Hello Baby, you had another wonderful day. You gained 22 g and now weigh in at 3 lbs 10 oz. Four pounds seems just around the corner. Today was maybe the biggest milestone you will have in your stay here. You got taken off oxygen all together, and now just breathe regular air with no assistance just like everyone else. We are so proud. You have handled it extremely well. I actually think you do better now that you don’t have any uncomfortable tubes in your nose or mouth. You seem as comfortable as ever and I think with less frustration in your life you stay calm and have better numbers than when you had oxygen.
So we are now tasting food! The next hurdle for you is learning to eat well. So, when you are alert at touch times we hold you and give you your pacifier. Whenever you suck on it we give you a little drop of milk. You really enjoyed your fist taste. I could see your wheels turning when it hit your lips. I asked you if you liked it and you gave me the biggest smile I have ever seen. It is clear this is something you like. I really enjoy this too. We get to do this together. I very much feels like a little bonding moment for us. We also get to hold you almost every touch time now. If you are awake and alert we give you your little taste. We then try to hold you while you tube feeding starts right after the taste. The staff wants you to learn, that when you suck you get milk, and then you get full. You are a quick learner so I imagine this will be a quick schooling session.
Mommy gave you a bath for and for the first time actually dipped you in water. Previously, it was just sponge bath. She loved being able to do that with you. I think we both thought the day was as fun as we’ve had here. It was just full of bonding moments. We loved it, Without the oxygen, and then being able to try feeding stuff, and the big girl bath we felt like just the average family doing average parent stuff. We both needed that. It really makes us excited to get you home someday. We love you and you make us so proud.
Letters to Holland 