Chapter 15: Week Fifteen

Sunday 6/10/12

On Sunday, Isaac turned 14 weeks old!  If all continues to go well, he could be home in as early as three weeks.  Aaron and I are starting to feel the excitement of his homecoming.  Isaac, on the other hand, feels it's time for a nice long snuggle and a nap.

Even super heroes need their sleep.

On Monday, the feeding tube was officially removed.  Isaac's doing well enough eating on his own that he no longer needs to be tube fed.  This seems to make him pretty happy.

Happy Dreaming

On Tuesday, he turned 100 days old!  I arrived at the NICU in time to see him working with this Occupational Therapist.  She was using gentle massage on his arms and legs to aid in circulation and relaxation, as well as bringing his hands together in front of him.  She explained to me how this teaches him self comfort and helps in future exploration of his environment as he grows.  He was extremely content and fell asleep early in the session.  We couldn't even wake him to eat afterward for well over an hour.

On Wednesday, we received some surprising news: Isaac may be ready to go home in as early as two weeks, rather than the three or more we had expected!  We are thrilled, but a little panicked - we still have to get the house ready, so it's time for some fast-paced organization on the homefront.

Isaac now likes to sleep with his arms in the air.

Friday began the genuine rush.  We bought his carseat and stroller combo, his wall projector, and took some supplies to the NICU.  His nurses informed us that he's advancing to a state where he is experiencing boredom in his isolet, so we're trying to find new forms of stimulation.  He now has some linking rings to dangle over him that he can grab and hit, a froggy teether toy, an aquarium that plays music while the sea creatures move around, and the baby swing, which plays music, nature sounds, and has side-to-side or front-to-back swinging options.  Hopefully these will keep him occupied for a bit.

Baby's First TV

We finished the week by celebrating Father's Day with the Engi family on Saturday.  Nana, Poppa, Uncle Bryan and Aunt Helen each took turns at his bedside, knowing that this will most likely be the last time they visit Isaac in the NICU.  The next time they see him, he'll be home!  It was a very exciting day all around, and a great way to end the week.

Nana (above), and Poppa (below)