Week One...

I have to admit that when they brought me in a wheelchair to see my son for the first time I thought I was in a dream.  Who's tiny baby was this laying in an isolette?  The wires, tubes, patches, probes and machines...this couldn't be my child, Boston connected to all of these? 
It was really hard for me at first to connect with my little one.  After all, I only was given an ever-so-brief glance at him as he was whisked away to the NICU (newborn intensive care unit). 

Luckily, dad stepped right in.  From the second Joe saw Boston born, to the time when we were able to visit him in the NICU he started talking to his little boy.  He reassured him that everything would be alright.  It was amazing, watching the transformation of this tough, ultra-macho man when he was around his son. 

Tuesday, as I visited Boston in the NICU, I forced myself to talk to him.  It still was very awkward for me.  Two, three times we visited him but it wasn't until the third day, Wednesday, September 23rd when I finally received what I needed.  Joe and I, admist the web of cords were able to hold him. 

They laid Boston on my bare chest, covered by 2 warm blankets.  I immediately received the bond that was missing.  Poor boy, I was bouncing his little head from the convulsions in my chest as tears streamed down my cheeks.  I have never experienced such joy and love.  Now I finally know what all you mothers were trying to tell me about having children.  You could never portray this feeling in words. It was beyond amazing!

I was given 30 minutes, and then dad was able to hold him for another 30.  Boston peered up at him as if to say "I know you, you're my dad"! It was the most precious moment.

So, by far Day 3 was the best day of Week One.

Come Thursday, we had a routine.  I was home now, and Joe was back at work.  I would go see Boston in the morning, come home and rest (well okay, not rest) and then when Joe came home from work we would go together and see him. 

Each time we visited we were given an update from the nurse watching him.  They would tell us what oxygen levels he was using and if there were any incidents (times where his heartrate really dropped).  Then, if we timed it right, we were able to participate in Boston's cares. This was where we got to change his diaper, oh and good boy...Boston gave Dad a REALLY disgusting one! We also got to take his temperature, comb his hair (which did I mention he has a good amount of), wash out his mouth, and then snuggle him back in bed while they gave him his food (through a feeding tube).
 
Week One was full of good and bad days.  He started out not really needing oxygen but within two days he kept dipping a little so they put him on oxygen.  His skin was a little pinkish so they put him on biliruben lights.  That is why he is wearing the mask over his eyes in some of his pictures.  Luckily, he only had to have these lights on him for a few days. 

One of the positive things that we focus on is that Boston is a little porker.  Almost every day they increased the volume of food.  Due to this, he was gaining weight.  By Friday, September 25th he weighed 2 pounds 11 ounces. Up 3 ounces from when he was born!
Keep it up buddy, just don't out eat what your mom can produce!