July 5, Over 7 lbs.!

Today's big developments:

-- Alex visited his pediatrician for the first time this morning. Everything looks great. His weight was 7 lbs., 2 oz. This is a good sign that he is doing great outside of the hospital. He has gained 5 oz. since his last weigh-in at Swedish Sunday night. Everyone seemed to like the pediatrician. He also did well in the car seat on the way to the pediatrician, his second car seat excursion.

-- There was a lot of cleaning activity in the house (thanks for the help Grandma F). Alex watched the developments in his papasan chair until he fell asleep.

-- He and Mom did a great job breastfeeding this afternoon.

-- The March of Dimes takes pictures of preemies at Swedish. We received those pictures today. On the right is a picture of Alex from just a few weeks ago. His tan is from the light therapy treating jaundice. The March of Dimes is a great organization. Among other things, they provided many of the outfits Alex wore at the hospital and they coordinate parent support groups.

-- Below is a short video of Alex anxiously giving his pacifier a strenuous workout at the pediatrician's this morning.





-- Here is a short video of Alex thinking about food tonight.

July 4, Settling In

Today's excitement:

- Visit from Grandma & Grandpa Felton. Grandma made lunch, did some laundry, fed Alex, cleaned dishes. Grandpa sat on the couch with Alex. Everyone was happy.

- Alex's 1st walk. We spent 20 minutes trying to figure out the stroller. Then we got halfway around the block before deciding it was too hot and sunny. Tomorrow we'll go at a different time of the day. Alex looked tiny in his big stroller.

- It has been really hot since Alex got home. He is in for a surprise when he realizes it's 55 and rainy all year. We had to hang out on the front porch to escape the heat.

- Tomorrow is Alex's 1st pediatrician appointment. He gets to ride in the carseat again.

July 3 -- First Full Day at Home

Alex had a great first full day at home today:

-- As promised, he woke up a few times during the night hungry and making it very clear that he wanted food. I think it was the loudest I have heard him and I am no longer worried about sleeping through his cries. Especially at 5:00, he was very awake and alert. He toured the rest of the house and took at step outside to see the morning. He was awake much of the evening.

-- His feedings were around 60 ml each until tonight when he did over 100 ml. It may have been the hot weather during the day. I expect we will reach a point soon where we quit counting his food volumes this closely.

-- He hung out with Dad for a few hours on a sling type carrier that his friend Katy gave him. The carrier works with newborns. He seemed to like it in that he fell asleep right away and stayed asleep. He also sat in a special infant chair (also from Katy) with vibration and music.

-- He did some more breastfeeding work with Mom. That is much harder work than bottles. Both are being very patient.

-- He watched his first movie and was captivated until he fell asleep. He watched "Dreamgirls", a recent academy award nominee. He seemed to like the singing parts especially.

Alex Unplugged!

Alex went home today!


After a successful night with full care from Mom and Dad (mostly Mom because of Dad's bad cold), Alex was released to go home. His feedings were all very strong, 60-100 ml per feeding. He was finally "unplugged" from all the monitors at 1pm today to go home. He has been on those monitors (heart rate, respiration rate, blood oxygen saturation level, temperature, weight) for 5 weeks and one day now.


Mom, Dad, and Alex went around and expressed thanks to all the nurses in the NICU and the ISCU for the great care they gave Alex. We hope they like coffee. Also, thanks to Uncle John in London for the fruit basket sent to the NICU nurses on Alex's behalf.


Other news:
-- Alex visited his friend Michelle at Swedish prior to leaving the hospital. Best wishes to Michelle and her baby. It was his first destination outside of the nursery.
-- Alex went outside for the first time
-- He rode in a car for the first time (he fell asleep)
-- He went into his house for the first time
-- His feedings at home have been very good so far. He hit a new record of 105 ml tonight
-- He is catching up on a lot of cuddling time with Mom and Dad that he missed out on being in the hospital

Here is a picture and video of Alex at home

Rooming In

Today's updates:


- Mom and Dad got to stay with Alex last night and experience what it will be like when he gets home. He did all bottle feedings with no problem. He doesn't like to burp, however.


- His weight is 6 lb 13 oz


- He passed his car seat test with flying colors. This is where he sits strapped in the seat for 45 minutes and has to maintain his oxygen. He was a little wary at first but calmed down after a while.


- He wore his own clothes for the first time. They are adorable. He spit up all over the first outfit so he's already on his second outfit.


- Alex should be going home early Monday afternoon!!!