Check out some of our visitors...
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Enjoying our visitors...
Mackenzie has been having quite a few visitors stop in and meet her! She surely loves all of the new faces. It's nice to have people over since we aren't able to go out in public quite yet with her. Maybe we'll have an abnormally warm February and then we can bust out of the house!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from the Osika Family!
Our Christmas wish came true when we knew we would have Mackenzie home with us for the holidays! We couldn't have asked for anything more. We have spent the day lounging in our pajamas and enjoying every moment with our little girl.
Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Watch me grow...
Mackenzie had her second doctor's appointment today, 12/23/09, for another weight check. We were very pleased to see that she gained another 4 oz since her last visit. She now weighs 4lbs 13oz, one pound more than her birth weight. She has another appointment in two weeks on January 7th and then her 2 month well visit on January 27th. Mommy and Daddy gave Mackenzie her first bath at home, without the help of all the NICU nurses. We were very fortunate to get lots of tips from the nurses during her 3 week stay. We feel like our transition home has been easier due to the teaching we received in the NICU. Mackenzie appears to really enjoy her bath time, especially getting her hair was
hed! Afterwards she did k-care (kangaroo) with Daddy to get her warmed up.
hed! Afterwards she did k-care (kangaroo) with Daddy to get her warmed up. Saturday, December 19, 2009
Home Sweet Home
The Osika Family quickly settled into a nice little routine with the homecoming of our little peanut on Wednesday, December 16th. Cheyenne, our foster puppy, is already Mackenzie's little watch dog. She always goes over and checks on her if she makes any noises or fusses, which is very rare. We are very fortunate in that Mackenzie is a very content baby. She sleeps until she is woken up for 
her feedings, every 3 hours (8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm, 11pm, 2am, 5am).Mackenzie had her first doctor's appointment yesterday, December 18th. We were very pleased when we saw that she had gained a little over 2 oz. since she got discharged from the hospital. She is now 4lbs 9oz.
Andy was able to take off from work on Thursday, December 17th to help us all get settled into our new environment. Andy has been absolutely wonderful. I couldn't ask for a better husband and father. He is a natural with Mackenzie. Seeing him interact with our little girl 
will never get old. It brings joy to my heart to see him express his lover to her.
will never get old. It brings joy to my heart to see him express his lover to her. Enjoy some of the pictures of our first few days at home!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Welcome Home Mackenzie Reese...
After 3 weeks and 1 day in the NICU, Mackenzie Reese was discharged today around 4pm. We have already had 2 feedings and 2 diaper changes and things are going fantastic.Thank you again for all of you who continued to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Mackenzie is lucky to be loved by so many.
We will continue to keep you updated as we embark on this new adventure at home with our little peanut!
All our love,
Andy, Melissa & Mackenzie
Monday, December 14, 2009
All I want for Christmas....
Date: December 14, 2009
Age: 20 days
Gestational Age: 36 weeks, 3 days
Weight: 4lbs 3oz.
We received great news today from the doctors.....if all continues to go well with feeding and Mackenzie continues to gain weight, she'll be coming home on Wednesday, 12/16/09. Hip Hip Hooray! All I wanted for Christmas was to have my little girl home. I am crossing my fingers and toes that my wish comes true!
She also received another change in her orders today, she was bumped up to 40mL per feeding. However, she'll also be trying "ad lib" feeding. This just means that when she chooses to stop eating, she'll be done. In the past, they would always put anything she didn't eat down her feeding tube (which she hasn't had for almost 48 hours). She ate all 40mL at both her 11am and 2pm feedings. In addition to the change in her feeds, she no longer has to wear her pulse ox on her foot. She is down to just having one cord, her leads.
The last thing she'll need to do is pass the car seat test. This is where they put her in her car seat for 90 minutes and monitor how she does. They say that most babies don't have a problem with this. If things go well tonight and tomorrow, they'll most likely do this test on Tuesday evening.
Anxious for the big day.....
Age: 20 days
Gestational Age: 36 weeks, 3 days
Weight: 4lbs 3oz.
We received great news today from the doctors.....if all continues to go well with feeding and Mackenzie continues to gain weight, she'll be coming home on Wednesday, 12/16/09. Hip Hip Hooray! All I wanted for Christmas was to have my little girl home. I am crossing my fingers and toes that my wish comes true!
