Day 166

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 5275 grams (11 lb 10.1 oz) today, up 35 grams (1.2 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 52.1 grams (1.8 oz) per day over the past 7 days. My nurse gave me a gold star for my weight gain.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 90 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 720 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 24.3 oz. I nipple fed 47% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 90 ml by nipple. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. I'm so glad you're giving me breastmilk -- it's the best food for me! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 6 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 30% oxygen.

Adios 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!

A million hugs,
John Michael

PS: I did such a great job with my bottles last night!!! By mouth, I took 70ml at 9PM, 90ml at midnight, 35ml at 3AM, and 90ml at 6AM!!!!! Diana was so proud of me :)

Day 165

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 5240 grams (11 lb 8.8 oz) today, up 90 grams (3.2 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 35.7 grams (1.3 oz) per day over the past 7 days. My nurse gave me a gold star for my weight gain.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 90 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 720 ml (24.3 oz) for the day. I nipple fed 39% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 30 ml by nipple and I was given 60 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Keep up the good work Mom -- I really appreciate that great breastmilk! I haven't pooped since yesterday morning, and the last time I went was around 9 PM on 7/28. Some days I'll poop, and some days I won't, and it's all just fine.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 26% oxygen.

Adios Mommy and Daddy. I love when you come. Your visits calm me down and help me sleep better.

Hugs and kisses,
John Michael

PS: My nurse said shes's always happy to talk to you about me.

Day 164

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 5150 grams (11 lb 5.7 oz) today, up 10 grams (0.4 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 52.1 grams (1.8 oz) per day over the past 7 days. I'm gaining so well that the nurses want me to teach some of the other babies how to gain weight.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 90 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 720 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 24.3 oz. I nipple fed 34% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 90 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the breastmilk Mommy! I love it! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 9 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 28% oxygen.

Goodbye Mommy and Daddy. I love the way you smell when you visit.

A big hug and kiss,
John Michael

PS: Call anytime you want -- my nurse and I love to hear from you.

Day 163

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 5140 grams (11 lb 5.3 oz) today, up 80 grams (2.8 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 45.7 grams (1.6 oz) per day over the past 7 days. My nurse gave me a gold star for my weight gain.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 90 ml at each feeding. I also nursed once. I received a total amount of 720 ml (24.3 oz) for the day. Aside from breastfeeding, I nipple fed 53% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 10 ml by nipple and I was given 80 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the breastmilk Mommy! I love it! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around midnight.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 30% oxygen.

Sayanara Mommy and Daddy. Come visit me soon.

Love you lots,
John Michael

PS: I took my entire bottle at 9PM and at 3AM!!!!! I took 50ml by mouth at midnight. And at 6AM I only took 10ml, but my nurse said I was pretty sleepy from working so hard all night. Yayy!!!!

My Room

My room is done!!! Now all it needs is me.

Day 162

Happy Friday Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 5060 grams (11 lb 2.5 oz) today, up 30 grams (1.1 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 39.7 grams (1.4 oz) per day over the past 7 days. My nurse gave me a gold star for my weight gain.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 80-90 ml at each feeding. I also nursed once. I received a total amount of 707 ml (23.9 oz) for the day. Aside from breastfeeding, I nipple fed 53% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 90 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Keep the breastmilk coming -- all those wonderful nutrients are so good for me. Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 6 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 30% oxygen.

Bye-bye Mommy and Daddy. Please tell me things about our family the next time you visit.

XOXO,
John Michael

Typo

Seems that there was a typo in my last post. For all of those out there that thought I lost 2 lbs in one day I want to ensure you all I still have all my limbs. Thanks Uncle Gerald for pointing this out.

Day 161

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4080 grams (8 lb 15.9 oz) today, down 950 grams (2 lb 1.5 oz) from yesterday's weight. I lost an average of 96.0 grams (3.4 oz) per day over the past 7 days. I'm going to gain some weight soon, and my doctors and nurses will let you know the plans to help me put on some meat.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 90 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 720 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 24.3 oz. I nipple fed 50% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 15 ml by nipple and I was given 75 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the breastmilk, Mommy. You're the only one who can help me in such a special way. I can feel myself growing!! I haven't pooped since yesterday morning, and the last time I went was around 6 PM on 7/24. My nurse says it's no big deal if I don't poop every day.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 30% oxygen.

Arrivederci Mommy and Daddy. Get your rest so you can visit me soon.

Hugs, kisses, and more hugs and kisses,
John Michael

PS: Just because I'm sending you this e-mail doesn't mean I don't want you to call.

