Later today

Mommy visited me for a while today. She brought me some hats from the sisters at Villa Walsh. My Great Great Aunt So gave them to her. Thank you all. Now I don't have to be so naked. Mommy when can I get some threads? This diaper thing doesn't go over well with the girls. Some of the hats were pink. Hello, boys wear blue. So, I shared them with my girlfriend. And what does she do? She leaves me. I put my heart out and give her things and she leaves me :,(

Father Mike also came to visit me today. He blessed me and put some oily stuff on my head. Don't you know that oil is bad for my complexion? He told my mommy to pray to the Holy Spirit for my lungs to develop. I hope she listens to him because I need a lot of help with my lungs.



They're putting the blanket down and dimming the lights in my condo. Can barely see my phone in the dark. Till tomorrow this is baby Mikey signing out.

Day 14

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 600 grams (1 lb 5.2 oz) today, up 40 grams (1.4 oz) from yesterday's weight. I lost an average of 10.0 grams (0.4 oz) per day over the past 3 days. I'm sure I'll start gaining weight soon -- it just isn't happening yet.

I was fed 6 times yesterday and I took 2.0 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 12 ml (0.4 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 4 AM and I was given 2 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 8 AM. I know it's hard to pump Mom, but please keep working on this -- it really helps me. Since yesterday morning, I pooped 3 times and the last time was around 4 AM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a mechanical ventilator with 48% oxygen.

So long Mommy and Daddy. Your visits are the best!

XOXO,
John Michael

Day 13

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 560 grams (1 lb 3.8 oz) today, down 10 grams (0.4 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 13.3 grams (0.5 oz) per day over the past 3 days. I'm starting to do better in terms of my weight, but I think I'll check with my nurses and doctors and see if they can help me gain some more.

I was fed 6 times yesterday and I took 2.0 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 12 ml (0.4 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 4 AM and I was given 2 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 8 AM. Keep up the good work Mom -- I really appreciate that great breastmilk! Since yesterday morning, I pooped twice and the last time was around 4 AM.

As of 4 AM, I was on a mechanical ventilator with 45% oxygen. I had no apnea/bradycardia spells yesterday, and I've had none so far today.

Ciao Mommy and Daddy. I really look forward to snuggling with you.

Loving you always,
John Michael

Day 12

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 570 grams (1 lb 4.1 oz) today, unchanged from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 20.0 grams (0.7 oz) per day over the past 3 days. Not a bad weight gain, but maybe I can do a little better.

I was fed 5 times yesterday and I took 2.0 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 10 ml (0.3 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 4 AM and I was given 2 ml by tube. My next feeding will be at 8AM. I really appreciate all the breastmilk you are giving me. As the saying goes "Breast is Best"!! Since yesterday morning, I pooped 3 times and the last time was around 8 PM.

As of 5 AM, I was on a mechanical ventilator with 45% oxygen. I had several apnea/bradycardia spells yesterday, and I've had none so far today. Lots of my buddies are having spells too, but talk to my nurse or doctor about this when you call or come in.

Goodbye Mommy and Daddy. Keep a picture of me with you so that we can be "together" until I get home. It will make us both feel better!

Hugs and kisses,
John Michael

Day 11

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 570 grams (1 lb 4.1 oz) today, down 20 grams (0.7 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 20.0 grams (0.7 oz) per day over the past 3 days. Don't worry about my weight gain, I'm still adjusting to my new life outside the womb.

I was fed 3 times yesterday and I took 2.0 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 6 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 0.2 oz. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 2 ml by tube. I can't figure out when my next feeding will be, so check with my nurse. Thanks for the breastmilk, Mommy. You're the only one who can help me in such a special way. I can feel myself growing!! Since yesterday morning, I pooped 3 times and the last time was around 4 AM.

As of 5 AM, I was on a mechanical ventilator with 34% oxygen. I had 1 apnea/bradycardia spell yesterday, and I've had none so far today. My nurses and doctors say that these spells are so common in premies that they'd be surprised if I wasn't having the spells. As of 9:30 am I was at 28% oxygen.

