A Week of Daddy

As I've stayed away from Alex this week of necessity, I've been slightly relieved to see that my desire/need to see him is superseded by wanting what is best for him. The sore throat/cold I've had for 8 days now has kept me away from the NICU, which is the best place on earth right now. I've handled it surprisingly well, but there's nothing more I desire than to be with my baby every moment. I'm so incredibly grateful that Steven has been able to go every day and care for Alex, talk to him, hold him, change his diapers and give him a bath. And above all, take pictures! After every visit, I ask if he told Alex I love and miss him. And of course he does. He's wonderful like that. I can already tell that he and Alex are going to be great buddies. 

Alex has really had an awesome week. He was extubated on Tuesday, and put on the Vapotherm. Hooray! He had a round of steroids as he was getting off of the vent, and this helps with the inflammation that comes from having a tube in his lungs, giving him the boost he needs. So far he's been very steady on the Vapotherm, and is having little to no desats, and no bradys, as far as I'm aware. He's big enough now that they can put his feeding tube down his nose into his tummy, so his mouth is completely free from anything! He's very happy about this (I would imagine), and is sucking like crazy.

Steven tells me after each visit how many nurses have said that Alex is getting so big, and is looking more now like a baby, instead of a baby who is still obviously supposed to be inside his mommy. He has quite a fan club at the NICU, and we love those nurses. It's easy to love people who love and are so sweet with your baby all the time. 

Steven gave Alex a bath for the first time a couple of days ago. And it seems that Alex loves his baths these days! He loves the warm water and gets pretty relaxed in the bath. Keeps his eyes shut for the bath, but then is wide-eyed afterward. Though he does seem a little overwhelmed, like "Wow, what's this? Water? It's nice. Hey! I don't have any wires on my body. Mmm. That head massage feels great. Oh my. What's this? A warm towel? This is the life." 

I want to squeeze this tiny little guy! Right before I got sick, I got to hold him skin-to-skin for a good while. As I had my hand on his back, he grabbed my thumb, which was very sweet and priceless. I can't wait to do that again. He's such a happy little bright spot in my life. Him and his Daddy!