Day 160

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 5030 grams (11 lb 1.4 oz) today, up 110 grams (3.9 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 62.1 grams (2.2 oz) per day over the past 7 days. I'm gaining so well that the nurses want me to teach some of the other babies how to gain weight.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 90 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 720 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 24.3 oz. I nipple fed 54% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 10 ml by nipple and I was given 80 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the breastmilk Mommy! I love it! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 6 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 30% oxygen.

Goodbye Mommy and Daddy. I love the way your voice calms me.

Lots of kisses,
John Michael

PS: I love when my nurse tells me you called to talk to her. She says you should call anytime (except when she gives her report during shift change).

Day 159

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4920 grams (10 lb 13.5 oz) today, up 45 grams (1.6 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 49.3 grams (1.7 oz) per day over the past 7 days. I'm gaining so well that I'm going to be busting out of here pretty soon!

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 90 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 720 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 24.3 oz. I nipple fed 5% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 90 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Mommy, you should be proud of yourself for pumping breastmilk for me -- it's just great! Since yesterday morning, I pooped twice and the last time was around midnight.

As of 7 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 33% oxygen.

Miss you Mommy and Daddy. Please tell the family that I love them very much and can't wait until they visit me.

A big hug and kiss,
John Michael

PS: My nurse said shes's always happy to talk to you about me.

Jou sun Hong Kong

For those of you who are not multilingual like me it means "good morning Hong Kong". Just a little shout out to my Great Aunt Mary who is now living there. But I just checked the time over there and being that they are 12 hours ahead of us maybe I should say "maan on". I'll just cover it all and say "Nei hou maa?"

For those of you who are wondering how I learn all of these languages, well the answer is quite simple. Late at night when all of the nurses think I'm sleeping I listen to them talk in their native tongue. Mommy always knew I was nosey, but she didn't know I was this bad. I don't hear Cantonese very much so I'm a little rusty but you should hear me speak Tagalog. I've become a pro at that!

I dug up this old pic from when my aunt came to see me in June before she left.

Day 158

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4875 grams (10 lb 12.0 oz) today, down 25 grams (0.9 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 49.3 grams (1.7 oz) per day over the past 7 days. I'm gaining so well that I'm going to be busting out of here pretty soon!

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 90 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 720 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 24.3 oz. I nipple fed 14% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 90 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the breastmilk Mommy! I love it! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 6 PM.

As of 7 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 33% oxygen.

See you soon Mommy and Daddy. Hope to see you soon!

Love you so much,
John Michael

PS: My nurse told me to remind you to call anytime you want.

Day 157

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4900 grams (10 lb 12.8 oz) today, up 125 grams (4.4 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 35.0 grams (1.2 oz) per day over the past 7 days. I'm gaining so well that the nurses want me to teach some of the other babies how to gain weight.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 85-90 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 715 ml (24.2 oz) for the day. I nipple fed 19% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 10 ml by nipple and I was given 80 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. I really appreciate all the breastmilk you are giving me. As the saying goes "Breast is Best"!! Since yesterday morning, I pooped 4 times and the last time was around midnight.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 29% oxygen.

See you soon Mommy and Daddy. I need some kisses, so visit me soon.

Loving you always,
John Michael

PS: I took 25ml at the 3AM feeding, and 10ml at the 6AM feeding. I was pretty sleepy and fought with Diana a bit for the bottle last night. She's getting paranoid she's lost her touch!!!! :)

Daddy played catch with me.

Daddy played catch with me tonight after my bath and bottle. In case you can't see he held me up and helped me catch the balls on my mobile. I had a lot of fun!

Day 156

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4775 grams (10 lb 8.4 oz) today, up 35 grams (1.2 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 35.0 grams (1.2 oz) per day over the past 7 days. I'm gaining so well that the nurses want me to teach some of the other babies how to gain weight.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 85-90 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 715 ml (24.2 oz) for the day. I nipple fed 26% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 45 ml by nipple and I was given 45 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the breastmilk Mommy! I love it! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 6 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 30% oxygen.

Aloha Mommy and Daddy. Come visit me soon. I love when you hold my hand and talk to me.

Love you lots,
John Michael

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

Day 155

Happy Friday Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4740 grams (10 lb 7.2 oz) today, down 12 grams (0.4 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 46.0 grams (1.6 oz) per day over the past 7 days. You should be impressed by the way I'm gaining. Everyone is complimenting me for the great job I'm doing.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 85 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 680 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 23.0 oz. I nipple fed 38% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 25 ml by nipple and I was given 60 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. 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 9 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 32% oxygen.

