Friday, October 31, 2014

Aulay, Day 74

The little prince was being stubborn this morning. He drank half of his bottle and then went to sleep. It didn't matter how many times I sat him up, patted his back, rubbed his feet, etc., he just wasn't having the full bottle. This is the problem that's keeping him in the hospital right now. His size is good, but his eating habits aren't swell.

It's hard for me to believe that today is Halloween. When the lovely McCarley sisters were younger, this wasn't their favorite holiday. Dr. Mc hated the skeleton candles and sculptures that I put around the house. I finally gave them away. And sweetness enjoyed dressing up, but didn't like going door to door. She would much rather the candy was dropped off.

Today I'm creating piles of items to donate. Tonight Mr. B will hand out candy while I continue decluttering the garage apartment. If I take Rose upstairs with me she won't bark whenever the doorbell rings. So annoying!


Thursday, October 30, 2014

Aulay, Day 73

I could stare at this cubby little face all day. What a special little man. I never knew my heart could be so full of love and thanks.

My craft area is slowly coming downstairs from above the garage to the back bedroom in the house. Mr. B started bringing down the bins that hold my fabrics. Unfortunately, the bins with the fabric are too heavy to carry. Instead the fabric has to come down separately and then be put back in the bins. Ugh!

Today I'm creating a work day. A workspace outside of the house was a great idea 10+ years ago when we built the new garage with the apartment above it, but if I never climb those stairs again, it will be too soon.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Aulay, Day 72

My friend, Mitzie, and I went to an infant CPR class last night. The instructor was putting us to sleep and I wasn't sure I could sit through the entire two hour class, but we made it. The last hour was about performing CPR on an infant and also what to do in case of choking. I'm glad we went to the class although I hope neither of us ever have to use what we learned!
Big Daddy's hand no longer dwarfs
the little man's face.

I had gone to the hospital around 4 p.m. to hold Aulay and feed him at 5 p.m. He was charming me with his toothless grin and rolling tongue tricks. When I got to the CPR class at 6 p.m. I realized I'd left my cell phone in NICU, so at 8 p.m. Mitzie and I went back to the NICU. She walked with me to Aulay's crib, which is a no no, but I wanted her to see how much he has grown. We were in NICU for probably two minutes when the nurses shooed us out. Mitzie is not positive that she is on a "no-fly" list at the hospital, which isn't good since her daughter is having a baby there in January. When our kids were born we would tell the nurses that we were sisters so the other one could see the baby. 

Today I'm creating a trip to Richmond to see my cousin, Susan. About a month ago she moved from League City/LaPorte or someplace on the south of town to Richmond so she could be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters. Her new house is very cute! In typical Susan form, everything is already unpacked and she knows all of her neighbors.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Aulay, Day 71

The little man has several Halloween outfits so Dr. Mc and Big Daddy put one on him last night. I found the little onesie he is wearing right after he was born. We weren't sure it would fit him, but he looks really cute, if I do say so myself!

As of last night Aulay is 6 lbs. 1 oz. We don't have an accurate length for him compared to other babies his age.

Today I'm creating a trip to the hospital for a CPR class. In the meantime, I'm continuing to purge the garage apartment of everything.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Aulay, Day 70

The little man is weighing five and a half pounds and is outgrowing all of his preemie clothes. This is a happy problem to have. The little onesie he has on in the pic-of-the-day is a favorite of the nurses, so whenever it's washed and back at the hospital the nurses put it on him. Last night he also had on some britches (a.k.a. long pants). It may be time to retire the preemie clothes.

Mr. B asked me why the feeding tube is still taped to Aulay's face. If he doesn't finish his entire bottle the nurses give the remainder of the breast milk to him through his feeding tube. The time I've fed him he has only not finished his bottle once. The white wire across his britches is a heart monitor attached to his foot. This is the same wire that is attached to an adult's finger in the hospital. He also has other wires attached to him that monitor his breathing and pulse. At this time, the only tube is for feeding, if needed. The other lines are monitors.

