Doctor Visit

When Sandy and I took Carter to the doctor's office early this morning, we truly had no idea how he would fare. We certainly were very happy to hear that Carter Douglas Prince is now a 6lbs 1oz baby with great health and no issues! No wonder as he has been taking down some serious milk volume as of late. Tonight he breast fed for 20 minutes then proceeded to down 50ml of milk (a normal feed size) and then decided to have dessert in the form of another 10 minute breast feed. After he was done, he decided to continue sticking his tongue out at us telling us he wanted more!

Sleep has become but a fleeting memory for us lately. Sandy's probably rolling her eyes right now since she has been bearing the majority of the middle-of-the-night burden and I have had more nap-time than she. Nonetheless we both have begun to better resemble zombies than humans. Maybe someday we will trust that he'll sleep through the night without requiring breathing supervision, but that day has not come as of yet.

Carter's mother and I are still trying to get our routine down. We're still not taking into account the extra 10 minutes that everything takes due to setup and packing time being necessary. We were almost late to the doctor! Another thing we've noticed is that there are a bunch of morons on the road. Carter being in the car brings into sharp relief the few good drivers versus the large majority of everyone else. That's my official old-man-rant for the night.

My mother has been a godsend this week once again. Through helping with meals and running errands to helping us out with Carter, she has significantly lightened the load through these first transitional days. The three of us want to let you know that you are very loved and appreciated, Mom!

Finally, tonight we are asking that you keep the families affected in the movie theater shooting in your prayers as well as Carter. This has truly been a tragic day in the greater Denver community and many lives have been permanently affected unnecessarily.

Nick & Sandy

First night home...

It's hard to find the time to update the blog with a little one around.

I slept a total of two hours last night. I am beyond exhausted. Carter's on a great schedule thanks to the NICU. He gets up every three hours. I on the other hand could not sleep, I had my eyes on him all night! I'm sure it will get better with time but until then I go sleep deprived.

Eat, sleep, poop! That's what our day consisted of! We have a doctors appointment tomorrow morning. It's our first outing as a family so we will keep you posted.

Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers.

He's HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to start this by saying that we work for the best company in the world!

I left work to pick up Carter, and I was sick to my stomach. The stress of him finally coming home and Nick being gone had set in. I got to the hospital just as the car seat tech arrived. He said, "go say hi to the baby first then we'll go to the car."
I asked Ruth at the front desk if Donna (Nicks mom) was there yet. She said, "I haven't seen her but I was in the restroom." I went back to Carter's room to find Nick holding Carter!!!!! =)

Once word spread about Carter's homecoming, Nicks bosses decided it was best that he come home! I can't thank US BANK enough for sending him home to be with his family! It took a tremendous amount of stress off of me. We really do work for a great company!!

Carter's home, happy and sleeping! I'm sitting here as I type watching him breathe. I have a feeling I will not be sleeping a lot the next few days.

Gunner, Gabby (our dogs), and Miss Kitty are very curious about the new addition. Right now everyone is sleeping except me and Donna. I'm busy staring at my son and she is busy finishing last minute chores.

I couldn't be happier!

-Sandy

Last full day

His last full day in the NICU was uneventful. He slept, ate, grunted, burped a little and only had #1 diapers. He weighed in at 5lbs 15oz tonight!!

I met with the doctors and they answered all my last minute questions. It's a shame they won't let me take a nurse home. I scheduled Carter for his first pediatrician visit, and for his follow up eye exam.

As I walked by Elly's empty room this afternoon, it brought tears to my eyes. These two kiddos have been through so much over the last two and a half months. They have come so far. I remember the fear I felt on day one. It saddens me to think that new families will soon fill their rooms. There is light at the end of the tunnel, even if it is very faint. Our prayers have been answered, tomorrow I will leave with my baby boy. I am one proud mommy!! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Today Nick and I celebrate our two year anniversary. I am SO thankful to have him as my husband and best friend. We have been through a lot in the last 2 years. Tomorrow signifies a new start for us. We are going to be one heck of a team, the three of us! I can't wait for our "new" life to begin.

Until tomorrow.....

Sandy & Nick

Burping troubles

I will start out by apologizing, my writing is so boring compared to Nicks. Oh well, you're stuck with me this week. =)

I was only with Carter this afternoon so the day seemed to fly by. Going back to work has been rough. It's hard to find time to sleep, let alone eat. But this isn't about me, it's about my adorable little boy.

He had a good day! He enjoyed his bottles today and even got in a little
breast feeding. The problem he has run into is burping, he can't do it!!! He has a really hard time, which makes him a little fussy. We tried a couple different techniques today, none of which were successful. After his 2 o'clock feeding he wouldn't burp. I laid him down and went to grab a bite to eat. I came back and he was fussy so I picked him up, patted his back, and BOOM!!! Puke all over my work shirt and jacket. I guess that is just what happens when you're a mom!

He gained weight and is back up to 5lbs 14oz. The fluid in his head seems to have grown a little. We will keep our eyes on it.

The biggest news of all, HE'S COMING HOME ON WEDNESDAY! (assuming everything stays the same) I can't wait! I am exhausted just thinking about it. Nick and I have waited for this day for a LONG time. I'm sad Nick won't be here to enjoy it.

Well that's all for today. Thank you all for your support and your prayers.

PS. I'm attaching a picture of Carter's first girl friend, Elly. She was born the day before him and is going home the day before him. Elly's mom, Alexis and I have become good friends on this journey and I am so thankful I had her to lean on during this time. As moms of preemies we've become very over protective. I am glad she agrees with my crazy ways! =)

Great day

Carter said goodbye to his grandpa and his great grand parents today in good spirits. He had a very healthy day and was wide awake for a long while before they left. He really enjoyed their time here as did his parents!

Carter had no bradys today and minimal desats so this day will start his countdown to release off on a good foot. His sickness followed by his circumcision has really affected his schedule. He is awake for periods of time in which he was sleeping prior to these events. He was very alert tonight as we were trying to leave and it delayed our departure. So begins the portion of our lives where he runs the show.

Sandy will keep the blog updated in my absence this week. I look forward to reading it to get some information like everyone else. Pray for a good week and a safe discharge for Carter.

Nick & Sandy

Extended Stay

Carter had two bradies last night and although they were minor and required no intervention, the doctor made the call to keep him at least through Wednesday in the nicu. We are thankful for that decision because we do not want to have the added stress of worrying about bradies because he left the hospital with them being commonplace. We want them to calm down before leaving.

This will take some stress and burden off of Sandra and my mother this week as I will be out of town until Friday; not to mention this decision removing stress from my shoulders as well. Carter is having a good day and we expect to have these until he is discharged. More updates to come as they happen...

Nick & Sandy