See you soon Mommy and Daddy. I am looking forward to your loving touch.

Hugs,
John Michael

PS: My nurse told me to remind you to call anytime you want.

A milestone day

Today is a very interesting day. I am 22 weeks old day. That means that counting from conception I have now been living in this hospital for longer than I lived in Mommy's belly. I miss those days. Life was so much easier then. I didn't have all of these demands and expectations like breathing and eating.

Real men wear purple.

I asked grandma to get me one of those cheesy shirts when she went to SC. The only one she could find was in purple. So now I'm rocking purple. That's ok the ladies love it. Mommy's friends Katie and Tara think I'm sexy in it. I'll be your baby boy! I'm sexy and I know it!

Day 154

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4752 grams (10 lb 7.6 oz) today, up 157 grams (5.5 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 30.0 grams (1.1 oz) per day over the past 7 days. I'm getting bigger and bigger day by day. Pretty soon I'll need some new clothes. Be sure to get me some good looking stuff!

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 85 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 680 ml (23.0 oz) for the day. I nipple fed 35% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 85 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Keep up the good work Mom -- I really appreciate that great breastmilk! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 10 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 32% oxygen.

So long Mommy and Daddy. Get your rest so you can visit me soon.

Love, love,
John Michael

PS: Call anytime you want -- my nurse and I love to hear from you.

Day 153

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4595 grams (10 lb 2.1 oz) today, up 20 grams (0.7 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 37.9 grams (1.3 oz) per day over the past 7 days. My nurse gave me a gold star for my weight gain.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 85 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 680 ml (23.0 oz) for the day. I nipple fed 18% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 35 ml by nipple and I was given 50 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the breastmilk Mommy! I love it! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 9 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 34% oxygen.

Bye-bye Mommy and Daddy. Please tell me things about our family the next time you visit.

Lots of love,
John Michael

PS: Call anytime you want -- my nurse and I love to hear from you.

Day 152

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4575 grams (10 lb 1.4 oz) today, up 45 grams (1.6 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 40.7 grams (1.4 oz) per day over the past 7 days. How about this weight gain? Aren't you proud of me?

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 85 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 680 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 23.0 oz. I nipple fed 15% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 85 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. 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 once around midnight.

As of 3 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 35% oxygen.

Sayanara Mommy and Daddy. I need some kisses, so visit me soon.

Hugs,
John Michael

PS: I love when my nurse tells me you called to talk to her. She says you should call anytime (except when she gives her report during shift change).

Day 151

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4530 grams (9 lb 15.8 oz) today, up 65 grams (2.3 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 37.1 grams (1.3 oz) per day over the past 7 days. How about this weight gain? Aren't you proud of me?

I'm 5 months old today! I was just wondering what kind of frosting you're going to put on my birthday cake...

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 85 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 680 ml (23.0 oz) for the day. I nipple fed 16% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 85 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. I really appreciate all the breastmilk you are giving me. As the saying goes "Breast is Best"!! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 3 PM.

As of 7 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 30% oxygen.

So long Mommy and Daddy. Bring a camera with you the next time you visit so that you can show me off to all our friends and family.

A million hugs,
John Michael

5 months!

I turn 5 months old today. This also marks my completion of 150 days on this earth. This fifth month has been a tough one for me. I was on a great track, in fact I should have been home by now. But I had a pretty significant set back about 3 weeks ago and I'm still trying to get back to where I was.

This month I don't have as many things to be so proud of right now. I will however tell you about all I'm thankful for. I'm thankful for all of my family who keeps visiting me, especially Mommy, Daddy, and my big sister Emily. Mommy, you know just how to make things right when I am sad. Daddy, you protect me. Emmie, you make me smile. I'm thankful for you all, my faithful following, for your thoughts, prayers, concern, and for always believing in me. I'm thankful for my doctors and nurses for keeping me alive and taking such good care of me. I'm thankful for being alive and having a beautiful home to go to after I bust out of this joint.

Stayed tuned for next month...

Day 150

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4465 grams (9 lb 13.5 oz) today, down 65 grams (2.3 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 48.6 grams (1.7 oz) per day over the past 7 days. How about this weight gain? Aren't you proud of me?

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 80 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 640 ml (21.6 oz) for the day. I nipple fed 24% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 80 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. I know it's hard to pump Mom, but please keep working on this -- it really helps me. Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 3 PM.

As of 7 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 30% oxygen.

