The Second Month (so far)

The first few weeks of Samuel's second month of life were characterized by steadily gaining about an ounce a day, increasing his feedings every few days, and working on weaning him from the Vapotherm. Weaning followed a pattern of turning him down, turning him back up after two days or so, then turning him back down - repeat cycle with the next level. We continued to do Kangaroo care once or twice a day depending on how he was doing. He had an eye exam which showed that his eyes, though still premature, were developing well.

August 30
For Darren's birthday, the nurses helped Samuel make an adorable little card with his actual footprints on it! Samuel also got to meet his great-grandma (Carol's mom) that day.

September 3
Samuel graduated to an open crib. Since he was able to maintain his own body temperature, he no longer needed to be in the heated isolette. He also weighed in at exactly 4lbs that night! :)

September 4
The nurse told us that we could pick Samuel up and hold him when ever we wanted! Being able to that helped this feel much more "normal," but that in turn made it even harder to leave at night.

September 6
Oma and Grandpa got to hold Samuel for the first time!

September 7
After a week, they finally turned the Vapotherm back down to 2L. Samuel is now 17 inches long - almost 2 inches longer than when he was born! He weighs 4lb 4oz. Aunt Susan got to hold him today.

September 8
Today they stopped giving him caffine. He was getting it daily to help with breathing. Since he's 34 weeks along now he shouldn't need it anymore. We also started putting a couple drops of milk in Samuel's pacifier while he was being fed. The idea is that it helps him associate the taste of milk with sucking and getting his stomach full.

September 9
They turned the Vapotherm down to 1L already!

September 10
Everything's moving so fast all of sudden! Samuel is off the Vapotherm and on 1/2 liter of Nasal Cannula! He's starting at about 50% oxygen, which seems high since he has been under 30% on the Vapotherm for quite some time. The best part is we finally get to try to breastfeed!