Yesterday my big cousin Meredith tried to donate blood for me. Thank you. She's one of those rare people like me and mommy who are type O+. If anyone else out there is, talk to mommy because they tell me I can use your blood.

Daddy I'm sorry for worrying you yesterday. Who would have thought that you'd be the one to worry more than mommy.

My daddy told me that today they prayed for me at church at MBS in Franklin Lakes. That makes three besides church in Verona and Morristown. I am becoming very well known. I love all of you.

My big sister is coming to visit me today. Yesterday was her birthday and she turned 10. I got her a comforter for her new room she is currently sleeping in my room. I wrote her a letter "dear big sis; Hurry up and finish your room because I need mine. You have 3 months so get moving! This is for your new bed. Hope you like it. Love John Michael AKA your baby brother".

I love to sleep on my belly just like my daddy. See my photo below.
Sayanara Mommy and Daddy. I love when you come. Your visits calm me down and help me sleep better.

With all my heart,
John Michael

Day 10

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 590 grams (1 lb 4.8 oz) today, up 60 grams (2.1 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 6.7 grams (0.2 oz) per day over the past 3 days. At my age, weight changes are basically due to changes in the amount of water in my body, so don't pay too much attention to it.

I was fed 4 times yesterday and I took 2.0 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 8 ml (0.3 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 2 ml by tube. I can't figure out when my next feeding will be, so check with my nurse. Thank you so much for giving me breastmilk, Mommy. It really helps me! Since yesterday morning, I pooped 4 times and the last time was around 8 PM.

My last bilirubin was 3.0 on 2/25 at 4 AM and that's OK in my book.

As of 5 AM, I was on a mechanical ventilator with 30% oxygen.

Cheerio Mommy and Daddy. Your visits are the best!

They needed to tie my legs down because I was bouncing them too much. The nurse said I was shaking the whole room and disturbing the other babies.

Until I see you. Love,
John Michael

PS: See if my nurse can put me on the phone next time you call :)

Day 9

Happy Friday Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 530 grams (1 lb 2.7 oz) today, up 20 grams (0.7 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 6.7 grams (0.2 oz) per day over the past 3 days. Weight loss due to water loss is normal at this stage and I will begin to gain true weight soon.

I was fed 4 times yesterday and I took 2.0 ml at each feeding.  I received a total amount of 8 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 0.3 oz. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 2 ml by tube. I can't figure out when my next feeding will be, so check with my nurse. Thanks for the breastmilk, Mommy. You're the only one who can help me in such a special way. I can feel myself growing!! Since yesterday morning, I pooped 4 times and the last time was around midnight.

My last bilirubin was 3.2 on 2/24 at 5 AM and my nurse seemed very pleased with this result. The phototherapy treatment was fine, but my nurse told me I'm done with it now and I don't have to wear the mask over my eyes anymore. Hooray for me!! I now have a blanket that my great grandmother made for my mommy when she was born.  This blanket is over my roof to block out the light so I can look around.

As of 7 AM, I was on a mechanical ventilator with 24% oxygen. I am now breathing on my own with this new ventilator but don't worry if I miss a breath the ventilator is smart enough to help me. 

Tonight mommy did Kangaroo care with me tonight.  I really enjoyed spending this time outside my condo with mommy.  I could tell Daddy was very nervous he kept saying "maybe we should put him back in" I was glad mommy did not listen.  At one point I thought my nurse was going to check daddys heart rate because he was so nervous.  Thats ok daddy I was fine.  See the photos I posted below.

Cheerio Mommy and Daddy. I think I need some pictures around me, so please bring me some.

Lots of kisses,

John Michael

Day 8

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 510 grams (1 lb 2.0 oz) today, down 20 grams (0.7 oz) from yesterday's weight. I lost an average of 3.3 grams (0.1 oz) per day over the past 3 days. My nurses and doctors say the changes in my weight are normal -- it's mainly water.