Today I'm creating computer work and also decluttering of the garage apartment before going to a meeting at 4 p.m. And, of course, I'm looking forward to Dancing with the Stars tonight.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Aulay, Day 69

Look at that sweet baby face with a smile on his lips. It looks like he is having such sweet dreams.

Hooray, I survived the weekend. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed from yesterday's fall festival. I felt ready to tackle another event today. Prep time began three hours before the event that started at noon. Four helpers came an hour before the event to support me and give me time to get dressed. Clean up was finished around 3:30 p.m. By 4 p.m. I was home and fast asleep for a much needed nap.

Today I'm creating an artist reception. I was at the grocery store before 9 a.m. and cooking pumpkin bread by 10 a.m. Quiche and pigs in a blanket went into the ovens shortly thereafter. Someone else made the salad with mixed greens, strawberries, feta and blush wine dressing. I'll sleep well tonight to be ready to start a new week tomorrow.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Aulay, Day 68

Look at the cute pic-of-the-day of the little prince and Big Daddy. The doctor has a tentative ETD that Aulay will be out of the hospital the first week of November. This is subject to change based on him continuing to do well without any major setbacks. I can't wait!

I was up at 8:30 a.m. today to get dressed and go set up for the fall festival I had planned. There was a bouncy house, balloon artist, face painter, pumpkin decorating, popcorn, treat bags, hot dogs, chips, and snow cones. I don't think people understand how long it takes to organize and set up events such as the one this morning. I asked a man to go one block to get four blocks of ice. He seemed upset so I asked what was wrong. He sighed and told me he didn't understand why the event wasn't better organized. He is lucky to still be alive!

Today I'm creating the fall festival. In about an hour I'm helping transfer art and set it up for an event tomorrow. Then I have to go to the store and buy what will be served during the artist reception from 12-3 p.m. tomorrow. I'm not sure how I'm going to make it since my feet are already killing me! I need to find flats to wear tomorrow.


Friday, October 24, 2014

Aulay, Day 67

Aulay smiling while Big Daddy sang to him.
I love the picture of Aulay smiling while Nick holds him. Very sweet and great news that Aulay appreciates his daddy's singing!

This morning when I visited with the little man he drank an entire bottle for me. Then he stayed awake and cooed while I rocked him. Afterwards Mr. B and I had lunch with his sister and brother-in-law. They brought us a rocker that Mr. B's parents bought when he was born. We'll have fun rocking our grandson in the rocker.

Today I'm creating a trip to the grocery store to get items for the fall festival that is taking place tomorrow. I have my fingers crossed for cool weather and no rain!

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Aulay, Day 66

I love the the little prince's hands in the pic-of-the-day. Look at his chubby little fingers. Many times when I see him he'll stretch out his hands toward my face and I'll either nibble on his fingers or kiss his hands/fists. When he gets a little older I think he'll laugh or giggle when I nibble on his fingers. It was one of his mother's favorite games to play when she was a baby.

You can also see the little man's "butt chin," which is what we call a chin dimple. Both Dr. Mc and her dad have "butt chins." I still can't tell if his eyes are going to be blue or brown.

Today I'm creating fall-scapes on front porches. I've completed two and have one more to do. While I was in stores today getting lanterns and other items to use on one porch, everything Halloween and Fall was at a discount and Christmas was on full display. Some places have had Christmas items out since Labor Day. I feel so sorry for the sales associates who have to listen to "elevator" Christmas music from Labor Day until the New Year.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Aulay, Day 65

The little prince is having some mini setbacks. Yesterday he had his immunizations and an eye exam. After that stress he wasn't doing well, so he was back on oxygen last night. Then, this morning when I got to the hospital he was breathing too hard and fast, so I couldn't bottle feed him. I was able to hold him, but he was fed through the tube in his nose.

There must be something in the cosmos that is upsetting all the babies in Aulay's section of NICU Level 2. The two babies who were supposed to go home last weekend are still in the hospital. Another baby was transferred back to Level 3 this morning. I felt so sorry for the mom!

