One month on the Circle
Yesterday was one month exactly from the day Nolan came home. We celebrated the day by walking in the woods, watching the Heels become ACC champs and getting visited by nurse Tara whose best friend magically moved into the house next door to ours! It was a good day.
Nolan continues to do well. He has gained slowly but steadily, last Tuesday he weighed in at 6 lb 9.5 oz and is now 47cm long (compared to 28cm when he was born). He does pretty well sleeping at night, if we didn’t have to get up to change out his feedings we would be getting close to normal rest! One of the (very) few advantages to being in the NICU so long is they get the babies on a schedule for you… We are making slow progress on getting him on all oral feedings, on good days he is at about 50/50, he is still on continuous feeding at night. We don’t feel in a hurry to get him off the pump since it is an easy way to get him good nutrition and accomplish the main goal of GROWTH. He doesn’t mind the pump and it can be taken anywhere like this morning when we took the dogs for a walk, imaginge walking, sleeping and eating all at the same time!
Nolan is also making progress developementally. With lots of encouragement from all his family he is learning there are cool things to see if you turn your head right and does so voluntarily now. He still favours his left and seems to be working towards being a southpaw but things are evening out. He seems to be focusing on objects at greater distances and doesn’t get “stuck” on an object to his left as often. He makes good eye contact with us and smiles more and more often which just melts us on the spot. He has also invented the fast paced, big action game of “Got your Lip”. We generally play early in the morning after a diaper change and nursing session. It involves lip grabbing, noisy encouragement and tickly kisses. It is a lot of fun for us as it seems like his first real interactive time and is maybe a glimpse at a sense of humour.
Thanks again to all for your support, prayers and words of encouragement (and food and clothes and diapers and cards and time and energy…!) We will try to keep everyone up to date, it is not so often that I have more than one hand free these days. I have to go, I hear the bean calling for MILK! with love, Kara (and Ronan and Nolan)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 3:40 am
Here’s to the southpaws of the world! And thank God for schedules too. He’s six months old now, right? Wow. And a whole month at home. We’re just so happy for y’all (except for the part about the Heels…just kidding.) And isn’t it nice that he can ask to be fed now that his throat isn’t full of tubes! I’m sure you have a different appreciation for the noises he makes than most parents. All the noises, actually. Here’s to the bean! And to y’all as well.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 6:57 am
Sounds like being home is just what Nolan needed! Well done to all of you- keep up the fantastic job you’re doing and Nolan…Grow, grow, grow!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 8:49 am
GREAT JOB NOLAN! CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU BUDDY. LOVE TO YOUR MOM & DAD.FLEMING
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 9:14 am
We are so happy for thethree of you. I can’t tell you how excited we were to learn that you are all home starting to get into a routine. Take care and bless you.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 6:47 pm
wow - things sound so happy and well - love the got your lip game but warning that fast progresses to got your nip - the favorite nursing game - no joke! watchout! ;-) I just love learning about Nolan’s person and personality so beautifully blooming! It is wonderful to picture you there at home with tickly kisses - what a great image to hold for all of us - Our love is with each of you - love you -H
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 9:31 pm
HAPPY B-DAY ON WEDS NOLAN!!! Yipee—time flys when you are growing, and laughing, and snoring! Love you all.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 4:01 pm
We just love that lil’ guy! Thanks for the update, mama!
Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 5:40 pm
You all look great! That little (big!) pink lipped boy is a handsome fella.
Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 10:53 am
Well, now I bet EVERYONE wants to play ‘got your lip’ (although I imagine it would be frowned upon at work). That Nolan is quite a trendsetter!
Monday, March 26, 2007 at 9:45 pm
It’s so amazing to think of where ya’ll have come from. So much has happened in 6 months. Nolan looks wonderful, hope to meet him in Gatlinburg this summer!! Love to each of you.
renee