Growing again

John and I have finally selected a primary nurse--the main nurse in charge of the baby's care--and I couldnt be happier. Her name is Rachel, and though she seems fairly young, she is one of the best nurses we've had so far. She is incredibly smart, helpful, and really enjoys working with the babies. I love how she treats little John, and she is really fond of him. We just found out that she's going for her doctorate right now, and her knowledge and experience really shows. We are so lucky to have snagged her! She is technically little John's roommate's primary nurse right now, so shes also John's nurse while they share that room. Once baby Jameson graduates to the next room in the next few weeks, she will be John's primary nurse. Because of the nurses' schedules, he'll still have other nurses caring for him a few times a week on her days off, but it will be great to have her to go to with all of our concerns.

The big concern we've had the last few days is with the different nurses while Rachel was off. They all have their own experience and opinions, but those can be pointless if they don't know my son. Last week John was really swollen in his legs and feet from the IV fluids he was receiving. He was also super active for a few days, and was obviously burning a lot of calories. After they removed the PICC line, he dropped about 3 ounces in weight. I'm sure a little bit was the because of the weight of the equipment itself, and even more was from the lost fluids after his leg swelling went down. However, the nurse who had him that morning told me it was probably because he was too stressed out from being held, and because of that, combined with oxygen levels that have been going up and down, she wouldnt let me hold him that day. Later that evening a different nurse, on the advice from the earlier nurse, told us that it may be best to not hold him, but that it was really our decision because we're the parents.

This really ticked me off! The nurse who made this decision had made me feel like I had no choice, and that it was actually doctor's orders, neither of which were true. She also made this decision without being familiar with John's activity levels and swelling, aside from what she had been passed down from the previous nurse (he was a big lazy idiot, but I wont get into that today). Just in case, we didn't hold John this weekend hoping he would quickly gain back the weight. It has been pretty difficult; it's surprising how much your day can revolve around holding your baby for an hour.

Now that Rachel is back I feel much better. She had more logical theories about his weight loss and oxygen needs, and isn't overly concerned about either one. The docs started fortifying his milk so he should start packing on the pounds right away.

As of last night he has gained back two ounces. He is breathing well and digesting well. He is getting better at sucking and tries to eat his fingers when he's not busy trying to rip out his cannula or poke out his eyeballs. This morning he was a little too naughty with his fingers so Rachel has him all swaddled up in a little coccoon. Cutest thing ever! Well, I'm off. It's time to change a teeny diaper, read stories, and practice sucking with his binky.

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