She also received another change in her orders today, she was bumped up to 40mL per feeding. However, she'll also be trying "ad lib" feeding. This just means that when she chooses to stop eating, she'll be done. In the past, they would always put anything she didn't eat down her feeding tube (which she hasn't had for almost 48 hours). She ate all 40mL at both her 11am and 2pm feedings. In addition to the change in her feeds, she no longer has to wear her pulse ox on her foot. She is down to just having one cord, her leads.
The last thing she'll need to do is pass the car seat test. This is where they put her in her car seat for 90 minutes and monitor how she does. They say that most babies don't have a problem with this. If things go well tonight and tomorrow, they'll most likely do this test on Tuesday evening.
Anxious for the big day.....
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Hungry Hungry Hippo....
Date: December 12, 2009
Age: 18 days old
Gestational Age: 36 weeks, 1 day
Weight: 4lbs 3oz.
Mackenzie received a change in her orders during the 9am rounds. We were told that we can now try to breast or bottle feed her every 3 hours (previously only doing every other feeding). If she isn't up for it they will continue to use her feeding tube. This is the huge step we have been waiting for. We knew that the feedings were the last thing on her checklist to accomplish before she could go home.
Mackenzie is definitely showing signs of hunger today. Until today, she never really fussed at all before her feedings. She just kept on sleeping. Today we really started to notice that she lets it be known that she is hungry.
Our little peanut also gained another ounce. She now weighs 4lbs 3oz. It's great to hear nurses say that she is getting bigger when they come back from having a few days off. Andy and I have also noticed that her cheeks are starting to fill out a bit more.
Age: 18 days old
Gestational Age: 36 weeks, 1 day
Weight: 4lbs 3oz.
Mackenzie received a change in her orders during the 9am rounds. We were told that we can now try to breast or bottle feed her every 3 hours (previously only doing every other feeding). If she isn't up for it they will continue to use her feeding tube. This is the huge step we have been waiting for. We knew that the feedings were the last thing on her checklist to accomplish before she could go home.
Mackenzie is definitely showing signs of hunger today. Until today, she never really fussed at all before her feedings. She just kept on sleeping. Today we really started to notice that she lets it be known that she is hungry.
Our little peanut also gained another ounce. She now weighs 4lbs 3oz. It's great to hear nurses say that she is getting bigger when they come back from having a few days off. Andy and I have also noticed that her cheeks are starting to fill out a bit more.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Let's just say that I feel like I've been quite emotional this past week. I'm doing everything I can to try to stay positive and optimistic. It's been hard balancing the fact that Mackenzie is doing absolutely wonderful and making improvements every day with the fact that it's still not quite good enough to hear those wonderful words "she is going home!" I feel like each day gets harder and I grow more impatient. I know that being in the NICU is the best place for her right now and she is getting wonderful care 24/7. However, that doesn't take away the fact that I want my little girl home with me.
The last thing that Mackenzie needs to do is conquer her feedings. She is currently on 4 feedings a day via breast or bottle. The past two nights she ate her full feeding (37mL) via the bottle at her 2am feeding. Mackenzie is getting stronger every day and thus we see improvements with breastfeeding at every attempt. As of now, the most she has taken from the breast has been 28mL. The difference is then supplemented through her feeding tube. I keep questioning the breast feeding because I wonder if it's me that can't provide her with the full amount that she needs. I asked the nurses "at what point do you decide that perhaps my supply isn't enough?" There response was that they would never say that. I have a guilty conscience because I don't want to be the one hindering her progress. I know that until she consistently gets full feedings she'll be in the NICU and not at home. So, I continue to wonder, perhaps I am just not capable of producing the milk supply that little Mackenzie needs.
Another difficult situation that I continue to get emotional about is the fact that for every day she is in the NICU it means one less day with her at home before my FMLA runs out. I will never get that time back. I get 12 weeks off to be with my daughter. But, that 12 weeks started the day she was born. In order to try to extend my leave, I am trying to do some work from home when I have time. However, time is the issue. I want to be at the hospital with Mackenzie as much as I can. But, that also means less time that I can work. It's a vicious cycle. There is very little time left in the day after considering all of the time spent at the hospital, feeding Mackenzie at 8am, 2pm, and 8pm, pumping every 3 hours, eating, sleeping, etc. Somewhere in there I try to squeeze in a few hours of work.
I'm hanging in there and praying for my daughter to get stronger every day. I continue to pray that she is home in time for Christmas....that would be the best Christmas present ever!!