Today I'm creating an event from 4-7 p.m. for a client. This wasn't on my calendar until this morning, so I'm scrambling to get everything done. When I get home tonight I'll be excited to kick off my heels and put my feet up.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Aulay, Day 64

My angel!
Big Daddy posted a photo of Dr. Mc and the little prince on his Facebook page. The photo was take last night. She was cuddling with him after his bath. I compared last night's photo to a similar one that was taken on Sept. 12. The little man looks twice as big!

Now that he weighs more than five pounds, people are asking when is he leaving the hospital. The family is wanting the answer to that question, also. He is still conquering the hurdle of bottle feeding. Breathing, sucking and swallowing is tiring for these little babies. He's working hard to accomplish this so he can go home with his parents! He also still has occasional problems with reflux.

Today I'm creating my Tuesday client meeting and also working on two events that will occur this weekend. I'm organizing a small children's festival for Saturday and on Sunday there is an art reception. I'll be sick of Halloween by the end of this weekend!

Monday, October 20, 2014

Aulay, Day 63

I love walking into the NICU and seeing the little man with his eyes open. It makes me feel like he is waiting on me to arrive. First things first. I took his temperature and changed a poopy diaper and his clothes. All the time he was just a chattering at me. Then we settled into the rocker for me to bottle feed him. Only a few minutes in he spit up – big time. Clothes off and we were back in the rocker to finish the bottle. At the end of the bottle he had another big spit up. I cleaned him up, put new clothes on him, and we were back in the rocker for cuddle time.
The man and me yesterday.

The little man was wide awake and alert today for the first hour of my visit. He was responded to sounds by turning his head and moving his eyes. We also had fun with a little game I'll call "monkey-see, monkey-do." He enjoys rolling his tongue out of his mouth. When he does it, I'll do it back to him. He watches very closely, thinks about it, and then rolls his tongue out again. Today he started making an "O" shape with his mouth, so we did that back and forth, also.

Today I'm creating an e-blast for a client. After I left the hospital I made a trip to IKEA, home of most things good and inexpensive. Some assembly required by Mr. B either tonight or tomorrow. 

Sunday, October 19, 2014

The power of prayer … Aulay is two months old and weighs 5 lbs.

The past two months have been some of the most wonderful days of my life! Watching the little prince grow and develop has been inspiring. What a miracle he is, in so many ways.

Now that he weighs 5 lbs., his oxygen tube is once again being removed. He was off of oxygen for about half a day a couple of weeks ago, but his saturation level was up and down. His doctor believes he is now ready to try it again. Fingers crossed! If he can do well without his oxygen tube, the countdown to his leaving the hospital is on. It won't be for two weeks or so, but his days in NICU are numbered (per Dr. Julie).

Today I'm creating a trip to the hospital with Mr. B, who hasn't seen the little prince since he collapsed in the hospital.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Aulay, Day 61

Aulay looking serious, but still handsome!
I'm taking the day off from visiting the little man so Mr. B and I can tackle some much needed home projects. There is rotten wood on the front porch that has to be replaced. Welcome to home ownership of a 100+ year old wooden house. Now the problem is how to keep the three feral cats off the primed porch.

Our friends Sandy and Dave are staying in Pettita Casita for a couple of days. They arrived last Thursday. Sandy and Dave are both early risers, and are enjoying sitting outside in the mornings with their books. When Sandy has been at the casita with me during the summer she wakes up, makes herself a pot of java (I don't drink coffee), and then heads to the portal with a book. She might spend an hour drinking coffee and reading a book before I wake up. When Rose and I are there alone in the summer, I'll often sit under the portal in my pajamas with my yogurt and computer. October is Mr. B is really looking forward to November when we will make our annual Thanksgiving journey to the casita. This year we have a little man to add to our list of what we are thankful for: Aulay Evan Zamora. We will also say a special thank you – as I do every day – for all of our friends who have followed Aulay's progress and prayed for his continued growth and development.

Today I'm creating best wishes for Kelly and Cliff who are getting married tonight. Mr. B and I drive out to Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club for the nuptials. It's a big deal for the Pettits to go so far outside The Loop on a Saturday night!

Friday, October 17, 2014

Aulay, Day 60

Mr. B's sister, Missy, knows a woman whose grandchild was born prematurely and stayed in the hospital for a total of 75 days. The child is now 20-months old and has no developmental problems. I love hearing these stories with positive results!

