Day 3 - Hold Me

Christina came to visit mid-morning. It was a little crazy in my room with it being Monday morning, so we didn't get to visit too long. But once we saw a break in between the traffic we snuck out to go see Emerson. I was feeling pretty sore so decided to do less walking today to see if that helped. So Christina wheeled me down to see Emerson.

The nurse had great news for us when we arrived. Emerson was off oxygen! YAY! I was also very happy to hear that his bili count did come down! He had one light taken off, so was still under one light and the bili blanket. He was also able to be out of the isolette for a short period, which meant we got to hold him!

I felt a little bad that Grant wasn't there yet when they let me hold him, but he was on his way so I hoped that he would arrive and get to hold him as well. We pulled up a chair close to the isolette so all his cords would reach me. And the nurse propped him up on a few pillows on my lap. I was overwhelmed with emotions as I could not take my eyes off him. Tears of joy just rolled down my face. My son. He was beautiful, every little ounce of him! I loved that Christina was there with me. She is one of my oldest friends, and to share that moment with her was so special. I think I held him for about 10 minutes before Grant arrived. I could see the smile on Grant's face when he walked in the door. Next up was daddy! Grant and I switched places and he got to cuddle with Emerson for a little bit too. We could only keep Emerson out of the isolette for 30 minutes, so it was a short visit, but 30 incredible minutes :)

The nurses said to come back down for his 8pm feeding and we could hold him while he was fed. So I went back to the room to try to get some more rest. Later that afternoon we had a visit from Rob. Sooo good to see him since he has been traveling all summer! He brought some cute duds for little man too! Can't wait to put Emerson in his Little Mr Detroit onsie :) We took Rob down to meet Emerson and visited for a little while. And then back in our room Rob was so nice to run out and get us Red Coat Tavern for dinner. YUM! Best meal I had in weeks! After we ate it was time for Emerson's 8pm feeding, so we headed back down to the nursery. I was so excited to hold Emerson again while he had a gavage feeding. Thankful that Rob was there because we got our first family picture :) I loved watching his little expressions. He is very animated while he is fed. Eyebrows moving up and down, mouth puckering, smiling. Loved all of it! The nurses said he was tolerating his first day of feeding well and tomorrow they would increase from 5cc to 8cc. Another 30 minutes with baby boy and time for him to go back into the isolette aka his little
home. :)

See you tomorrow sweet baby boy!

Notes from MyPreemieApp:

September 9, 2013 – Today Emerson Robert Goulet is 2 days old and weighs 2 lbs 12 ozs. The nurses taking care of Emerson Robert Goulet are Angela, Christi and Nicole.

Something happened for the first time. Held by Mommy and Daddy
Gavage Feeding: Tolerated feeding of 5cc

We made progress. Jaundice Improvement: Took one of the bili lights off. Off oxygen: Taken off in the morning

Another big event. Visitors: Christina, Rob

Melissa is feeling Happy.

Melissa is looking forward to: Helping with Emerson's care

Melissa is grateful for: Holding Emerson for the first time.