Zachary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems like I have something new to share nearly every day now. And I have so much to share today. Where do I start?

I’m in a crib! The team has decided that I no longer need any of the fancy gizmos attached to the isolette and got me this new bed. I’m not sure why I’m so excited. The bars block the view and it’s noisier. But everyone else is excited so I am too! Mommy says this means that I am getting closer to coming home. I can’t wait to see my home.

Also, I am over 5 pounds now. Look at how tight my clothes are getting. This outfit was big on me just a couple of weeks ago! Now I can’t even straighten my legs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today was another visiting day! Grandma came to see and hold me. She spent a lot of time with Henry too, helping to comfort him because he’s a bit sick. It’s nice to have visitors. I like getting out of my isolette.

The other big news is that yesterday I started my feeding training. If I am ever going to get out of the NICU and eventually go home I have to get this feeding tube out and be able to feed myself. Since I have been doing so well mommy started to help me learn. The nurses closed the curtains and we had a quiet moment. I could tell mommy was pleased with how well I did because she told daddy that I ‘hit a grand slam’.

 

 

 

That’s me in the headphones. The nice doctor gave me a head massage and then stuck some things on me, including the headphones. She then proceeded to give me a hearing test. Those were some weird noises. Not too weird I guess. I slept through most of it.

The end result was that I passed the test with my right ear and YOU’LL HAVE TO SPEAK UP WHEN TALKING TO MY LEFT EAR.

Just kidding. The test isn’t very precise and sometimes they want to do a more thorough examination. I will have to leave my room and go visit the eye and ear specialist so they can complete the hearing tests for my left ear.

 

I’m cute. That’s all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve had many visitors and a couple of milestones recently. First off, my nasal cannula went back in. That’s ok. My breathing machine is on it’s lowest setting and they nurses will try removing it again in a couple of days.

More importantly, I’ve raised the roof. My isolette is completely open now! I can keep my body temperature up on my own and no longer need to be confined to a controlled climate. Check me out, hangin’ with Mr. Hoppy. It’s so nice with the top open, especially in the spring time.

 

 

 

 

And guess what the nice weather brought? Visitors. Check out these characters that came in today.

Notice anything different about me?

No?

Really?

Ok, here is a hint. I’m sure you’ll get it if you nose about enough. Still no? Come on! It’s right under your (actually, my) nose! I promise I won’t turn my nose up at you for not seeing it right away.

Fine. I’ll tell you, but I cannula believe you didn’t get it! They took me off of supplemental oxygen and removed my nasal cannula. You can see my whole face now and I look great.

 

Know what else happened? Grandma Buchholz visited me in my new room (go talk to Henry about my big move) and held me. It was so nice. I mostly slept. And spit up a little. And made a new best friend!

Meet Mr. Hoppy. He’s soft. And he sings to me. Today was a very big day.

A lot happened and now it’s time to sleep. Zzzz….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m doing well. No news is good news. Nothing to see here. Just a man changing into his pajamas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh? You think I’m adorable? Why thank you. That’s very nice of you to say. My Cousin Emma got me this particular outfit and it’s already one of my favorites. I just love dogs. Don’t you? Maybe Emma can find one in your size too.

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE: In a previous version of this post I said the outfit was from my Grandma Moore. I was mistaken. Sorry Emma! I love you!

 

I know. You’ve seen photos of me like this before. Someone is holding me and my head is sticking out from my warming blanket. This one is different. It comes with a story.

For several days I’ve been showing signs of being ready to feed from the breast. I wake up as feeding time approaches, move my mouth around, stick my fingers to my face, and lick anything I can reach. Today when I was lifted out of my isolette to be held I turned my head back and forth on the person’s chest and tried to find something to suckle. As part of my search I licked and drooled all over the place. Everyone was excited!

Unfortunately daddy was holding me and not only was there nothing to feed on, he tasted like saw dust and grass clippings. A real manly and real disgusting taste. Yeck!

 

That’s me. The Emperor! Well, kind of. Daddy says he’s the Emperor. But I think mommy is right, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

These are my new clothes! The nurses let me put them on for the first time today because my skin is doing well and I’m controlling my body temperature well. I think I look pretty sharp. What was it that ZZ Top said about sharp dressed men?

Anywhoo, get ready for daily fashion blasts from me, Zachary!