I was at the hospital for the little man's 11 a.m. feeding today. He kept his eyes open during the feeding, and then spent about 30 minutes sleeping on my chest. He is difficult to burp. If I sit him on my lap he starts fussing and squirming around. If I put him on my shoulder he falls asleep. This morning I had the hospital nurses laughing as I pleaded with Aulay to burp.

Today I'm creating lunch with Mitzie. I'm still in a funky mood. Hopefully I'll be better tomorrow because I have so much to accomplish this weekend.


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Aulay, Day 59

The little prince had both eyes open and was waiting for me to feed him this morning. He is catching onto the bottle feeding really well. When something touches his cheek, he turns his head to the side and opens his mouth. However, he's not as good at burping and can get cranky and squirmy!

I had strange feelings this morning while I was at the hospital. I'm sure they are probably normal feelings considering what has been going on, but I'm still bothered. A baby went home last week. Another baby went home yesterday and one is going home tomorrow. A fourth baby is leaving this weekend. I'm happy that those babies are well enough to leave the hospital and go home to their families, but sad because our baby is still in the hospital. I'm telling myself to stay positive. The little prince will leave the hospital within the next month. Sometimes my self talks work, and sometimes they don't. I can only imagine how frustrating this situation must be to Dr. Mc and Big Daddy. Aulay is the best place he can be right now!

Today I'm creating clean clothes. Mr. B was nice and washed clothes earlier this week. Unfortunately, he put two of my tops in the dryer and they shrunk up to a size almost small enough for Aulay. Not a good look!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Aulay, Day 58

The little man's eyes were open and he was waiting for me this morning when I got to the hospital around 10:55 a.m. The nurse checked his temperature – which was perfect – so I snatched him up, give him a kiss on the head, and started feeding the little prince. It took about 20 minutes for him to drink all that was in the bottle. He gave me two burps and then he was ready for his nap. It's very tiring for the preemies to breathe and drink at the same time.
I held the little man on my chest next to my heart after he burped. I don't know if it is true, but it seems as if hearing a heart beat would be comforting to babies. While he slept against my chest there was plenty of time for kisses on his head. When I put the wee one back in his cradle I swaddled him tightly. It's like wrapping a burrito. When I told him to "sleep well and grow stronger" he gave me a little smile (see photo of the day).

Today I'm creating plans to participate in a holiday market. I got a call asking me if I wanted to participate. I'll be the only fiber artist so I said "yes" to the one-day show. It should be fun!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Aulay, Day 57 – Eight weeks since his delivery; five weeks until his due date

The little man looks so cute in his long britches.
I was thrilled this morning to be able to feed the little prince. The same occupational therapist who gave me the bottle feeding lesson yesterday was with me this morning for guidance. Having that little man look at me during his feeding was heartwarming. After burping him, I cuddled him on my chest near my heart. The top of his little head got lots of kisses.

I left the hospital to have lunch with Debbie W and Princie. The three of us had fun times together in Santa Fe last summer. Since I left the high desert in hurry on August 19 (the day Aulay was born), it was good to catch up. Plus, my egg salad sandwich at Local Foods was very tasty!

Today I'm creating … greasy hair. I got up late today so instead of washing my hair I put some product in it. I must have used too much because my hair feels wet and looks greasy. Note to self: easy does it!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Aulay, Day 56

First time drinking from a bottle.
My schedule these days involves getting to the hospital by10:45 a.m. for the little man's 11 a.m. feeding. Today I was on schedule and got an added treat: a lesson in bottle feeding a preemie. Last night Dr. Mc fed the little prince his first bottle of breast milk. He was a champ and drank the entire bottle and then burped like a sailor. When I got to the hospital this morning, a special nurse was on her way to bottle feed Aulay, so I got a lesson on feeding a preemie. These babies aren't cradled, to avoid choking. They're sat upright in your lap and rubbed on their backs for burping. The nurse (and Aulay) did all the work today. Tomorrow it's my turn with the little prince.