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

Day 149

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4530 grams (9 lb 15.8 oz) today, up 55 grams (1.9 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 45.0 grams (1.6 oz) per day over the past 7 days. My nurse gave me a gold star for my weight gain.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 30-80 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 590 ml (20.0 oz) for the day. I nipple fed 14% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I took 30 ml by nipple and I was given 50 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. 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 6 AM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 36% oxygen.

Sayanara Mommy and Daddy. Bring a camera with you the next time you visit so that you can show me off to all our friends and family.

Until I see you. Love,
John Michael

PS: I took 20ml by bottle at midnight, and 30ml by bottle at 6AM!!!!!! I started out arching and fighting the bottle a bit, and then found my rhythm after a few minutes. But after the 20/30ml, I started breathing too fast so I got the rest down the tube. But it's a great start to trying my bottles again, yayy!!!!!!!!

Oh my I had a busy morning.

They came to take me down for my tests at 8:45. Mommy wasn't even done changing my diaper. Then they took me to the swallow study. Mommy got to hold me and give me my bottle. She felt like a turtle with the X-ray clothes she had to wear. No aspiration!!!!! So now I can drink some bottles again! Yay!

For the second test the took off my clothes and put me in a girls gown. I had to lay on this big bed and the looked at my intestines. I guess that went ok.

I just couldn't fall asleep when I got back. So mommy played with me on my tummy.

My swallow study

Please pray for me and send some positive thoughts my way. Tomorrow morning they are taking me for my swallow study. From the way Mommy explained it they are going to put some yucky white stuff in my bottle and take an X-ray of me swallowing. They want to make sure that my milk isn't dripping into my lungs. That would be bad. They also want to make sure nine of it is coming up from my belly. That would be bad too. So let's just pray that I can drink my bottle tomorrow and that it stays in my belly where it belongs. Then maybe they'll let me start drinking bottles again.

Day 148

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4430 grams (9 lb 12.3 oz) today, up 45 grams (1.6 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 34.3 grams (1.2 oz) per day over the past 7 days. My nurse gave me a gold star for my weight gain.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 75 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 600 ml (20.3 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 75 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the breastmilk, Mommy. You're the only one who can help me in such a special way. I can feel myself growing!! I haven't pooped since yesterday morning, and the last time I went was around 11 PM on 7/10. I'm planning on pooping later today or tomorrow, and my nurse says that's just fine.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 32 oxygen.

Tootle-oo Mommy and Daddy. Your visits make my day!

Lots of hugs,
John Michael

PS: I love when my nurse tells me you called to talk to her. She says you should call anytime (except when she gives her report during shift change).

Day 147

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4385 grams (9 lb 10.7 oz) today, up 75 grams (2.6 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 20.0 grams (0.7 oz) per day over the past 7 days. This is an good weight gain, but I might be able to do even better in the days ahead.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 75 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 600 ml (20.3 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 75 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Keep up the good work Mom -- I really appreciate that great breastmilk! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 11 PM.

As of 12 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 34% oxygen.

Bye-bye 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!

XOXO,
John Michael

PS: My nurse said shes's always happy to talk to you about me.

Day 146

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4310 grams (9 lb 8.0 oz) today, up 65 grams (2.3 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 12.1 grams (0.4 oz) per day over the past 7 days. This is an good weight gain, but I might be able to do even better in the days ahead.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 75 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 600 ml (20.3 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 75 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the milk Mommy, it really helps me grow! I have enough breast milk until my 3pm feeding today. I haven't pooped since yesterday morning, but my nurse will help me with that today.

My last bilirubin was 0.4 on 7/9 at 11 AM and this is just the level it's supposed to be.

As of 4 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 30-35% oxygen.

Bye-bye Mommy and Daddy. My nurses and doctors are taking great care of me, but it's your voice I know and love, so please come soon!

With all my love,
John Michael

PS: I grew this week and now am 19.75 inches long!

Day 145

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4245 grams (9 lb 5.7 oz) today, up 40 grams (1.4 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 10.7 grams (0.4 oz) per day over the past 7 days. Not a bad weight gain, but maybe I can do a little better.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 70 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 560 ml (18.9 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 70 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. I know it's a lot of work Mom, but keep on pumping! I'm worth every drop! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 9 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 32% oxygen.

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

A million kisses,
John Michael

PS: Your calls are always welcome!

Day 144

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4205 grams (9 lb 4.3 oz) today, up 15 grams (0.5 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 17.1 grams (0.6 oz) per day over the past 7 days. This is an good weight gain, but I might be able to do even better in the days ahead.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 70 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 560 ml (18.9 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 70 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Keep the breastmilk coming -- all those wonderful nutrients are so good for me. Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 3 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 33% oxygen.

