Day 53 My Big Night

I have extra special news today!  I was able to take enough food to keep my feeding tube out and when the residents made their rounds this morning they said that if I can gain weight tonight and take all my feeds, I MIGHT get to go home tomorrow!  My parents are both excited and shocked.  They made a really big to do list that included getting my car seat inspected by AAA.  My nurse Linda even said Mom could ask 100 questions today.  Usually she just limits her to 30.  Linda is an invaluable resource and has worked in the NICU setting for many years.  She knows how to get babies out of here!  Mom and Dad really appreciate her help.  We took a photo together today.

Linda challenges me but is really confident I can make it home soon!

Mom really likes Linda.

 I had visitors today too!

My pal Pam came by and was shocked to see how big I had gotten.  She hadn't seen me since I was in the isolette. She said she'd come by and hang out with Mom when I go home.  Because I am a premature baby, I am not supposed to go out or have lots of visitors for the first month or so because I can get sick easily.  I told Mom Pam is fine because she made me lots of hand made gifts and came to visit me lots too.  I'm not above bribery.

Pam and I.  I have to show off all my sailing outfits to Mike soon.

 My friend Stacy came by too.  Stacy and Mom talk about serious stuff a lot like Poly ticks and sheroes.  For some reason Mom changed me out of my cute elephant outfit when Stacy came by.

Stacy said she felt lucky holding me.

 All these visitors made me sleepy.  I could tell Mom was in a good mood because she kept taking photos.  I hammed it up a little with this glamour shot.

Next Generation Rodin

 I had to pass a test today too.  I had to sit in my carseat for 1 hr without desaturating in oxygen or having a brady.  PIECE OF CAKE. I passed with flying colors and am ready for my next challenge!

A+

Everything seemed like it happened so fast, even though I've been in the NICU forever!  My weigh in tonight was crucial, because the only concern the docs had was me gaining weight.  Lucky for me my night nurse was my primary Benjamin.  When he weighed me, we all celebrated because I gained 50 grams!!! Mom and Dad both did a silly dance and Benjamin gave me a baby high five.

Big Ben and I spending our last night together.

When the doctors did their rounds, Dr. Iani, the doctor who was in the delivery room was the attending.  Mom was so happy because Dr. Iani let my parents hold me right after I showed up on the scene.  Dr. Iani said it was rare to let a mom hold a 29 week old baby, but I was doing great at the time.  Mom, Dad, and Dr. Iani shared a special moment.  My parents were impressed because there are 60 families at this NICU and the turnover can be high.  For a Doc to remember details of our delivery story really impressed Mom and Dad and made them feel like I had been well watched over.

My first Doc ever, Dr. Iani

So since I gained weight, I should be able to go home tomorrow!  Mom alerted Lindsey so maybe we could say bye to her tomorrow.  Lucky for me, Lindsey accepted an extra shift and will be my nurse on my hopefully special day!