While I was at the hospital I could hear the rain and lightning outside. At one time the lights and monitors went off before the backup system kicked on. I wasn't sure I was going to make it home because the roads around the medical center were already flooding.

Today I'm creating a lot of writing. I have several newsletter articles to write. These are always fun and easy to knock out.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Aulay, Day 55

My view of the little man when I'm holding him.
It was a good morning with the little man at the hospital. While I was holding him, he would open and close his eyes. Stretch out. Turn red. Smile. Sleep. Repeat. I knew exactly what he was doing. He was pooping over and over again. This smelly action wasn't the best part of my visit with him, even though the nurse changed his diaper.

A technician came in wheeling some sort of a machine. She introduced herself to me and said she was there to test Aulay's hearing, so I laid him back in his crib. It was interesting to see how they test a preemies hearing. I guess it was some sort of sound waves that bounces noises off his ear drum. Whatever the machine was doing, he didn't like being messed with while he was trying to sleep. Here's the good news. He passed in both ears. I've seen him react to sounds so I'm not surprised at the test results. He got a purple star on his chart to let the nurses, doctors and other technicians know that his hearing has been tested and he passed. Go Aulay!

Today I'm creating a blanket for the little man's "playard." When my girls were little the name for this item was a plan pen, but that's no longer "politically correct." It took Mr. B and me about an hour to assemble the playard that includes a changing station and a bassinet. I'm getting ready for the little man to be released from the hospital and come to the house for visits.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Aulay, Day 54

A little smile from the little man.
He must have been having a good dream.
With the feeding tube out of his throat, the little man has discovered his tongue. This is good because he needs to learn how to use it for breast and bottle feeding. Yesterday, Dr. Mc and Big Daddy met with a lactation specialist who was evaluating Aulay. Dr. Mc texted me after the meeting that Aulay, "mouthed my boob, lick it, and then feel asleep … just like a man. Ha." So his first time wasn't a charm.

Mr. B wasn't feeling well last night so we stayed hom. I thought at one point that I was going to have to take him to the hospital. He was feeling light headed most of the evening, which had me frightened. He went to bed early, went right to sleep, and left me (and Rose) checking his breathing throughout the night.

Today I'm creating a load of items to take to the dump. I've been in business for myself since 1993, and I have saved every piece of paper. It's time to purge the files of work papers!

Friday, October 10, 2014

Aulay, Day 53

When I went to the hospital this morning, Aulay had his breathing tube back in his nose. His oxygen saturation level was up and down yesterday afternoon, so the tube went back in his nose. The nurse assured me this wasn't a setback and I believe her. He is still so tiny and young. He did make it to the open air crib last night and his body temperature stayed normal. It was great to see him this morning out of the incubator.

I held the little man for his 11 a.m. feeding, but this may soon change, also. The little prince is being evaluated this afternoon to see if he is ready to start breast feeding (and bottle feeding breast milk when Dr. Mc isn't available). Additionally, Dr. Mc and Big Daddy are meeting with special nurses this afternoon to talk about breast feeding. The nurse told me that when a preemie starts bottle feeding it is as if s/he is taking a jazzercise class. It takes so much energy for them to suck down the milk. If a preemie isn't developed enough, the results won't be good.

Today I'm creating ideas for a monthly direct mail campaign. I enjoy concepting when my brain cooperates. I have all weekend to let my creative juices flow before discussing my ideas with the client on Monday.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Aulay, Day 52

The face of an angel!
Friend Susan M. has walked in my shoes. Her daughter had a premature baby and her family spent lots of time in a NICU with their precious wee one. Susan sent me a message earlier this week with well wishes, and also let me know that there will come a day when Aulay is home and I'll go through NICU withdrawal. This is the encouragement I need on days such as today to get up and go to the hospital. I didn't go to sleep until 4 a.m. or so. This morning I stayed in bed, propped up on tons of pillows, working on my computer. I did't really feel like leaving the house, but a trip to the hospital awaited me. Yes, I'm tired of driving across town to visit the little man, but I'm not tired of seeing that sweet face and kissing his little hands and face.

