Celebrating a Few Firsts

I wanted to record a few firsts today so I don’t forget them.  They’re not anything I would have ever made a big deal of with previous babies, but for Mason they’re small celebrations.

First diaper changed by Mommy – Yes, I’m already taking over some diaper changes from the nurses.  It’s something I took for granted with my other babies.  For Mason it involves wiping him clean, checking that his poop shield has kept any mess off the bandage on his back, and rediapering carefully to avoid messing with his umbilical cord stump in front and bandage in back. 

First time nursing – I’ve not nursed every baby and I’ll be honest, I had not decided to nurse Mason until a few weeks before he was born.  After a good bit of prayer I realized that at least for this beginning period Mason needs every advantage he can get – including the antibodies, immunities, and yummy goodness of mommy’s milk.  The nurses and doctors here in the NICU have been wonderful encouragement.  They treat any amount of breast milk like liquid gold and take the time to feed even a single milliliter to a baby if it is available. 

First leaked diaper – This is a celebration!  Earlier this afternoon I went to change Mason’s diaper only to find he had leaked through the diaper, all over the blanket, and through the egg-crate mattress.  Soaked!  He hated getting cleaned up from all of that but we’re thrilled he’s peeing on his own.