls from the doctors aren't good. This was no different.

We were told that Finn is having some digestive issues and that his feedings will be stopped for the next 48 hours. His stomach and intestines are filled with air and he is having problems processing it. The situation can be quite serious because it can be caused by an infection eating away lining of the intestines or irritation can cause an infection leading to the same result.

Because he won't be getting any milk for the next 48 hours they had to place a new IV in order to feed him intravenously as well as give him antibiotics and other medicine. They also placed a tube from his mouth into his stomach to suck out any air which was stored in there. Unfortunately anything that has made it past the stomach will have to come out the natural way which is what he's having problems with. So much for the continued reduction of tubes hooked up to the little guy.

We've gotten so used to only worrying about his oxygen saturation, growing, breathing and heart beat that it's easy to forget about all of the other things happening to him that have to work also. And maybe this isn't as scary as his heart surgery but it can be just as serious if not caught and treated. Stacy has thought for the past three days that he has seemed lethargic and not his normal self. She told the nurse that today (who listened) and now we know why. Thankfully they found out what it was.

On the plus side, they took an x-ray and didn't see any air leaking from his intestines and didn't see any between the intestine linings which are all good things. They will be taking another x-ray this evening or early tomorrow morning and hopefully we'll know more from that and the labs that were drawn. The other thing is that he had been doing so well for quite some time now up to this point that we have to remember that he truly did take two steps forward before taking one step back. It's still frustrating though.

By the time we left this evening, they had given him a suppository which made him fill up two diapers. After that he did seem much more active and more like himself. He was wide awake and moving around like we had become more accustomed to seeing when he knew we were there.

His little gut is still developing and hopefully he'll continue to be as strong as he has been and this will be just another bump in the road. Sadly I think he's already had to endure too many bumps and I was wishing they'd be over. The reality is we're still on the rollercoaster.

Oops, I lied

I lied. He was only 3 lb 3 oz yesterday. He lost a little weight over night and is now 3 lb 2 oz. I'd hate to be bragging about how big he is and then be lying about it! Ha, ha. The doctor isn't concerned about the weight loss since it is only one day (they look at his seven day weight gain/loss).

Not much new to report today. He is doing well. He did not like Kangaroo-ing with me yesterday, so today I just held him. He did much better with that and then I get to see him and interact a little more with him. Slow news day!

ICC here we come...but when?

As of today, Finn weighs 3 lb 4 oz! He is just growing and growing!

Finn went back to 1 L for his flow rate. It isn't really a set back. I could tell yesterday that he was struggling at 0.5 L. I'd rather he breath comfortably than have to work at it and have a lot of spells. They are going to do a blood test to see how much aminophylin is in his blood and may increase his dose (aminophylin helps Finn remember to breath).

His doctor has officially put him on the list of babies waiting to go over to the ICC. So it is just a matter of time, now. Jim and I were able to tour the ICC last night with the charge nurse. She was very helpful and put our minds (okay, my mind) at ease. The nurse to patient ratio is the same at the NICU (one to two) and the visiting hours/rules are the same, too (we were hoping for them to be a little more relaxed, but completely understand why they aren't). He will have primary nurses just like he does now in the NICU (which means the same nurse takes care of him every time she has a shift). So now, when a bed opens up, Finn should be going over there, which is just across the hall from the NICU and very convenient!

Renae and I washed the clothes that Finn has received as gifts (everybody has been SO generous!) and I brought them up to the hospital last night. So, he is officially wearing his first piece of his own clothing! Auntie Vicky and cousin Lauren, does it look familiar?!?! I took about 20 pictures to get a good one (too much glare from his incubator!). The sleeper is of dinosaurs and on the bottom of the feet it says "roar"...too cute! I figured if he didn't wear his preemie clothes in the hospital, he probably woudn't fit into them when he comes home.

Dad and son finally reunite

Well, our little guy just keeps truckin' on. As of this morning, he is on a regular cannula...the same kind that you or I would have if we needed a little extra oxygen! And the flow rate is at 0.5! It is crazy to me that less than a week ago, he was at a 3.

Finn had an eye exam this morning. He has mild Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). ROP is a potentially blinding disease, which affects many premature babies each year. The diagnosis of ROP is made by an opthalmologist who examines the inside of the eyes. Although a high percentage of examined babies will show some degree of ROP, most will not require surgery, thankfully. Finn's ROP does not require treatment at this time, but he will have another exam in one week to check if the ROP worsens or resolves (today's appointment was to access and set a benchmark for future exams).