The last thing that Mackenzie needs to do is conquer her feedings. She is currently on 4 feedings a day via breast or bottle. The past two nights she ate her full feeding (37mL) via the bottle at her 2am feeding. Mackenzie is getting stronger every day and thus we see improvements with breastfeeding at every attempt. As of now, the most she has taken from the breast has been 28mL. The difference is then supplemented through her feeding tube. I keep questioning the breast feeding because I wonder if it's me that can't provide her with the full amount that she needs. I asked the nurses "at what point do you decide that perhaps my supply isn't enough?" There response was that they would never say that. I have a guilty conscience because I don't want to be the one hindering her progress. I know that until she consistently gets full feedings she'll be in the NICU and not at home. So, I continue to wonder, perhaps I am just not capable of producing the milk supply that little Mackenzie needs.
Another difficult situation that I continue to get emotional about is the fact that for every day she is in the NICU it means one less day with her at home before my FMLA runs out. I will never get that time back. I get 12 weeks off to be with my daughter. But, that 12 weeks started the day she was born. In order to try to extend my leave, I am trying to do some work from home when I have time. However, time is the issue. I want to be at the hospital with Mackenzie as much as I can. But, that also means less time that I can work. It's a vicious cycle. There is very little time left in the day after considering all of the time spent at the hospital, feeding Mackenzie at 8am, 2pm, and 8pm, pumping every 3 hours, eating, sleeping, etc. Somewhere in there I try to squeeze in a few hours of work.
I'm hanging in there and praying for my daughter to get stronger every day. I continue to pray that she is home in time for Christmas....that would be the best Christmas present ever!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
She passed the test...
Date: 12/10/09Age: 16 days old
Gestational Age: 35 weeks, 6 days
Weight: 4lbs 1 oz.
Mackenzie has a special message for her Grammy....Happy Birthday Grammy!
Mommy noticed that Mackenzie had big girl diapers on. She is now wearing Size 1 diapers...they are huge on her. I'm guessing they are out of the preemie diapers for the time being. I hope they get more in stock because Mackenzie is swimming in the Size 1 diapers.
Mackenzie's umbilical cord fell off last night before her 8pm feeding. Her nurse, Lauren, found it in her diaper during one of her changings. Now she can get a real bath. Daddy and I may try to do that this weekend during one of our visits.
Date: 12/11/09
Age: 17 days old
Gestational Age: 36 weeks
Age: 17 days old
Gestational Age: 36 weeks
Weight: 4lbs 2oz.
Mackenzie gained another ounce and now weighs 4lbs 2oz. She also ate another full bottle (37mL) at her 2am feeding.
She officially passed the open crib "test" and is now out of her isolette and in a real big girl bed. She is in a bed similar to that of what they use in the regular nursery. Mackenzie is losing another pod-mate. She has already said good-bye to two boys, Merlin and Daniel. She will be saying good-bye to Jocelyn on Sunday. Jocelyn was born at 34 weeks 4 days (just one week older than Mackenzie). So, we are hopeful that Mackenzie follows in her footsteps and possibly go home next Sunday. Time will tell....
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Big girl bed...
Date: December 8, 2009Age: 14 days old
Gestational Age: 35 weeks, 4 days
Weight: 4lbs.
Happy 2 Week Birthday Mackenzie!
Mackenzie gained back the 2 oz. that she had lost on Monday. Hooray! We weren't sure
how her weight would be with everything that we are asking her to do. She continues to show progress with each breastfeeding attempt. Mommy and Daddy can tell that her latch has gotten so much stronger since the first time we tried breastfeeding. Daddy also gave Mackenzie her first bottle this evening. She ate 5mL from the bottle. But, between her sponge bath and breastfeeding she was pooped. So, we'll see how the bottle feeding goes in the middle of the night.
how her weight would be with everything that we are asking her to do. She continues to show progress with each breastfeeding attempt. Mommy and Daddy can tell that her latch has gotten so much stronger since the first time we tried breastfeeding. Daddy also gave Mackenzie her first bottle this evening. She ate 5mL from the bottle. But, between her sponge bath and breastfeeding she was pooped. So, we'll see how the bottle feeding goes in the middle of the night. Mackenzie met some new faces this afternoon. Mommy's co-workers, Debbie Kershner and Jen Meyers stopped in to meet Mackenzie for the first time. They thought she was precious!