I'm so glad I went to the hospital this afternoon. Not only did I get to hold Aulay during his 2 p.m. feeding, but the pic-of-the-day shows the face that was waiting for me. There he was without the large tubes taped to his little face. None of us have seen him without those tubes, so this is a red-letter day. Not only were the tubes gone, but later this afternoon or tonight Aulay will be taken out of his incubator and placed in an open-air crib. These are giant steps for him being able to leave the hospital. The little man deserves an A++ today for his growth and development. Yes, prayers do work!

Today I'm creating Facebook postings and an e-blast for clients. BTW, Susan M's story has a very happy ending. Her grandchild is a very active child with no developmental problems.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Aulay, Day 51

People who read my daily blogs about Aulay often tell me how much they look forward to my posts. I feel the same way about photos Dr. Mc and Big Daddy post each night during and after their visits with the little prince. They go to the hospital around 10:30 p.m. so about 11:15-11:45 p.m. either my cell or Mr. B's starts dinging (notifying us that a photo is available). Last night was Big Daddy's turn to hold the wee one. Dr. Mc snapped and posted the pic-of-the-day with the caption, "Already abusing dad." Look at Aulay's tiny fist.

This morning I held the little man during his 11 a.m. feeding. He was so alert! He was looking around and responding to noises for at least the first 30 minutes. I don't remember when babies discover their tongues, but this morning Aulay was pushing his little tongue out of his mouth over and over again. It was really cute!

Today I'm creating an e-blast. Then I'm continuing to de-clutter the back bedroom. I'm actually emptying it out. When I was younger this would have taken an afternoon or day at the most. Now I can find way too many distractions to get it all done in one day.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Aulay, Day 50 … Born seven weeks ago

I went to my Tuesday meeting this morning, which lasted two hours instead of the usual one hour. All I could think about during the last hour was that I needed to go by the McZam residence, get frozen breast milk out of the freezer, and take it to the hospital. I knew I wouldn't be able to hold the little prince today because I had another meeting scheduled at 2 p.m., but at least I got to sit by his incubator for awhile, talk to him, and smile at him.

When I got to the hospital he had a mask over his eyes because the doctors dilated them this morning. More than enough time had passed so that I could remove the mask and see his sweet face. Then I got to laugh at him because he had the hiccups. He really hates them, but the hiccups are a side effect of the medication he is receiving for reflux. He kept opening his eyes and looking at me. I so love him!

Today I'm creating a 2015 marketing schedule for a client, or at least I'm starting it. I also think I'm going to make dinner for Mr. B and me tonight.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Aulay, Day 49

I'm writing a late post today. I had a busy morning, lunch with a friend, and then a long visit with Aulay. It's interesting to me that I left the hospital an hour later than I normally do, and the traffic was less congested.

While at the hospital I held the little prince during his feeding. His feeding time was shortened over the weekend from 1.5 hours to 45 minutes. Today during his 2 p.m. feeding he got his arms free from the swaddling, took his hat off and pulled his feeding tube part of the way out. Instead of the breast milk reaching his stomach, it was only getting to his esophagus, which caused him to spit up. I told the nurse that he was spitting up and she told me to lean him forward and pat him on the back. That worked. She put him down in the incubator and was pushing the feeding tube back down his throat when we heard him pooping. Not only did we hear it, but the nurse across the room heard him. We started laughing because he just kept pooping. Then it looked like he smiled. An experience that started out scaring me (his spit up) turned out to be so funny because the little man was so happy with himself.

Today I'm creating time to go through my costume jewelry. I'm terrible about pulling off bracelets, necklaces and earrings, and leaving them everywhere I put them down. I've got to go through it all while watching Dancing with the Stars tonight.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Aulay, Day 48

I got the green light to hold the little prince. I arrived at the hospital just before his feeding and assessment time. The nurse asked if I would like to change his diaper and hold him. I cried tears of joy when she put him in my arms. He opened his eyes and looked at me. He looked around and made some adorable baby noises. I sang an old children's hymn to him until he went back to sleep. Then the nurse put him back in his incubator. Holding him for the first time was one of the most exciting moments of my life!

