Today was my first day without having Steve with me and I got through it pretty well! The days go by so fast anyway going in and out of NICU. Liam and I had a quiet start to the morning since he was so peacefully sleeping during first visitation. I spoke with the doctor and nurse about what we should do about this pooping thing. We all agree since he was pooping before surgery and now he's only on IV fluids, he probably doesn't have anything left to poop out! They've tried to stimulate his bootie (poor guy) with suppositories and rectal temps to no avail. The dr said she would talk to the surgeon (she has to ok the bowels are ready for feeds). Steve and I decided tonight if the dr doesn't get an answer we will request a chat with the surgeon to see if we can find some middle ground. Hopefully tomorrow we'll get some kind of news!
After the first break I got to spend some amazing bonding time with Liam doing what's called Kangaroo Care Therapy. It's skin-on-skin cuddling to give babies and mommas the closeness they need for bonding but miss out on (especially if they're stuck in a NICU and not breastfeeding). So I wore a button-down shirt and had a soft, squishy blanket I had gotten at a baby shower and the nurse got Liam organized high on my chest under the blanket. He sat for the longest time with his eyes open just enjoying. He was close enough to really hug and kiss on his head and nuzzle his cheeks. At one point, I think he realized how close he was to food and tried to take a nose dive down to where lunch was. I felt like I was wrestling a piglet trying to get him to stay up and away until we have the go ahead. It was so hard to do when I know he wants to eat so bad! He eventually fell asleep and we accidentally stayed past visiting hours. We're tucked away in a private room and we just inconspicuous enough that the nurse forgot to come get him from me and put him back in his bed. We loved the extra time we got though until I could catch one nurse's eye to help me out (I didn't want to get in trouble for over-staying!). So the little Aussie baby and I had a fabulous Kanagroo session. Pics to come!
It only got frustrating during one part of my after lunch visit when Liam was crying because he was obviously so hungry (couldn't get enough of pacie but wasn't satisfied with pacie so he kept trying to find something else to put in his mouth- his hand, a blanket, anything)! I was so sad because not only can I not feed him, but I can't even pick him up on my own to soothe him- I have to have a nurse to do that. :( I was able to take his mind off the hunger by showing him more pics of Ri on my iPhone. This time I was able to video Liam looking at the pics of Ri. He stares so intently and coos a bit, and then he lets me know when he's seen enough and it's time to change pictures- so bossy already! I showed Ri the video of his brother looking at his pics and he really thought it was neat that Liam liked him already. Ri had some questions about the different things taped to Liam but was never put off by them. He was just curious about what all everything did. I hope to do more videos like that now that Liam is off the stronger pain meds and is more alert. I think it would help with their bonding while they can't see each other.
The rest of the day went pretty normal to schedule. Sheryl and Mal brought Riley over after school. Ri and I hung out, played, and did homework while they went to see Liam. We all ate dinner (made by ADIIs from UWF!) and then Riley and I played more- you guessed it- Monopoly! When it was about time for Ri to head back to Daphne for bed, Steve got in from working and had a quick wrestle and visit before Ri left. Steve and I went up for the night visit and washed Liam down before Daddy got in a great cuddle session before calling it a night and driving back to Daphne.
All in all a decent day. Hoping the dr has good news for me tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment