The 10 am Routine

If you have ever wondered what we do to feed Nicholas, meaning preparation wise, here is a video that was shot this morning (3/24/12) at 10 am.  This is what we do every day at 10 am and only 1 part is left out at the 10 pm feeding (the multivitamin). 

Here are some of the answers to some questions that may arise while watching the video.

1. The inhaler is called QVAR and it is to help with Nicholas' lungs (obviously).  It is a steroid that goes deeper than most inhaled steroids.
2. In the smaller bottle is 1 oz or 30 ml.  We do it that way to ensure Nicholas gets all of his medicine.  The bigger bottle contains 90 ml or 3 oz but we usually only put 2 oz or 60 ml in the 10 am bottle (I put too much this morning).
3. The other medicine that goes in the 1 oz bottle is called Diuril.  It also helps Nicholas' lungs and is used to help keep fluid out of his lungs.
4. The rice cereal is 1/2 tsp. per oz. and is given to help with reflux.

There will be another video posted soon that will show Nicholas taking this milk and me holding my middle finger under his chin for support. 

We hope you enjoy this.  It doesn't show too much of Nicholas but we just wanted to give you a little insight as to what it's like taking care of Nicholas.  Enjoy : - )

http://youtu.be/tQ4C1jdv66A

2 Visits in 1 Week

Nicholas went to the opthamologist on Tuesday.  The doctor said things still look about the same and Nicholas will go back in 2 weeks.  The doctor also said he will let Dr. Teed know how things are going.


Nicholas went to the pediatrician this morning.  The doctor has changed his formula from 24 to 22 calorie.  This visit went much better as Nicholas didn't cry and was very alert and playful.  On Nicholas' next visit he will have to get more immunization shots.   


Nicholas weighs 12lbs8oz but he didn't get measured today.

Asleep on His Mommy

Another New Video

http://youtu.be/QEyU1E7pFJo

2 Nights

Nicholas hasn't woken up during the night for the last 2 nights.  Hopefully, this trend will continue tonight.  He didn't roll over any Monday or Tuesday but did on Wednesday night.  It seems like the main reason why he can't every time (not yet at least) is that he will turn his head 1 way and then throw his legs the other and not the same way his head is turned.  He also, for the most part, is using his legs and not lifting his head.  Meaning, he will just lift his head at 1 time or he'll just lift his legs.  He does tend to get a little agitated when he can't roll over.


Nicholas has his pediatric appointment this week.  We will post his latest weight and length asap.

Doctor's Appointments

Nicholas saw his pulmonologist today for the first time.  Unfortunately, the doctor said Nicholas isn't quite ready to be weaned down on his oxygen just yet.  He did however say that we don't need to turn Nicholas' oxygen up for his feedings unless we think Nicholas needs it.  It is a step in the right direction and hopefully next month he will be ready to have his oxygen weaned down.

Nicholas' opthamologist appointment has been rescheduled for next week.


I'm sorry for the lack of updates too.  There isn't a whole lot to tell and when I get off from work I look after Nicholas and Mariah uses the computer for work during that time.  Then we eat supper and spend some time with Nicholas and he gets a bath and his bottle and then we all go to sleep (or at least try).  I'll post any time something changes or happens.

We would also like to congratulate my sister and brother-in-law on the birth of their second child Jason (Jase) Simpson Skinner Jr. He was born on Monday night and we all look forward to seeing him very soon.

NICHOLAS ROLLED OVER!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A5dZxPI3R8   

5 months old 3/10/12

There is nothing really new to say about Nicholas.  He still stays up until 2 or 3 am and sleeps from 6:30 am-9am or so.  We have increased his 6 and 10 pm bottles from 3 to 4 oz hoping that will help him get to sleep a little quicker. 

Nicholas will be going to see the opthamologist for the last time next week.  He will also meet his pulmanologist for the first time next week too.

Here's a video of Nicholas getting a bath.
http://youtu.be/ZxVF72KQ7Zs

Here are some of the latest pictures.

PaPa holding Nicholas for the first time.

Nicholas at 6 am about to get changed.

5 months old with mommy.

Nicholas' Progress

http://youtu.be/ZHudJHsS5Uc

A Shot

Nicholas got his last RSV shot for this season this afternoon.  He cried a little but after I held him for a couple of minutes he stopped.  Since he got his last shot today that naturally means RSV season is almost over and we will be allowing more visitors to come.  We will post it on here when the time is appropriate. 

It should also be noted that when visitors come over you will not be allowed to pass Nicholas back and forth.  They told us in the NICU not to do that (don't ask me why).  Meaning, if 1 person holds him then another and the 1st person wants to hold him again they can not.  Also, the first thing you will need to do when you come in is wash your hands.  It is just a safety precaution and Mariah and I do it every time we come home.  It is the same routine they use in the NICU.  We also have hand sanitizers in case you touch something after you wash your hands but before you touch Nicholas.  These guidelines will be posted again once RSV season is over.


Nicholas now weighs 11lbs3oz.