I was fed 3 times yesterday and I took 2.0 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 6 ml (0.2 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 4 AM and I was given 2 ml by tube. I can't figure out when my next feeding will be, so check with my nurse. I know it's hard to pump Mom, but please keep working on this -- it really helps me. Since yesterday morning, I pooped twice and the last time was around 8 PM.


I'm still on phototherapy treatment which is like being at the beach on a sunny day!


As of 4 AM, I was on a high frequency oscillator with 25% oxygen.


Mommy and daddy came to visit me tonight. Daddy took my temperature, I got a bath and mommy changed my diaper. Daddy held me in his hands for our first time. I had such a great night with mommy and daddy. Please see the pictures below of tonights events.


Bye-bye Mommy and Daddy. I want to tell you all about what's happening here, so come visit me again.


Hugs and kisses,
John Michael

Day 7

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 530 grams (1 lb 2.7 oz) today, up 20 grams (0.7 oz) from yesterday's weight. I lost an average of 10.0 grams (0.4 oz) per day over the past 3 days. For a little one like me, it may be 10 days or more before I start gaining. This is the way it usually goes, so don't fret.


I was fed 3 times yesterday and I took 2.0 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 6 ml (0.2 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 4 AM and I was given 2 ml by tube. I can't figure out when my next feeding will be, so check with my nurse. Thanks for the milk Mommy, it really helps me grow! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 4 AM.


As of 4 AM, I was on a high frequency oscillator with 31% oxygen.


I am so proud of mommy as the surgery yesterday went very well. I can not wait to see her again.


I saw mommy after lunch today I was so happy. Mommy gave me a hand hug, see the picture I posted below.


Also in the photo below you will notice no more chest tube or belly button tubes. I now have a typical IV in my arm. They first tried to find a vein in my left arm but had some trouble. The doctor did find a good vein in my right arm. I must have mommy's veins and mommy said I had all of daddy features.


Bye-bye Mommy and Daddy. Please come and see me soon.


Love, love,
John Michael


PS: See if my nurse can put me on the phone next time you call :)

Day 6

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 510 grams (1 lb 2.0 oz) today, unchanged from yesterday's weight. I lost an average of 13.3 grams (0.5 oz) per day over the past 3 days. My nurses and doctors say the changes in my weight are normal -- it's mainly water.


I was fed 3 times yesterday and I took 2.0 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 6 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 0.2 oz. I took all my milk by tube. You should be so proud! My last feeding was at 4 AM and I was given 2 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 12 noon, but who knows things can change!


I'm still on phototherapy treatment - there are bright lights all around me but I've got a mask over my eyes, so the light doesn't bother me.


As of 4 AM, I was on a high frequency oscillator with 29% oxygen. Mommy and Daddy, you would be so proud! I had my best night yet! I was behaving just for you Mommy! Good luck today, sending you hugs from my sunny condo here in the NICU!


Arrivederci Mommy and Daddy. I am looking forward to your loving touch.


Until I see you. Love,
John Michael

Day 5

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 510 grams (1 lb 2.0 oz) today, down 30 grams (1.1 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 8.3 grams (0.3 oz) per day over the past 3 days. My weight is going to drop as I lose water weight, and it may take me some days before I start to gain steadily.

I wasn't fed milk yesterday.

My last bilirubin was 5.1 on 2/19 at 6 AM which is a little on the high side, but everyone says that it's par for the course. I'm still on phototherapy treatment - these are bright lights that the nurses use to treat my jaundice. It feels warm and cozy.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high frequency oscillator with 37% oxygen. Much better! Everyone is so proud of me!


They tell me that I will be eating soon besides just the IV. I can not wait to get some of mommy's milk in my stomach. 

Please disregard the poor picture taking of my daddy, he did not get my good side.  Some new things you will notice is a second tube in my mouth which is how I now get mommy's milk, 2 small drops every 4 hours.  The first pair of drops I pooped out all ready.  A second thing you will notice is my chest tube on my right side with clear tape over it holding it in place. The same chest tube as my Papa Tom when he had open heart surgery a year ago.  That tube removes any air that may escape my lungs and get into my chest cavity. 

