The first week flew by (as I'm sure so will all the rest!). I'm late this week with my Weekly Wednesday Update, but hopefully will start to get back on track with the milestone tracking! The Birth Story will hopefully be coming soon as well!
First Night, Post Bath
Weight: At birth 5lb 1oz, at discharge 4lb 12oz. Maintained 4lb 12oz at 1st and 2nd Pediatrician appointments at 3 and 5 days old.
Medical Issues: Biggest concerns at birth were keeping her temperature up and blood sugar levels. We were unable to give her a bath until midnight the night of her birth because we needed 3 blood sugar readings over 40. She had dropped to 27 after the first feeding, but then went back into the 70s for the next three readings. We also have to keep A double swaddled to stay warm so she doesn't have to work, and expend calories, trying to keep herself warm. Instead, we need all the calories to go to her teeny tiny booty!
On Monday she was tested for jaundice (which she had) and was brought over a Bili Blanket. Unlike myself, who was admitted to the hospital for 10 days after birth to be treated, we were able to stick the UV light contraption up the back of onesie with some swaddles and treat her from home. It was awkward to feed and change her, since we tried to keep her on it 24/7, but it was so nice to have her at home! I can't imagine her having to stay at the hospital for it. The worst part was getting tested and having the blood drawn.
our little glow worm!
Sleep: All the time! 20+ hours a day - Grow baby girl!
Clothes: Preemie, but doesn't have any yet. Swimming in newborn until the Preemie order I placed is delivered. Yep, I was online shopping hours after giving birth.... does this really surprise anyone?
my preemie wearing newborn sized onesies - look at the leg holes!
Visitors: Pop Pop and Nana, Bopo, Auntie Abby, and Mimi!
Nana and Pop Pop (Husband's dad and stepmom)
Bopo (my daddy)
Auntie Abby
Mimi (my mom) and Ashlynn
Diet: Colostrum and formula at the hospital switching to milk once home and available. Via combination of nursing attempts, pumping sessions, and daddy bottle feeds. Ashlynn is so sleepy that waking for feeds is difficult and she sleeps through a lot of them. Nursing uses a lot of energy, and she doesn't have much!
Baby Gear Love:
Pack N Play with Newborn Napper for sleeping in our room.
Rock N Play (supervised only - since she's too little to properly strap in) as a place to put her down when free hands are needed - also great for placing in front of the window to help with the jaundice.
Swaddles! (Have to keep her temp up swaddling for warmth).
loves herself a swaddle
Crying: Almost non-existent. Some fussing during diaper changes, baths, and clothing changes (aka, when naked and cold!)
first bath
Milestones:
Coming home from the hospital together as a family 2 days after birth! ...and belly button fell off at 5 days old.
happy to be heading home!
greeted by pink balloons
It was the most amazing week of my life! We got to finally 'meet' the love of our lives, yet it feels like we've known her forever. I can't wait to see what the first year has in store, and the rest of our lives!