Date: December 9, 2009
Age: 15 days old
Gestational Age: 35 weeks, 5 days
Age: 15 days old
Gestational Age: 35 weeks, 5 days
Weight: 4lbs, 1 oz.
Mackenzie hit another big milestone today. She graduated to a big girl bed. This means that she is now in an open crib and no longer receiving a heated bed. She has to be able to maintain her own body temperature (between 97.6-98.9). If she is unable to do this they would turn the heat back on her bed. As you can tell by the picture, they have her all bundled up and her hat on at all time to try to keep her warm. Her temperature remained constant all day yesterday, 98.0. So, mommy and daddy are anxious to see how she did during the night.Mackenzie also had some new visitors today. Mommy's co-worker, Susan Frailey, stopped in to meet the little peanut. Mackenzie loves meeting new people!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Keeps on truckin'.....
Date: December 7, 2009
Age: 13 days old
Gestational Age: 35 weeks, 3 days
Our little peanut continues to do well with everything that is being thrown at her!
Mommy was increased to breastfeeding Mackenzie 4 times a day (up from 3 times/day). In addition to the increased feedings, she is now up to 37mL at each feeding (up from 35mL). Mackenzie was weighing in at 4lbs yesterday and lost 2oz when she was weighed at midnight (making her 3lbs 14oz). However, this is to be expected as we are asking her to expend calories to breastfeed and to maintain her temperature in a 28 degree Celsius bed.
We will continue to keep our heads held high as we watch our daughter do well. We continue to pray that she'll be home in time to celebrate Christmas!
Age: 13 days old
Gestational Age: 35 weeks, 3 days
Our little peanut continues to do well with everything that is being thrown at her!
Mommy was increased to breastfeeding Mackenzie 4 times a day (up from 3 times/day). In addition to the increased feedings, she is now up to 37mL at each feeding (up from 35mL). Mackenzie was weighing in at 4lbs yesterday and lost 2oz when she was weighed at midnight (making her 3lbs 14oz). However, this is to be expected as we are asking her to expend calories to breastfeed and to maintain her temperature in a 28 degree Celsius bed.
We will continue to keep our heads held high as we watch our daughter do well. We continue to pray that she'll be home in time to celebrate Christmas!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Continues to gain weight...
Date: Saturday, 12/5/09Age: 11 days old
Gestational Age: 35 weeks, 1 day
When we arrived in the morning we noticed that they had to bump the temperature up a little bit on Mackenzie's bed. It was now back up to 29 degrees Celsius. Andy reassures me to stay positive and that it was just that they turned it down rather aggressively.
However, we were told that the docs and nurses want mommy to try breastfeeding now three times a day (up from twice a day). They are also going to adjust her feeding times to better suit this. Her old feeding times fell during a lot of the NICU closings. Her new feeding schedule is 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm, etc. (every three hours). Mommy will try to feed her at 8am, 2pm, and 8pm. They like to give her a break in between feedings so she doesn't get too tired out.
Mackenzie did get to experience her first snow fall. Check out the family picture!
Date: Sunday, 12/6/09
Age: 12 days
Gestational Age: 35 weeks, 2 days
Hooray! We have nothing but good news to report for today. Mackenzie's bed is back down to 28 degrees. The little peanut also gained 3 oz. and now weighs in at 4 lbs! Our little peanut is on the "get big program!" She also ate 16mL while mommy breastfed her during her 8am feeding. Way to go Mackenzie. Keep up the good work and we'll have you home in no time!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Simply Amazing....
Date: Friday, 12/4/09
Age: 10 days old
Gestational Age: 35 weeks
Mackenzie continues to amaze us every day. This morning we arrived to yet more good news...she gained another ounce and is back to her birth weight (3lbs 13oz). In addition, her bed is at the lowest heat setting. So, before we know it, she'll be in an open crib! Hip Hip Hooray!!! Andy and I were in awe of her during her noon feeding as we attempted breast feeding yet again. She ROCKED! She ate 22mL!
We continue to be amazed each and every day. She is doing fantastic and we can't want until we can bring her home!
Age: 10 days old
Gestational Age: 35 weeks
Mackenzie continues to amaze us every day. This morning we arrived to yet more good news...she gained another ounce and is back to her birth weight (3lbs 13oz). In addition, her bed is at the lowest heat setting. So, before we know it, she'll be in an open crib! Hip Hip Hooray!!! Andy and I were in awe of her during her noon feeding as we attempted breast feeding yet again. She ROCKED! She ate 22mL!