One a happier note, Jim was finally able to make it in to see Finn last night. I think both dad and son were happy to be reunited. Jim isn't feeling 100% yet, so he wore a face mask and scrubbed his hands and arms just to be sure (and didn't hold or touch Finn). Hopefully Jim is feeling better today, so he can hold our little boy.

We are also hoping to be able to tour the ICC tonight. Finn could be sent over there any time now, so I would like to have a little more information and understanding (I like to be well informed before changes happen!). We'll have to see if somebody is available to show us around when we're there tonight (after I pump, of course!!).

The ban has been lifted

They turned Finn's cannula flow down to 1 yesterday. He seemed to have a few more "dips" on his stats (oxygen and heart rate) than normal, but the nurses weren't concerned. He is up to 26 ml every 3 hours and seems to be tolerating the feedings very well. They have to make sure the babies don't have more spells or spit up a lot when they move to regular feedings like this and Finn doesn't seem to mind at all. For a frame of reference, that is about about 208 ml every day...I make just under that every time I pump! See why our freezer is so full?!?! He'll get there before we know it.

I was able to hold Finn yesterday...so I guess that means the ban has been lifted and we can officially hold him every day. What a relief. Jim is feeling a little better, so I think he will be able to go visit Finn tonight. I'm sure they both miss each other. I can't image being away for four days. I'm just hoping I don't get what Jim had! Fingers are crossed and vitamin C has been taken.

On a personal note of accomplishment, I officially hit my pre-pregnancy weight yesterday! It felt good to see it on the scale, but my body obviously isn't in pre-pregnancy shape! Oh, well. All goes with having a baby. Hopefully things continue to tighten back up for a while or at least by September for my sister's wedding in Aruba!

I uploaded a few new pictures on the picture website. Take a look! I really want to upload the videos, but am struggling with getting them in the right format. Argh. Here is our "big" boy (incase you don't have time to check out the other pictures):

He is three already?!?!

I had a really good visit with Finn today. We got to Kangaroo for over an hour, so I of course loved that (Jim is still not well enough to visit Finn). His cannula flow rate has been decreased to 1.5 (it was 3 as of a day and a half ago) and his oxygen levels are fairly steady in the upper 20's or lower 30's. He has been de-statting a little bit today, but bringing himself out of it (so it doesn't count as a spell), so they will probably not attempt to lower his rate until he is a little more level. No biggie, though.

Also, guess who is one gram shy of 3 pounds?!?! Yup, little Finnegan! I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday that I was just praying for him to reach 2 pounds. He is really doing very very well. Three pounds seems so big!

He is also "eating" every three hours now and is getting 23 ml each feeding. I think he already knows what it is like to be hungry becuase about 15 minutes before his cares (that is when he gets fed), he started getting a little cranky. I guess that is all part of it!

They have been talking about moving Finn from the NICU (which is a level 3 care facility) to the ICC - Infant Care Center (which is a level 2 facility) this coming weekly potentially. It is just across the hall from the NICU, so that is convenient. This potential move just means that he is improving enough not to need as much support as the NICU provides. The ICC is less intense with a higher patient to nurse ratio. I'm a little apprehensive about it, but mainly because it is new and I like the nurses that are caring for him now. Oh, well. I'm hoping to be shown around the ICC some time early this week so I know what it is like and can ask some questions. Then I'm sure I'll be fine with it. My little boy is growing up!

Also, Finn has been very stable lately and has done very well when we've held him, so I think they are going to lift the "every other day rule" about holding him! Yeah! Then we can at least hold him every day, if not every visit (don't get a head of yourself, Stacy!). Can't wait!

Finn has fallen in love?

The doctor's report this morning said that they are going to start decreasing the flow to his cannula. That means less air pressure going in and that he is doing even more of the breathing on his own (even though he IS breathing on his own now). Probably confusing, but this is a good thing. One more step closer to Finn having NO breathing help. They are also going to start giving him feedings every two hours instead of continuously. I wasn't able to ask questions (he left a voice mail), but I think this is to move him closer towards feedings (whether with mom or bottle). Yeah! These are two good pieces of news.

