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