We continue to be amazed each and every day. She is doing fantastic and we can't want until we can bring her home!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Continues to improve...
Today Mackenzie is 9 days old. And she has come a long way since she was born on 11/24/2009. Her mommy and daddy are so happy with the progress she has made in such a short amount of time.
Sunday, 11/29/09:
Mommy and Daddy came back on Sunday to visit Mackenzie after being discharged the previous night. We had to stop at Babies R Us on our way to buy Mackenzie a special car seat that can handle babies who are 4lbs. We also brought along two visitors on Sunday, Uncle Joey & Aunt Tara. The little guy, Tyler, was quite upset when he couldn't meet Mackenzie (children aren't allowed in the NICU).
When we arrived we noticed that you were under the "billi lights" to help improve your billireubin/jaundice. We just kept telling Mackenzie that she was at the beach and to soak up the sun.
We did get some good news when we arrived....your feeding was once again being bumped up, from 22mL to 30mL. In addition to that, your oxygen was again being lowered from 1.5L push to 1.0L push.
We did however get word back from the echo that was done to check out Mackenzie's heart murmur. The ultra sound showed that she has a VSD (ventricular septal defect). At this point, Mackenzie's neonatologist, Dr. Fink, is very optimistic and assures us that they will continue to monitor her during her stay with the NICU. It may just be something that requires some visits to the cardiologist after discharge. We are praying that the hole closes on it's on before she leaves.
Here is a little information on VSD's....
A ventricular septal defect describes one or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. A ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital (present from birth) heart defects. If the defect is small, no treatment is usually needed. However, the baby should be closely monitored by a health care provider to make sure that the hole eventually closes properly and signs of heart failure do not occur. A doctor may prescribe medications, such as digitalis (digoxin) and diuretics, for heart failure. Regardless of the size of the defect, all children with ventricular septal defect need to take antibiotics before undergoing dental work and certain other invasive procedures. If symptoms continue despite medication or the VSD leads to a heart infection, surgery to close the defect with a Gore-tex patch is needed. Some VSDs can be closed with a special device during a catheterization.
Monday, 11/30/09:
Mommy and Daddy arrived first thing in the morning. Monday was Daddy's first day back to work. Since mommy isn't allowed to drive she got dropped off with Daddy in the morning. Daddy gets his time with Mackenzie in the morning, over lunch, and at dinner time. And mommy has been arranging some "taxi" services during her no-driving period.
When we arrived on Monday, we were immediately greeted with good news, Mackenzie was off the billi lights and she gained 1 oz! She is now 3 lbs. 9 oz. (born at 3 lbs 13 oz.). Mommy also attempted breastfeeding for the first time. However, Mackenzie was more interested in sleeping than anything. But, we'll continue to try until she gets the sucking/breathing/swallowing motions down to a science.
Tuesday, 12/1/09:
Mackenzie is one week old! Hooray! Not only did Mackenzie gain another ounce (up to 3lbs 10oz) but she is also off her nasal cannula! Hip Hip Hooray! I love looking at her beautiful face without that nasal cannula hiding it. Mommy also tried breastfeeding again today at your 12noon feeding. We definitely saw improvements from the previous day. But, we still need some more practice. We'll try again at your evening feeding.
Wednesday, 12/2/09:
Mommy and Daddy were again greeted with great news upon arrival....Mackenzie gained another ounce (up to 3lbs 11oz), her feeding tube is now inserted through her nose (to assist with breastfeeding), and the doctors ordered to have your heated bed gradually turned down to get you ready for an open crib. The heated beds are set at 31.5 degrees Celsius and need to decrease down to 28 degrees. The nurses will lower the temperature a 1/2 degree every 24 hours. Mackenzie also did great with her evening breastfeeding attempt. Mommy used a "nipple shield" to make things easier for the little peanut and she took in 2mL. Hooray!
Thursday, 12/3/09:
Mommy got to pick out her adorable outfit for today. Of course I picked out an outfit that had brown in it....so cute....pictures to come.
