Day #9: Momma bonding and computer success!

Yeah!!! My laptop is working again!!! I can finally amuse myself in the evenings. THAT is a relief! Anyway, I spent the day with Joel in the hospital. When I got there, his nurse said that he had taken all of his last two bottles! She suggested that I leave him in the isolette between feedings so that he could get a good sound sleep and not waste any calories before his next feeding. I did it, but I didn't like it! I had a little issue with the nurse today, and I sincerely hope she is not there tomorrow. She made several comments that I found both rude and unnecessary. This is the first time that any of the staff has been irritating, so I guess we are lucky that way. While I was changing his diaper today, Joel grabbed my thumb with both of his hands and held on tight. It made my heart melt! I know when he smiles it is only gas, but he smiles a lot and it is absolutely adorable! He seemed a lot more interactive today...he stroked my shirt with his fingers while he was eating and really seemed like he was staring at me when he was making noises. He was really alert. The combination of more formula, higher caloric intake, and longer and more restful naps seem to contribute to a more alert and happy baby boy! Rob is coming back tomorrow afternoon. Joel and I are both looking forward to that! I forgot to mention yesterday that the hospital chaplain came by and did a quick and simple baby blessing. We will obviously still have him baptized when we get home, but he said some wonderful things in his blessing and we were glad we decided to have him so it. Joel got a certificate for his blessing today. He now weighs 4 pounds, 10 ounces, but that should go up. I need to get there early tomorrow to try and catch the doctor on his rounds. I need to ask if we will be able to move him to a crib or remove his feeding tube tomorrow. Keep our fingers crossed and say a prayer that at least one of those things will happen...we need some progress so that we can get the little guy home! Good night all....