Check Me Out

The last couple days have been a little rough on Cooper. He was doing well until they did his circumcision, then he started having a few breathing problems (can you blame him!) So yesterday afternoon he was moved to the NICU so his breathing could be monitored a little closer. I was pretty scared at first because we had been told all the NICUs in Columbus were full and there was a chance he would end up in Cincy or Dayton but luckily since all he needed was a monitor and not a vent they were able to keep him here with us. Overnight he had a few mory 'dusky' episodes, where he would forget to breathe and turn a little blue, plus he hasn't been feeding as well so they have decided to keep him in the NICU for several more days, possibly until he reaches what would have been his 36 week gestational age. Since his feeding is becoming less vigorous, there's a chance they may have to start feeding him through a tube every other feeding. He also has developed some jaundice so he is under the lights and gets to wear speacial goggles to protect his eyes. I'm surprisingly calm about everything because I know he is in good hands and under very watchful eyes.

As for myself, I was supposed to go home today but overnight my BP made a few trips into the 170s over 100s and my reflexes were brisk so they decided to start me on BP medicine, run more labs and keep me another night. The docs say it can take up to six weeks for the preeclampsia to completely resolve so we're back to 'wait and see' approach.

Today we went down for Cooper's 11:30 feeding and I got to try and feed him. He took most of the bottle from me but the nurse had the coax him to take the rest. They know all the tricks to keep the little guy awake long enough to eat. After he was done we got to cuddle for a while. He also got to cuddle with his Grammie Gramly. Then it was back under the lights and warmer. Chris and I went down again for his 8:30 feeding. Chris did much better getting him to take all his food than I did. It was a bit of a team effort to keep the little guy away long enough to take all he was supposed to. He gets a little too comfy towards the end so we have to pester him so he doesn't fall asleep. He's eaten well today and has avoided the feeding tube. Let's hope he keeps it up.

Here are some more pics of 'mini' Cooper, as Grandma Debbie calls him.