not really able to write, but...

here are some more pictures.

An update and pictures

I knew I'd be busy but...WOW!

We saw the Pediatrician after having Vincent home with us for four days and found out that his weight had dropped down to five pounds. I was so worried, and crushed that breastfeeding wasn't enough to give him what he needs. It was due to several factors: him being born five weeks early (not so good at the suck-swallow-breathe thing), the time in the nursery (bottle feeds and the IV in addition to my breastfeeding), and my supply taking a big dive due to the lack of breastfeeding during the time he was in the hospital and the ineffective breastfeeding he was doing while at home. So we were given 24 hours to put some weight on him, otherwise the doctor wanted to readmit him into the hospital. We went home and started a schedule of feeding high-calorie formula every two hours. It worked, and we have continued this schedule for the past week. We see the doctor again on Thursday for a follow-up.

I rented a hospital-grade pump and started taking R@gl@n to get my milk supply back up. I am determined to breast feed. Since I started the medication I have been dumping out the milk, which makes me sad. Before that I was adding it to the formula and still breastfeeding him for comfort (for both of us). I tried using fennugreek first, but it just didn't seem to be doing the trick. Fortunately the stronger stuff seems to be working, so I think I can go off of it before too long.

I do plan to write about the birth and Vincent's early days. I will try to steal some time soon. Mr. C created a website for the little guy. He gave me permission to share it here. It can be found at: www dot v!nc3nt chr!stoph3r mcbr!d3 dot com It is a work in progress, and some things need to be fixed, but it's not too bad and he has posted a TON of pictures (some I'd rather he wouldn't, but he likes them). Here are some pictures that can only be found here:

A week later, and we're both at home

Little Mr. Vincent is a week old today and he got to spend the whole day at home with us.

Well, he was a week old yesterday, but I barely got that sentence typed!

Oh my goodness. But I did get a few stretches of sleep last night, thank goodness for a breast pump and a Daddy who is eager for some one-on-one time with his boy.

I will find time to share the details soon. And, yes, pictures. For right now I am going to use the bit of time I have before he wakes up again to get something to eat.

He is doing well and we are HAPPY beyond measure. Thank you so much for all of the kind words of congratulations and encouragement. They meant so much to me during the hospital stay when things seemed to be two steps forward, one step back--and helped me to maintain my optimism.

thirty-five weeks, five days...

...and that is where we stop counting.

At 9:13 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2009 our son Vincent was born--a month early but strong and healthy. He is in an incubator but is breathing without assistance and while his first night was a bit rocky it looks like we have really turned a corner today so he may be able to come home with us (fingers crossed) Tuesday.

I will write more details later. I wish I had thought to ask Mr. C to bring the cable for the camera, so I could post pictures, but I will be going home tomorrow myself so I will do so then.

Seeing our Little Guy with leads and an IV has been hard, but I have (for the most part) been able to keep things in perspective (only one melt down, so far). He is well. He is alive. He is beautiful.