I am home now. It's been about 28 hours and whoa - what a transition. It took me a little while to get used to hospital noises and it turns out I need a little while to re-acclimate to Jack and Bobby volume too. So far it's pretty much pump, eat, drink, sleep, and get to the hospital as much as I can. Just that much is wearing me out.
Seamus had another big day yesterday. He got off of all of the breathing apparatus. He is going solo now and breathing on his own. On the other hand, he had to go on the bilirubin lights yesterday because he was getting to jaundiced. I understand this happens in almost 80% of premie babies, so it's not alarming. The bummer of it is that we just got to hold him for the first time on Friday and as long as he is on the lights, we can only take him out for ten minutes a day for holding time. I hope it won't be too much longer because I think we all benefit from that direct contact.
While he's on the lights, Seamus has to wear this foam face mask to protect his eyes. Thus, Mark's new name for him - Batman. Check out the photo and see for yourself.
It was tough coming home from the hospital yesterday with all the discomfort of a recent c-section and hospital stay, but no baby to welcome home with it. We know he's in the best place and we have so much to be grateful for, but it's tough emotionally.
Today was our first chance to try and juggle a bit and it went well. We made it up to the hospital three times today between the two of us, with no additional child care for Jack and Bobby and only one ride for me. We did have dinner delivery from Ranee Zatopek and grocery shopping by my Mom though, which were both a huge help.
Some families with children in the NICU live far away and can only make it up there occassionally. I can't imagine how awful that would be, but it helps me remember to be grateful we live so close to Presby. We feel guilty and sad that we spend a total of less than two hours a day with him, but we're much luckier than most.
For those of you still looking for a way to help out, this week it's all about helping us get to the hospital. From now until Seamus comes home, we'll welcome anyone that wants to come watch Jack and Bobby from 7pm - 8:15pm so we can spend a little quality time together with Seamus. Of course you're welcome to bring your own kids over too.
Also, I need rides to the hospital T,W, &TH. There are two times available - Drop off at Presby by 10:10 and pick up by 11:10 or drop off by 1:10 and pick up by 2:10. Drivers won't be able to come into the NICU, but you can hang out on the Presby campus or run an errand and come back - whichever works better for you. I would also welcome one way drivers if you can't do both. If I find a sitter for Bobby on Friday, I'll be looking for a couple of rides that day too. Just e-mail me if you want to help out with any of these.
Keep up the prayers,
kps
Seamus had another big day yesterday. He got off of all of the breathing apparatus. He is going solo now and breathing on his own. On the other hand, he had to go on the bilirubin lights yesterday because he was getting to jaundiced. I understand this happens in almost 80% of premie babies, so it's not alarming. The bummer of it is that we just got to hold him for the first time on Friday and as long as he is on the lights, we can only take him out for ten minutes a day for holding time. I hope it won't be too much longer because I think we all benefit from that direct contact.
While he's on the lights, Seamus has to wear this foam face mask to protect his eyes. Thus, Mark's new name for him - Batman. Check out the photo and see for yourself.
It was tough coming home from the hospital yesterday with all the discomfort of a recent c-section and hospital stay, but no baby to welcome home with it. We know he's in the best place and we have so much to be grateful for, but it's tough emotionally.
Today was our first chance to try and juggle a bit and it went well. We made it up to the hospital three times today between the two of us, with no additional child care for Jack and Bobby and only one ride for me. We did have dinner delivery from Ranee Zatopek and grocery shopping by my Mom though, which were both a huge help.
Some families with children in the NICU live far away and can only make it up there occassionally. I can't imagine how awful that would be, but it helps me remember to be grateful we live so close to Presby. We feel guilty and sad that we spend a total of less than two hours a day with him, but we're much luckier than most.
For those of you still looking for a way to help out, this week it's all about helping us get to the hospital. From now until Seamus comes home, we'll welcome anyone that wants to come watch Jack and Bobby from 7pm - 8:15pm so we can spend a little quality time together with Seamus. Of course you're welcome to bring your own kids over too.
Also, I need rides to the hospital T,W, &TH. There are two times available - Drop off at Presby by 10:10 and pick up by 11:10 or drop off by 1:10 and pick up by 2:10. Drivers won't be able to come into the NICU, but you can hang out on the Presby campus or run an errand and come back - whichever works better for you. I would also welcome one way drivers if you can't do both. If I find a sitter for Bobby on Friday, I'll be looking for a couple of rides that day too. Just e-mail me if you want to help out with any of these.
Keep up the prayers,
kps
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2 comments:
Dear Slaughters,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily. We're traveling this week and part of next but will be back soon and ready for duty. Looking forward to seeing everying.
Love,
Rick, Reghan and Marcia
If I were in Dallas I'd help you out with babysitting and rides Kerry! Instead I am praying for little Seamus that he becomes big Seamus and graduates from the NICU very soon! Love - Kelly Agostinelli
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