Upon our arrival we saw that Mackenzie gained yet another ounce (3lbs 12oz). She has one more ounce to gain and then she'll be back at her birth weight of 3lbs 13oz. We also noticed that her bed is down to 29.5 degrees Celsius. Only 1 1/2 more degrees to go. Mackenzie showed even more improvement at her 12noon breastfeeding session. She ate another 2mL. Way to go peanut. Keep up the good work!
Sunday, 11/29/09:
Mommy and Daddy came back on Sunday to visit Mackenzie after being discharged the previous night. We had to stop at Babies R Us on our way to buy Mackenzie a special car seat that can handle babies who are 4lbs. We also brought along two visitors on Sunday, Uncle Joey & Aunt Tara. The little guy, Tyler, was quite upset when he couldn't meet Mackenzie (children aren't allowed in the NICU).
When we arrived we noticed that you were under the "billi lights" to help improve your billireubin/jaundice. We just kept telling Mackenzie that she was at the beach and to soak up the sun.
We did get some good news when we arrived....your feeding was once again being bumped up, from 22mL to 30mL. In addition to that, your oxygen was again being lowered from 1.5L push to 1.0L push.
We did however get word back from the echo that was done to check out Mackenzie's heart murmur. The ultra sound showed that she has a VSD (ventricular septal defect). At this point, Mackenzie's neonatologist, Dr. Fink, is very optimistic and assures us that they will continue to monitor her during her stay with the NICU. It may just be something that requires some visits to the cardiologist after discharge. We are praying that the hole closes on it's on before she leaves.
Here is a little information on VSD's....
A ventricular septal defect describes one or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. A ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital (present from birth) heart defects. If the defect is small, no treatment is usually needed. However, the baby should be closely monitored by a health care provider to make sure that the hole eventually closes properly and signs of heart failure do not occur. A doctor may prescribe medications, such as digitalis (digoxin) and diuretics, for heart failure. Regardless of the size of the defect, all children with ventricular septal defect need to take antibiotics before undergoing dental work and certain other invasive procedures. If symptoms continue despite medication or the VSD leads to a heart infection, surgery to close the defect with a Gore-tex patch is needed. Some VSDs can be closed with a special device during a catheterization.
Monday, 11/30/09:
Mommy and Daddy arrived first thing in the morning. Monday was Daddy's first day back to work. Since mommy isn't allowed to drive she got dropped off with Daddy in the morning. Daddy gets his time with Mackenzie in the morning, over lunch, and at dinner time. And mommy has been arranging some "taxi" services during her no-driving period.
When we arrived on Monday, we were immediately greeted with good news, Mackenzie was off the billi lights and she gained 1 oz! She is now 3 lbs. 9 oz. (born at 3 lbs 13 oz.). Mommy also attempted breastfeeding for the first time. However, Mackenzie was more interested in sleeping than anything. But, we'll continue to try until she gets the sucking/breathing/swallowing motions down to a science.
Tuesday, 12/1/09:
Mackenzie is one week old! Hooray! Not only did Mackenzie gain another ounce (up to 3lbs 10oz) but she is also off her nasal cannula! Hip Hip Hooray! I love looking at her beautiful face without that nasal cannula hiding it. Mommy also tried breastfeeding again today at your 12noon feeding. We definitely saw improvements from the previous day. But, we still need some more practice. We'll try again at your evening feeding.
Wednesday, 12/2/09:
Mommy and Daddy were again greeted with great news upon arrival....Mackenzie gained another ounce (up to 3lbs 11oz), her feeding tube is now inserted through her nose (to assist with breastfeeding), and the doctors ordered to have your heated bed gradually turned down to get you ready for an open crib. The heated beds are set at 31.5 degrees Celsius and need to decrease down to 28 degrees. The nurses will lower the temperature a 1/2 degree every 24 hours. Mackenzie also did great with her evening breastfeeding attempt. Mommy used a "nipple shield" to make things easier for the little peanut and she took in 2mL. Hooray!
Thursday, 12/3/09:
Mommy got to pick out her adorable outfit for today. Of course I picked out an outfit that had brown in it....so cute....pictures to come.
Upon our arrival we saw that Mackenzie gained yet another ounce (3lbs 12oz). She has one more ounce to gain and then she'll be back at her birth weight of 3lbs 13oz. We also noticed that her bed is down to 29.5 degrees Celsius. Only 1 1/2 more degrees to go. Mackenzie showed even more improvement at her 12noon breastfeeding session. She ate another 2mL. Way to go peanut. Keep up the good work!
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