Saturday, January 14, 2012

Saturday Morning – Schedules for Everything!

100_7974 It’s Saturday morning here in the NICU.  Time really seems different here, everything revolves around a schedule.  For example Mason’s ‘cares’ are every 3 hours around the clock, at 3, 6, 9, and 12.  During a care he will get fed, diapered, have his diapers weighed, head measured, vitals recorded, and so on.  At one care he also gets weighed (last night he weighed 7lb 13 oz, up from 7lb 4oz at birth).  At two of the cares (3 and 9) also include being catheterized and any urine from that is measured as well. 

Each nurse in the NICU has specific babies to care for.  Depending on how sick a baby is the nurse may have one, two, or three little ones.  Mason’s nurse has just two little ones. 

Jason and I are still working on getting our own routine going.  We spend almost all day here with Mason, taking time to go eat.  In the evening we are blessed to be able to walk across the street to the Ronald McDonald house.  There is food, laundry facilities, and we have our own hotel room and bathroom there. 

I’m also trying to keep track of my own routines for medicines and pumping.  At the moment I’m on several medications from painkiller and thyroid medicine to iron supplements because I’m now anemic.  Some pills are once a day, or twice, or every 4 hours.  Pumping is a whole new experience for me.  Every 2-3 hours I no matter where I am I have to find a place to sit down for about 30 minutes with a breast pump and go through the pumping routine.  And that is around the clock so I’m still enjoying the newborn schedule even though my newborn has nurses to help him.  :) 

So other than being a bit sleep deprived we’re good here.  Mason seems to be especially relaxed when he is held and sleeps really well then.  Sleeping = Healing. 

12 comments:

  1. Congratulations Tristan and Mason! He is adorable and I love his names too. I am so happy to read he is doing so well and peeing and pooping on his own, that is nothing short of amazing! Get some rest and all the best to you & family. We'll be following your progress :)

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  2. He is beautiful & you look so joyful cuddling him. I continue to pray for you all. Will his siblings meet Mason soon? I hope your hubby's work is being understanding. In 10 weeks I get to snuggle my 6th son. Your pics make me so excited for the newborn snuggle.

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  3. Congratulations Tristan and Family on the birth of Mason! It is so good to see all is going well. I'm sure you are exhausted! I'm so thankful to read that Mason made a safe arrival into the world and that you are doing well post partum. Still praying for you, Mason, and the rest of your family.

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  4. Congratulations!! I just updated on your progress today and am so glad to find things are going well. Your photos and descriptions remind me of when our son was in the NICU. It is such a blessing and the nurses are amazing! Our son, at a month old, had surgery across his abdomen....very horizontal scars, looking similar to Mason's. Now he is 21....the scars look like zippers across his stomach. The dog-ears went down after a few months of healing. I was so impressed with how well such a little person could handle so very much pain and trauma. They are strong little spirits. And I am ever grateful that the staff understands the need for baby and mom bonding!! Best wishes in the healing processes....watch for areas of service in the NICU. Not all babies and mommies get to share positive outcomes. I hope yours stays headed in the healing direction!!

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  5. What a beautiful picture. Many prayers for a quick recovery for you and much good health for Mason. Glad to hear things are going smoothly.

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  6. Congratulations!!! I am glad that you and Mason are both healing well.

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  7. He is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this journey.

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  8. Oh Tristan, it seems to be going delightfully well for all that you are currently juggling. I am so happy to hear all the blessings. You and that cutie pie Mason fellow are pretty cute! Praise Jesus for all the care he gives!
    Kristi

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  9. He is precious! God has greatly blessed you!

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  10. Tristan, your pictures make me teary. Mason is so handsome and sweet. I'm glad he's doing so well so far. Praying for you still ...

    April E.

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  11. Beautiful, Tristan. I love reading all of your positive updates how God is caring for your little Mason. Praying for you all.

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