Our little guy's one week old!

Again, Owen continues to make us proud! He is having such a good day. They increased his breast milk feedings from 1cc to 4ccs and he's eating all of it! He's still on the high flow cannula, and he's doing a great, great job.

The most exciting health related news of the day though? He's out from under the bili-light!!!! His biliruben count was down low enough that they decided it was time that he could enjoy life in the shade. So, here is a photo of the new, relaxed Owen in his isolette!

Compare it to the photo below of when he was wearing his cpap and was under the lights. Looks much more comfortable now, doesn't he?

Since Owen is out from under the bili-lights, we can hold him for much longer periods of time. This means it's Daddy's turn to hold him! It was a great birthday present for Owen (one week birthday) to finally get some kangaroo love from his daddy.

This morning we went to 'Grand Rounds.' Every Wednesday at 10am parents are invited to a private meeting with the entire team that takes care of Owen.  This includes his nurse, the charge nurse, the pharmacist, respiratory therapist, social services, case manager, and the head of the NICU department. It's a time when they update you on the weekly developments and give a time where you can have his entire 'team' in one place to ask questions. We attended this morning and it was great to see all of the familiar faces in one place. However, I doubt we will attend every week because honestly, this facility is so great about answering all of our questions immediately that it isn't really necessary on a weekly basis. Any time they make even the smallest change to Owen's routine or plan of care, his doctor will come to explain the changes and answer all of our questions.

 It's been an amazing experience and we are so blessed to have ended up at this facility. We spoke with another family that has a baby in the NICU and they were trasnferred over here from Swedish - the other NICU in Seattle. They said at Swedish there are 6 babies in a room, only two chairs for parents, mothers have to go to another room to pump their breast milk, and no cell phones or laptops are allowed in the room with the babies. So in other words, they are trying to make sure parents are as uncomfortable as possible so they won't stay and 'be in the way.'

Wow what a different experience it is at this facility! Owen is in his own room, we have a private bathroom (with shower), we have a big couch/bed, recliner, tv, mini-fridge, free wifi, and even a 'refreshment room' with fresh coffee, and free juice/milk and food to snack on.

THANK YOU Evergreen!!!!


Owen is one week old today (28 weeks gestational age)!!!!