Day 130 - First Mother’s Day
Last night: James had another weight gain last night. He’s 4410g or 9 pounds 11 ounces. He had a pretty calm night. He slept for most of the night except for two small episodes. The night nurse did a great job at working with James and getting him comfortable. She did a wash cloth bath due to the IV his his foot. Didn’t change his gauze due to him sleeping and not wanting to disturb. Overall, a pretty good night.
We did attempt a photo shoot with a new onsie that Dad bought for Mother’s Day, but James knew it was too big and just wasn’t having it.
Morning: James has one of his favorite nurses today outside of his Primary. She’s REALLY good. James greeted her with a small episode around 8am. After we calmed him down with the fan and firm pats on the back, she showed Dad a few ways that she likes to hold him and maneuver him. She held him for about an hour in different positions as Dad observed. It was a small physical therapy session: Bringing James arms forward. Doing tummy time on her while holding him. Sitting him up and letting him practice head control. Allowing him to look towards the window. Overall, it was really helpful.
It was then Dad’s turn. He held James for another 90 minutes or so, humming, singing, and reading to James. Such a calm baby this morning. It was really nice. Dad is starting to get more confident with holding and moving James around. It was refreshing for Dad to read how common it is for new fathers to have a perception going into fatherhood vs the reality of experiencing it. The author discusses how many new fathers approach this new journey with this “perfect father” mentality that essentially creates lower levels of confidence since perfection doesn’t exist. It’s a paternal instinct that’s VERY different than the maternal instinct. Dad recommends new fathers the check this book out. It’s helpful.
Dad was also reading another book before bed last night called “The Body Keeps Score”. Something that was very interesting was the difference between the Mammalian brain vs the Reptilian brain and how the behaviors begin when we are infants. He explained how the Mammal brain works with kittens snuggling and having the need to cuddle and touch, while the reptile brain works like a Snake curled up and isolate. The author suggests a lot of holding of an infant to reduce the trauma that the reptilian brain could allow the body to hold on to unconsciously. #interesting
The doctor put the order in for the baby rash medication, Eucerin, today. We will begin that and maybe continue using breast milk too.
Afternoon: Dad did it! His first trach ties change start to finish without any help. The nurse today was great and let Dad lead the ship; Acting like she’s never done it before. So, Dad got the supplies ready. Directed the the nurse on what he wanted her to do. And completed the task in one swoop. No emotions. No adrenaline. Just poised. Confident. And in control.
After that, James is enjoying some tummy time on his Boppy while he reads, enjoys his new fan, and looks at the window.
I don’t want to read Hmm ... looks interesting
Fine. I’ll peak at it. But I won’t enjoy it.
I’ll enjoy it if you pat my back.
I love reading.
What a beautiful day to read my book
Evening: Fairly quiet. James gained some more weight to 4460g but he needs to have a poop, which will lower that a bit. Dad did the gauze change around the Gtube, changed the diaper, got James dressed, and weighed him. He’s getting more and more comfortable with the process. Day by day.
P.S. You can email James your love and support as often as you’d like. Mom and Dad read these email to James as they come in. We all love them!:
JamesWestonAbramowitz@gmail.com
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