Yesterday we had another go at breast 'feeding' - this time he actually did latch on and suck for a moment or two. Today was much the same, so hopefully we'll both get better at the whole thing.
What is odd is that his problems now all seem to be 'normal baby' problems. He is getting reflux, which causes him to cough a little, and get quite upset. He also has nappy rash, which also is obviously very sore. On the good side, his oxygen requirements are a little lower (around 27-31%) and his major wound site is looking good. His last eye test was good (thank heavens), and his liver ultrasound on Wednesday showed nothing that wasn't already known. He is still quite yellow, including the whites of his eyes, but all seem confident that now the PN is finished with he will soon get the liver working properly again and the bilirubin counts will normalise, along with his colour.
It is my birthday today, and I am absolutely thrilled that my boy is still here with us. I had a lovely card waiting for me at the unit, from Max (with a little help from his wonderful Tato). Nearly made another spectacle of myself and narrowly escaped blubbering in public again! We hope Max is home with us in time for his Tato's birthday...
3 comments:
Happy Birhtday Kate,
Looks like Max presented you with an excellent Birthday present.
best wish from Janet and Phil
Katie, you are my hero!
Happy birthday beautiful lady. Have howled for an hour reading Max's blog but know that Max is in the best possible hands he can be - yours and Marks.
Like an extremely competent former employee I know (and her darling husband), Max has shown that he can deal with his challenges to ensure that the show goes on.
The stageplay has not been fully written for the Anolaks. There is something wonderful about a work in progress. Max hasn't done a bad job so far. He's managed to star in his own blog 18 weeks prior to his landing on planet earth. Certainly something his parents couldn't match!
I long for the day that you 'tread the boards' of your home together. God knows you've probably already worn out the tread of your car tyres with trips into the hospital!
This is a message for little Max from Auntie Susan...
"Max, you don't know me yet but I hope one day you will. To me, your Mum and Dad are pretty cool people. They really love each other and what's more they love you more than you could ever imagine.
Once upon a time I worked with your Mum. She was really cool (or should I say, is really cool!). She was awesome at her job and put an enormous amount of pressure on herself to ensure that everything was perfect all the time. That is her special gift that she gives to others. Sometimes, Mummy had a little cry because every now and again things got a little too tough (perhaps beyond 'human')- but believe it not Max, your Mummy is human and it's OK to cry every now and again.
Your Mum met your Dad and let me tell you there were a lot less tears! More like smiles bigger than sunrises!! Guess that's appropriate cos your Dad is a master of sunrises and sunsets. When you grow up and go to school I bet there's no other kid whose Dad can tell you what the weather is 'REALLY' gonna be tomorrow!
Anyway Max, what is exciting is that you are Mummy's and Daddy's special gift. Believe it not, you also share Mummy's special gift that I mentioned earlier - you are perfect every moment, every breath of every day! You are YOU and there is no body else that we can even attempt to compare you to! Wow, you are already a legend outside of your small lunchbox.
Sure, you've caused a few sleepless nights, but what "star" hasn't?! I guess that's Mum and Dad's penance for having been involved in the 'theatre'.
Max, may you continue to draw enormous strength from the love of your awesome parents. Also may you draw strength from your 'quiet contributors' (like me) who think of you more often than you're able to imagine at the moment.
Max, you're only a baby now but I look forward to having a drink with you on your 18th birthday. If I can't be with you and given you mighn't know who I am by then, there's no doubt I will have a drink in your name whether I'm with you or not.
Here's three cheers to the Anolak family: Hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray."
Lotsa love, birthday wishes and hugs to my Katie (and a big hug to Mark as well), Susan (aka Auntie Susan, if I may be so bold as to call myself that!)xxx
Susan Cooper (paragon@ozemail.com.au)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAFWYN!!!!
Errr...for yesterday, I mean. Present is on the way, but I think there's no way anyone can top the present of Max being there for your day.
Take care - the gang this side of the Tasman are thinkin' of you.
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