Open Letter: 10 Days Old
Dear Avery -
I got home from visiting you at the hospital about 45 minutes ago. I pumped breast milk to take to you tomorrow, ate a sandwich, started Daddy’s dinner and now I’m sitting at the computer writing you this letter.
Wow, you are really making very impressive progress! I got to the hospital today at 3:00 pm and decided to stay for 2 feedings tonight (the nurses feed you at 6-9-12-3 around the clock). You finished your entire bottle (55 ml) for Mommy both times!!!! Yay!!!! You are doing so well that I really think you’ll be home really, really soon 
I can’t wait for the day when the NICU team decides to discharge you — it’ll be one of the happiest days of my life.
I love holding you in my arms. You are such a well-behaved baby (ALL the nurses have also noticed and commented on this) that you hardly ever cry! The only times you cry are when your temperature is being taken via armpit, your bottom is being wiped clean and when you are really, really hungry. I tried to breastfeed you today but I guess you just were not used to it ’cause you cried the entire time! You acted like you hadn’t been fed all day, Avery. You did suckle and milk started to come out, but you got impatient and wanted no part of my breast after 2 minutes. It’s ok though, buddy. We’ll keep working on it.
Your nurses today were Cookie (in the morning) and Kendra (in the evening). They’re both very nice, but they’re not Rosanna, Maggie or Tam. Your Daddy and I really like them because not only are they super-sweet, they’re also very much into education. The nurse you had over the weekend, Mary, was horrible! She got impatient and short with me a couple of times while I was visiting with you. She apologized later on though and blamed her ‘tude on caffeine withdrawal. Whatever.
Oh, by the way, while I was there today, I kinda saw a circumcision being performed by Dr. Chasteney right there in the NICU. I say “kinda saw” because I saw what was happening but turned away very quickly. Doc and nurse got smart right away though and put screens around them (well, duh, shouldn’t have they been up already?) The poor baby cried the entire time 
The little tot has been your roommate since you were admitted in the NICU, and tomorrow, I think he’s going home. I overheard the mom and nurses talking. I think the baby was born at 31 weeks and now he’s 37 weeks. His problem was just like yours — not effectively feeding. On top of that, I think he also has really bad reflux. Yeah, your momma is nosey
Well, I’m going to run. I’ve been up since 5:30 am this morning, no nap in the afternoon, and so now I am pooped. Turn me over, buddy! Stick a fork in me! I am done!
Love,
Mommy
P.S.
Today is your Daddy’s birthday He worked from home today because we had some really bad weather. A Nor’Easter blew through town and we had heavy rain and winds, and some snow.
Tags: Breastfeeding, NICU, Open Letters, Parenthood