Some things I like to do are chew on my tongue and bounce my feet.  Mommy told me that it is a Tully thing. Oh I forgot to mention that I can now open both of my eyes and look around.  Let me tell you having both eyes now open makes this typing thing a whole lot easier.  

Arrivederci Mommy and Daddy. Your visits make me so happy!

Until I see you. Love,
John Michael

Day 4

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 540 grams (1 lb 3.0 oz) today, unchanged from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 12.5 grams (0.4 oz) per day over the past 2 days. Pretty soon I'll start to put on a little weight, but I'm too busy right now growing on the inside.

I wasn't fed milk yesterday but I did get a taste of it when Daddy swabbed it in my mouth!

My last bilirubin was 4.6 on 2/18 at 4 AM but all the babies on the block have jaundice too, so I don't think this is a big deal. I'm still on phototherapy treatment - there are bright lights all around me but I've got a mask over my eyes, so the light doesn't bother me.

As of 5 AM, I was on a high frequency oscillator with 50% oxygen.

I am not having a good morning. I sent the doctor to wake mommy and daddy to tell them I am not feeling well. Seems I need to have my first surgery. They did not give me a dictionary so I am not sure what surgery means. I am having trouble breathing,seems air is escaping my lungs and collapsing them.

I just got a shot of something that is making me feel woozy. What are those shiny objects doing on my belly. Oh great another tube coming out of my body. This one is coming out of my chest.

I had my first blood transfusion today type O+.

Emily came today for a visit she is not allowed to see me yet but she hung out with my mommy and daddy. She gave me a drawing of a blue teddy bear and written on it says " From Emily AKA your big sister". I hung it on my wall.

Hours later I feel much better my oxygen levels are now below 40 percent and they reduced my nitrogen. Must be from my new artwork that I hung.

 Ta-ta Mommy and Daddy. Your visits are the best!

Lots of hugs,
John Michael

Day 3

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 540 grams (1 lb 3.0 oz) today, down 10 grams (0.4 oz) from yesterday's weight. Pretty soon I'll start to put on a little weight, but I'm too busy right now growing on the inside.

I wasn't fed milk yesterday.

My last bilirubin was 4.6 on 2/18 at 4 AM this is on the high-ish side, so my nurses and doctors will be checking this again in the days ahead. I'm still on phototherapy treatment - these are bright lights that the nurses use to treat my jaundice. It feels warm and cozy.

As of 5 AM, I was on a high frequency oscillator with 53% oxygen.

I am finding it hard to breath today. I am not doing as well as yesterday. They have slowly turned the oxygen levels up to 100 percent. Seems to help a little but I am just not the same. My daddy is told to leave my room and I feel a little nervous as my doctor starts working on me. After about 30 minutes I feel a little better and daddy is brought back in the room. I over hear the doctor telling daddy that I am now on nitrous oxide. The nitrogen is supposed to open my blood vessels to accept more oxygen.

Later that night I held daddy's finger for the first time. Daddy also put a cotton swab in my mouth with mommy's milk on it.

 Tootle-oo Mommy and Daddy. I really look forward to snuggling with you.

Love you so much,
John Michael

PS: You know you can call anytime, don't you?

Day 2

I am getting use to my new surroundings. My blood pressure seems a little low so I asked for some medicine. That feels much better. I have these tubes conning out of my belly button anyone know if that is right? I try to pull them with my hands but nothing happens.

My Baptism

Mom and Dad did not even allow me any rest once I was introduced into the world. I saw mommy briefly but then was sent swiftly with daddy to my new bed. There a priest was waiting and we had my Baptism. He made a sign of the cross on my forehead followed by daddy and my God mother who happens to be my nurse. I think they had a full mass, honestly I was so tired I started to doze off till I was splashed with holy water.

Born

John Michael Tully

Born 4:04 pm

12 inches

515 grams

23 weeks 6 days