10/2/15

Today both Jensen and I are feeling a bit unsettled. Jensen being a bit restless, alongside me feeling very tired today, I think is the cause of my restlessness. I think Jensen's excuse is the start of the ibuprofen to help close his duct. Apparently the duct being open creates constant headaches, he was pulling little headache faces this morning, but appears less affected by them this afternoon...hopefully the medicine is doing its job. Also I think the whole opening of his eye yesterday has confused him, he is desperately trying to open the other, and then perhaps the world will make better sense to him.

I've actually decided to make a mobile for him instead of ordering one online. I figured it'll give me a little project to do in between expressing, doing his cares, and writing this blog.
His milk has again been increased today to 6ml two hourly, and he did a proper little poo for mummy this morning, which was much easier to change than the meconium ones. He weighed in at a hefty 769 grams last night so is doing well in the putting on weight department (has mummy's genes there). As his milk has now increased from 80ml per kg to 100ml per kg they are able to turn off his lipids which have been supplying him with the fat he needs, as he is now getting enough fat through his intake of milk.

When Phil and I arrived this morning, Jensen was all swaddled up and his legs were taped down to his nest. Because he's been a bit restless and very active, the nurses didn't want him to burn too many calories, so did this to stop him from moving about and also so he feels snug and secure. As they are turning down the humidity in his crib (55% today) his skin is drying out and will become less precious, so he is able to have a little muslin on as a light blanket. Maybe this means I will be able to hold him soon? I am desperate to have a cuddle with him, two weeks is a long time to wait. I hope it's not too much longer, but I don't want to keep asking and end up with the nurses letting me before Jensen is ready.

They are going to turn the respirator down shortly to encourage Jensen to increase his own breaths. He can be a bit lazy in this department and of course this is something that he will need to remember to do. It's often when he's fast asleep, he forgets to initiate his own breaths, allowing the ventilator to do all the work for him.
Last night I quizzed nurse Jill on why Jensen has a daily shot of caffeine. It's because it stimulates his heart and brain, and they kick in and remember to do what they are supposed to do, it prompts him to breathe and helps to regulate his system. Similar outcomes to those of us requiring a caffeine hit most mornings I guess, and something that most of his roomies are having as well.
This afternoon Jensen has some male company. His nurse is Cameron, a male nurse. I think Jensen, as much as he loves all the ladies, might appreciate another hairy faced male around. There are not too many of them in this department, I think just one or two out of the 80 nurses in the NICU.

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