Mitzie, Madame (a.k.a. Ashley) and Sara hosted a wonderful brunch today in honor of Aulay, Kendall and Nick. I got to see some family and friends today that I haven't seen in years, which was terrific. He got baby gear, clothes, and fun books at the shower. I can't wait to see him in his new britches and read books to him.

Today I'm creating a blog about Aulay. It was nice to have people tell me how much they enjoy my daily updates on his progress and development. While the comments were nice, I enjoy writing about the little man and would write the blogs even if no one read them. Someday I'll read all the blogs to the little man himself.


Saturday, October 4, 2014

Aulay, Day 47

The little man is becoming a chunky monkey.
I'm making a display of photos of Aulay so I've spent most of the day looking at pictures of the little prince. So many photos of him are taken by so many people that it was hard to select which photos to have printed. I'm really not the best person for this project, but I'm doing it anyway. I should have started sooner and gotten my cousin, Susan, involved. She is the card maker and scrapbooker in the family, not me.

Since I have a little bit of a runny nose I didn't see the little man today. I feel terribly guilty, but would feel much worse if he got the sniffles from me! The pic-of-the-day was taken yesterday. I have no doubt that he looks just as cute today!

Today I'm creating a 9 a.m. haircut. It seems that I've been growing my hair out forever. Below shoulder length hair yesterday became chin length this morning. It looks sassy in a straight bob, but who knows how it will look once I have to style it myself tomorrow.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Aulay, Day 46

He's so sweet and adorable!
I had a great morning with the little man. The nurse told me that his feeding time has been shortened from two hours to an hour and a half. To me this indicates that he is doing better with his reflux problem. And – get ready for it – the little prince now weighs 4 lbs! Ta-da! He really is putting on about an ounce a day now. At this rate he should weigh 5 lbs. around the middle of the October. Maybe then his feeding tube will come out and either breast or bottle feeding (with breast milk) can begin. Keep growing and developing, Aulay!

I'm determined to have the back bedroom cleared out by Sunday night. I'm slowly working on it. My goal is to bring my sewing downstairs from the garage apartment and put it in the back bedroom. Using the bedroom as a craft room seems like a much better use of the room.

Today I'm creating a big pot of beans. In anticipation of the cooler weather that arrived this morning, I soaked a bag of 16 different beans overnight. When I came back from the hospital this afternoon I put the beans on the stove top along an onion, Italian sausage and spices. The house is beginning to really smell great! The only thing that's missing is the cornbread for tonight's dinner.
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Thursday, October 2, 2014

Aulay, Day 45

Look at all his blonde hair!
Look at the adorable photo that Dr. Mc took last night while the little man was laying on Big Daddy's chest. The little prince pulled on his cap until he got off. I think he was telling his daddy that he wanted to play peek-a-boo.

This afternoon when I was visiting the little man, the nurse told me that he had been squirming around all day. She would put him in one location and the next time she checked on him he would be in a different position. I got to change his diaper this afternoon! It doesn't sound like fun, but every time I touch the little man it is exciting. It's also exciting that he almost always opens his eyes when he hears my voice.

Today I'm creating my favorite kind of meeting, which is one that begins at 5:15 p.m. and involves wine and conversation.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Aulay, Day 44

I was torn between two photos to post today, but Dr. Mc
smiling in this picture was the deciding factor.
The little man continues his march to get out of the hospital. Right now he seems to be gaining about an ounce a day, and he is fast approaching four pounds. He is still having problems with reflux, but so does his grandfather, Mr. B.

I see babies graduating from NICU Level 2 and leaving the hospital, which is so wonderful. There were car seats beside two beds today. I have to think those babies are ready to leave the hospital or why would the car seats be there? When I was there today a dad was bottle feeding his baby girl. I know Dr. Mc and Big Daddy Nick will be so excited when Aulay's feeding tube is gone and they can feed him. If he continues to develop and grow at one ounce a day, bottle feeding could occur soon. Dr. Julie (me) thinks this could be as soon as within the next two weeks.

Today I'm creating a morning to sleep late. I went to bed early last night, but didn't go to sleep until about 1 a.m. and woke up at 3:15, and stayed awake until 7 a.m. Something was bothering me, but I have no idea what.