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

With all my love,
John Michael

PS: I love when my nurse tells me you called to talk to her. She says you should call anytime (except when she gives her report during shift change).

Day 143

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4190 grams (9 lb 3.8 oz) today, up 30 grams (1.1 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 27.9 grams (1.0 oz) per day over the past 7 days. Aren't you proud of the way I'm gaining weight!

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 70 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 560 ml (18.9 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 70 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. I really appreciate all the breastmilk you are giving me. As the saying goes "Breast is Best"!! The last time I pooped was around midnight on 7/6.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 35% oxygen.

Ta-ta for now Mommy and Daddy. I love the way your voice calms me.

With all my heart,
John Michael

PS: Your calls are always welcome

Day 142

Happy Friday Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4160 grams (9 lb 2.7 oz) today, up 15 grams (0.5 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 17.9 grams (0.6 oz) per day over the past 7 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 8 times yesterday and I took 70 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 560 ml (18.9 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 70 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. 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 midnight.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 31% oxygen.

Ta-ta for now Mommy and Daddy. Your visits make my day!

Hugs, kisses, and more hugs and kisses,
John Michael

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

Day 141

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4145 grams (9 lb 2.2 oz) today, unchanged from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 17.9 grams (0.6 oz) per day over the past 7 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 8 times yesterday and I took 70 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 560 ml (18.9 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 70 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Keep up the good work Mom -- I really appreciate that great breastmilk! I haven't pooped since yesterday morning, and the last time I went was around midnight on 7/4. No worries -- I'll make it up to you when I come home.

Au revoir Mommy and Daddy. Get your rest so you can visit me soon.

Lots of kisses,
John Michael

PS: My nurse told me to remind you to call anytime you want.

Day 140

Happy 4th of July Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4145 grams (9 lb 2.2 oz) today, down 25 grams (0.9 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 38.6 grams (1.4 oz) per day over the past 7 days. I'm gaining so well that the nurses want me to teach some of the other babies how to gain weight.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 70 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 560 ml for the day. A fluid oz is about 30 ml so this is about 18.9 oz. I nipple fed 1% of my intake. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 70 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. 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 midnight.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 35% oxygen.

Farewell Mommy and Daddy. Come visit me soon. I love when you hold my hand and talk to me.

Hugs and kisses,
John Michael

Day 139

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4170 grams (9 lb 3.1 oz) today, up 10 grams (0.4 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 45.7 grams (1.6 oz) per day over the past 7 days. My nurse gave me a gold star for my weight gain.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 70 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 560 ml (18.9 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 70 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the milk Mommy, it really helps me grow! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around noon.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 35% oxygen.

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

Lots of hugs,
John Michael

PS: My nurse told me to remind you to call anytime you want.

Kentucky

Yesterday my Uncle Frank and Aunt Kathy came to visit me. They came up all the way from Kentucky. I peaked my eyes open for just a minute to see them then went back to sleep.

Another diet.

They put me on yet another diet today. Now they cut me down to 22 calories. That means I'm getting mostly Mommy's milk and only 2 calories of formula. Mommy you'd better get pumping!

Day 138

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4160 grams (9 lb 2.7 oz) today, up 30 grams (1.1 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 52.9 grams (1.9 oz) per day over the past 7 days. My nurse gave me a gold star for my weight gain.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 70 ml at each feeding. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 70 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. I really appreciate all the breastmilk you are giving me. As the saying goes "Breast is Best"!! Since yesterday morning, I pooped once around 3 PM.

As of 6 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 35% oxygen.

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

Hugs,
John Michael

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

Day 137

Good morning Mommy and Daddy! I weigh 4130 grams (9 lb 1.7 oz) today, up 60 grams (2.1 oz) from yesterday's weight. I gained an average of 52.9 grams (1.9 oz) per day over the past 7 days. You should be impressed by the way I'm gaining. Everyone is complimenting me for the great job I'm doing.

I was fed 8 times yesterday and I took 70 ml at each feeding. I received a total amount of 560 ml (18.9 oz) for the day. I took all my milk by tube. My last feeding was at 6 AM and I was given 70 ml by tube. My next feeding should be around 9 AM. Thanks for the breastmilk Mommy! I love it! I haven't pooped since yesterday morning, and the last time I went was around midnight on 6/30. I'm planning on pooping later today or tomorrow, and my nurse says that's just fine.

As of 7 AM, I was on a high flow nasal cannula with 36% oxygen.

Aloha Mommy and Daddy. Hope to see you soon!

I'll love you always,
John Michael

PS: My nurse told me to remind you to call anytime you want.