Finn officially has a first love...his pacifier! I tried to deny it for a couple days, but he definitely knows when he wants it and he wants it NOW! He will be sleeping, start fussing, get the pacifier and fall instantly back to sleep. It is pretty funny. Maybe I can catch it on video one time. I guess I'm fine with the pacifier...at least it isn't his thumb and he isn't still using it when he can walk.

Nothing else for now. Jim and I are supposed to go car shopping today (yuck!) and then to visit Finn, if Jim is well enough. Might have more to post later, otherwise tomorrow!

One month old already?

Wow, I can't believe it our little munchkin is already one month old. Although, when I stop to think about it, it seems like he was born a million years ago. I guess a lot has happened in the last month. Hopefully the next month is nice and boring!

Here are the doctor's updates for yesterday and today (sorry I didn't have time to post again yesterday):

2/5 Finnegan did great over night. He gained an ounce. I'll be increasing his feeding just a little bit. His oxygen levels are very stable. He just had one apnea episode. I'm very please with his progress.

2/6 Finnegan had a good night. He gained 10 grams and I'm going to give him a little more to eat. Other than that, I don't have any other changes.

I won't know until I visit him today, but if he gained 10 grams over night, he should be 2 lb 13 oz. I wonder if they ever measure his height?!?! I'm sure that doesn't change nearly as much as the weight. I'll have to ask today when I'm there. As of yesterday, his feedings were up to 7.8 ml/hr (which is about 6 1/3 oz per day).

Jim is sick and needs to go to the doctor, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to visit Finn. Boo, hoo. I guess both of my boys need me!

I had a mini emotional break down yesterday (at 2:30am I was trying to calculate how long my stored milk would last Finn if I quit yesterday!). I was just so overwhelmed with pumping and not getting enough sleep that I kind of lost it. Finn's nurse called a lactation consultant for me, but I haven't been able to talk with her yet. She did drop off an information sheet. So now I'm going to try to pump every 5 hours over night instead of every 3 or 4. I couldn't go two 5 hour periods last night (had to get up an hour early to pump!), but that is better than before. I have more questions, but at least I feel like I might be able to actually get some restful sleep now (or in the near future). I was just at the point where I thought I was going to quit because I just couldn't do it any more. I feel bad complaining because I know how good my milk is for Finn, but I guess everybody has their breaking point. Hopefully this will help!

Tubby? He's gained how much?

This is the report I received yesterday from Finn's doctor: "Finnegan did great over night. He gained just under an ounce and a half. Oxygen levels are stable. I'm just going to give him a little more to eat. Otherwise no changes."

So, Finn is definitely in the "no news is good news" category. He has officially gained ONE POUND! His lowest weight after birth was 1 lb 11 oz and as of yesterday, he was just under 2 lb 12 oz! I can't believe that. He is going to be in the 3 lb range before long. Although, when looking at him, you can definitely see more padding. And apparently his head is a lot bigger, too. They tried to put the hat on him yesterday that he wore the first time I held him and it was too small! Crazy. I guess my little boy is growing already. I obviously want him to get bigger, but part of me is sad that he is changing already. I think you moms out there will understand. He is up to 7.5 ml/hr in his feedings, which is 180 ml per day. I pump a little less than that every time I pump! I guess it will be a while before our supply in the freezer decreases!

Four weeks and counting

So far, so good. Finn is still on the high-flow cannula. He is on the highest flow setting without having to go back on the CPAP, but for now, he is doing okay. He got to move into new digs today...his biweekly incubator switch. I got to help with it and hold him while they switched them over. It was a little freebie hold, since we weren't supposed to be able to hold him today (still only every other day).

I had an appointment with financial services today to apply Finn for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) & MA (Medical Assistance). After making me wait for over half an hour, we got started. I don't know what it is about people making me wait lately! Oh, well. I was fairly prepared, so the appointment went pretty quickly (his being so late still made me late to pump, though!). If Finn qualifies for SSI, he automatically qualifies for MA...and our social worker said Finn should qualify because his birth weight was so low! Fingers are crossed! I guess something "good" should come out of him coming so early. Any financial help is much appreciated right now.

Finn seemed to be a little aggitated when we were there tonight. He was on his tummy and at one point, he would have rolled over if Jim hadn't "caught" him (I don't think it was entirely intentional, but he still would have)! I'm not even exaggerating. After that, I asked the nurse if she could put him on his back since he couldn't seem to find the "sweet spot" on his tummy to fall asleep. After that he seemed much more restful. Weird.

