Day #6: Good news and exhaustion sets in!

Another good news day for the Fosters. Joel is doing REALLY well. In fact, the doctor today told us that we will be bringing him home in less than a week (as long as he continues to progress)! It was a busy day for Mom and Dad today. When we got there we had to feed him right away, since the little guy was starving. He continues to do well with his bottles. He still is not taking the whole amount. They have kept his intake at 40ccs but switched him to a higher calorie formula. He takes about 25-30 ccs before he conks out. They finish his feeding with the tube still in his nose. Speaking of which, he pulled it out this morning and had to have it put back in. He cannot keep his hands out of his face! They almost decided to just leave it out but did not. He needs to "ad lib" feed, which apparently means eat a decent but not predetermined amount at each feeding (eating only what he wants) consistently. It's easy to get frustrated, but everyone assures us that he will get it soon. This morning Rob and I went to the Infant CPR class in the hospital. It was quick but thorough...hopefully we NEVER need it. Then it was back upstairs for another feeding. I hate to be biased, but he is soooo darn cute! We got to snuggle him for a long time this afternoon. I think he is starting to suck his thumb and is quite the cuddlebug! I also swear that his hair is getting longer, but that could be wrong. Late today we met with the occupational therapist to learn baby massage. Some of Joel's muscles are very tight (due to prematurity) and the massage was to help with that. Well, at first he screamed and didn't seem to like it, but once we rolled him over on his side to do his arms and legs he really did relax considerably. He was out of it after that! Baby massage is fun for Mom and Dad too. Anyone want a lesson? :0) Since he was pretty much unconscious after that we decided to leave. Oops...I forgot to mention that the nurse started reviewing our discharge paperwork with us this afternoon, so we must be making progress! Also, Courtney and Jeff stopped by today to see the baby. I really admire her for recognizing that she does not want to be a parent and sticking to her decision. She clearly loves the baby but does not seem to enjoy caring for him unless he is just cuddling quietly. As soon as he fusses, she hands him back to me. That's fine by me! After we left the hospital we went to Cincinnati to have dinner with Rob's sister and her family. Afterwards, we went to Babies R Us and registered. We picked up some diapers, lotion, and small miscellaneous things that we will not want to run out and get once we get home. By the time we got back to the Ronald McDonald House we were both completely exhausted and not even speaking in complete sentences. Right now Rob is on the couch in the laundry room watching TV and waiting for Joel's laundry to be done while I type this. I am way too tired tonight to mess around with the laptop. Tomorrow evening should be quiet and I plan to try it again then. I hope it works....I have some really cute pictures to post! We are still scheduled to meet with Courtney and her mother tomorrow, so wish us luck with that. I'm sure it will be fine, but think good thoughts for us! Happy Birthday, Dad! More tomorrow.......I'm going to go wake up my hubby now and check on the laundry! Good night!