Days 145-149

Day 145: Wednesday, March 21, 2012- Walker had his PICC line place today AFTER his eye exam. Poor baby. He was not happy. Thankfully they gave him some fentanyl. It took them a while because the couldn't line to thread through, so they had to put one in his leg.

His eye exam went well and he'll be back in 2 weeks to see him. Another eye doctor was supposed to come by and see Walker and his "thing" he's doing. He didn't make it so hopefully he'll be there tomorrow morning. 

Tonight Walker is weighing 3,665 grams. He's 8 pounds 1 ounce.

Day 146: Thursday, March 22, 2012- Today was a good day for Walker. He took 17 cc out of 22 from a BOTTLE! That's the most he's ever taken. His feeds have increased to 36cc ever three hours and his TPN has been reduced. I forgot to mention that Walker has a wicked diaper rash probably caused by his antibiotic. His booty cheeks are chapped/blister. I feel horrible for him. Thankfully, Nurse Esther is with him tonight and tomorrow and then Sunday Nurse Courtney is back. I know they will take extra special care of his derriere. My booty cheeks hurt when I change his diaper. I stand there with them clench while Walker screams bloody murder. 

PT came by and worked with him and said he needs more toys. So after putting to him to sleep, I slipped out and went to find some. I got him the Baby Einstein Seas Dream Soother.
Walker loves oceans sounds and the animals move up and down and around. You turn that sucker on and he's out like a light! He also got a Moroccan rattle and a seahorse rattle. My Mom bought him links for Christmas that we will assemble from the head to the foot of his crib. Child life is supposed to bring a mobile. PT also said that Walker is tongue tied and will need to get snipped.

The ID team came by and are happy with Walker's progress and the antibiotic that they chose to use for the meningitis. His head scan is scheduled for April 3.

Aunt Julie came to visit Walker today and she got to hold him for her first time. Special moment for her. Uncle Tim is sure to be jealous of missing this visit for the Pokemon tournament!

The ophthalmologist consult didn't show up again today. Hoping for tomorrow.


Walker's weight tonight is 3,705 grams. That's 8 pounds 3 ounces. 

Day 147: Friday, March 23, 2012- Happy 21 week birthday, Walker! Adjusted age: 6 weeks. What an amazing day! It's beautiful outside and waking up I found on Facebook that it's the very FIRST, Parents of Preemies Day! Check out the website Parents of Preemies Day.

Day 148: Saturday, March 24, 2012- We had a good day today. Walker's nurse, Melissa, was a sweetheart and Dr. Keith (I don't know his last name) came by to see the little guy. He loves Walker. I can tell. He was excited to see him lift his head and work on his neck muscles. Dr. Keith looks like Sandy Frink from Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion but he's way hotter. I hope I didn't offend him when I said that but I couldn't hit on my son's doctor and correct it by saying, "You're way hotter, though". This month's doctors have been spectacular. Dr. Spear is really caring, funny doctor. Adele is so pretty and nice. I swear her voice is that of an angel. R agrees too. When she talks, you notice yourself start to fall asleep. But for some reason, I just can't get into the liking mode of his fellow. Hey, we can't all be friends right?

"Hey Momma"

"What do you mean Daddy's at home?"

"He's doing what to my room?"

Walker's feeds have increased to 40cc. He is weighing in at 3,860 grams. That's 8 pounds 8 ounces! Big Boy!

Day 149: Sunday, March 25, 2012- Today was such a good day for Walker and I. R is still at home with home repairs and Walker and I got to spend a lovely Sunday together. I imagine this is what our days will look like. We snuggled and listened to music. We bonded all day long together. 

Walker's feeds have increased again and I can't remember to how much. 43 cc. His diaper is still pretty bad. We're trying some new cream and hoping it works.

Today, OT came by to work on feeding with him. They used a new bottle, which I've also forgot the name. Basically it allows Walker to be in control. He has his suck down, but he needs more practice with his swallow and breathe. His desire to eat is there and he tries so hard. Makes me very proud. Most micro-preemies that haven't ate in as long as Walker hasn't, typically have an aversion to things in their mouths.

And Lyndsey made this new sign for Walker's door! He was due for a new one!

I was sadden to hear today that Adele would be leaving us tomorrow. Tomorrow is the opening for the Women's Pavilion and she, along with the attendees and everyone will move over to that NICU and nurse practitioners will oversee Walker's side of the NICU daily. I don't really understand the reasoning behind it, seeing as the new NICU is for early, feeder grower, not sick babies. The babies that deliver over there and need to be seen by a cardiologist or seem to need some type of specialty doctor will be transferred to the other NICU where Walker is. My personal opinion is that it should be the other way around. Although, I do have to say that it sounds amazing over there. If you just simply have your baby early and they need to have an uneventful stay, after you are released from your doctor's care, you are able to stay in a private room with your preemie. Every neonate will have their own room with a sleeping area for the parent's. How cool is that?

Walker's weighing in at 3,850 grams. Still 8 pounds 8 ounces.