Ethan is slowly but surely progressing. He is feeding better, but not necessarily always consistent. We are still working on this one, aren't we Ethan? :-p And also getting a lot of "sun" through phototherapy to control the levels of bilirubin so that he doesn't get too jaundiced. (that is the glowing blue light in some of the pictures - a bili-blanket).
We are still at Duke hospital, and likely to be kept here for another 24 to 48 hours until Ethan's feeding schedule becomes more regular and bilirubin levels reduced a little more.
Ethan has to wear these eye-protector "goggles" - which he did NOT like to wear at all at first - to protect from the bright lights that are overhead his bassinet for phototherapy. He is definitely getting used to them though, and sleeps well between feeds with them on.
We have had a few visitors, but mainly hospital staff, poking and proding poor Ethan, drawing blood and taking vital stats. Soon he will be home and will have real uninterrupted sleep between feeding times. Right, Ethan? Soon :-)
Jessica (left) and Krishelle (right) have been an absolute blessing totally taking care of us, buying meals (a lot!), keeping us company and even taking care of Ethan - Jessica is a pulmonary fellow and Krishelle an internal medicine and pediatrics senior resident (like Kelly). So they certainly know their stuff medicine-wise, but I think all of us are learning about nursing and lactation and being mothers (myself included).
More updates again soon.
I love it when Ethan grips my finger... but nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing him drink 1oz (30mls) of milk/formula!!