I took pictures today, but am too tired to upload them. I'll shoot for tomorrow morning. He is regularly wearing clothes now, so it is fun to see what he will be wearing. I can bring him some of the wonderful clothes he has received, but I don't have any baby laundry detergent yet. One more thing to add to the list! Ha, ha.

Oh, he is four weeks old today! That is so crazy. He isn't offically a month old until Friday (2/6). AND he is 2 lbs 10 oz! He is really doing a great job in the growing department and should be 3 lbs before we know it! What a good little boy.

After much ado, the frig has been delivered, set up and installed...and it is working! So far, we love it. I think Jim likes playing with the ice maker, but there's no harm in that! Jim did NOT get pizza when he was in Chicago, but he brought two home with him instead (and some cookies for me from a place I love).

Happy Groundhog Day?

Finn is doing really good (I love posts that start out this way!). He HATES the CPAP so the doctor is going to try just having him on the high-flow cannula. They will monitor his oxygen levels and if he is struggling at all with it, they will put him back on the CPAP for a little while. This is good news. He is up to 7 ml/hr of breast milk, too! I think he will stay at this level for now, but increase as his weight increases.

I got to Kangaroo with him again today (sorry, no pics...I forgot the camera!). It was great. He was much more active and vocal then the first time we did it, but that was okay. I was actually able to see him a little bit because of the position he was in. He kept lifting up his head and trying to move it! I don't think that is "normal" for a preemie his age...but I'm not complaining.

I think we forgot to mention that he had a 4 diaper change for me this weekend! Yup, he pooped on me three times during one changing! He pooped on my three times today (only three diapers because I got it with the wipe...gross, I know!). I guess that is a good thing because it means he is regular and not having intestinal issues! He actually pooped on his sleeper today, so they had to change it. Oops! Not sure HOW he did this, but he managed.

Daddy is in Chicago today for a meeting but coming back tonight. He said he'd better get some Giordano's stuffed pizza or else! For Ty's sake (the coworker he is with), I hope he gets some! If his flight is on time, we can stop up and see Finn on our way home from the airport. If not, there is always tomorrow.

Overall, life is pretty good right now. Now, we just need our frig to be delivered (today between 3:15 & 5:15), fit in the space and work properly and we'll be all set! I'm just glad it is cold again today so the stuff is staying cold while it is waiting outside to come back in. Oh, and if they bring the old frig out to our garage for me, that would be even better!

Oh and Happy Groundhog's Day, I guess. I have to admit, I don't really understand this "holiday." I mean, either way, it is going to be 6 weeks (they usually say 6 more weeks of winter or 6 weeks until spring). Unless you are really slow...that is the SAME thing! Oh, well. I guess just another day for Pennsylvanians to get up early in the cold and freeze their tushy off. I also have to admit, I still checked today to see if Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow or not (for the record he did!).

The start of a new month

Well, my lack of creativity has nothing to do with the month end...just lack of sleep. So unfortunately, my entry probably still won't be whitty, even though it is a new month.

Where to start? Finn is doing great, and I'm not just saying that. As of today, he is on the high-flow cannula every two hours and he has been tolerating it very well. Also, he is up to 6.5 ml/hr of breast milk...and no extra nourishment or fluids! They add an additive to my milk to give him extra protein and calories, but that is very common with preemies. Because he doesn't need the extra fluids, he was able to get the IV out of his right hand/arm after getting his (hopefully) last blood transfusion today. Yeah!

Now the only things attached to Finn are his feeding tube, breathing apparatus (either CPAP or cannula depending on the time of day) and his monitor leads! Amazing. Plus, he had on his first sleeper today when we got there, so he really looks like a normal, healthy little baby (with an emphasis on little!).

Oh, duh! Jim got to finally hold Finn on Saturday! I will let him describe how it was, but it was great to see Finn in his arms, even if dad seemed to be a little nervous (who wouldn't be?!?!).

I've uploaded a ton of pictures on the picture website. Take a peak when you have time. In the mean time, here are a couple to tide you over...
Also, thank you to those of you who were at my shower on Saturday. It was great to see all of you and your generosity is much appreciated. Now I just can't wait to USE the things we received for Finn! Thank you so much for everything. And a special thank you to my sisters, Kristine, Becky and Renae, for doing such a wonderful job hosting the shower for me.