Graduating to the crib (Sept. 20)
One of the big challenges for preemie babies like Lucas is holding their temperature. So we were a little nervous the other night when one of his nurses suggested wrapping him up in a blanket (called “swaddling”), turning off the heater on his incubator, and seeing what happened to his temperature.
We came in the next day and Lucas was still swaddled in his blanket with the heat off, and since his teeth weren’t chattering they figured that it was graduation time: on to the crib!
The fact that he can hold his temperature means that he’s one step closer to going home. Meanwhile, they’ve got him up to 50 ml of breast milk every 3 hours, which comes out to about 13.5 ounces a day.
He’s been snoozing a lot since graduating to the crib – taking full advantage of his new digs – but he woke up long enough this afternoon to observe that his grandparents (Nonna and Papa) are in town. Their visit coincided with Nonna’s 63rd birthday yesterday, and her big present was getting to hold Lucas for the first time. She also spent a lot of time today helping Lucas practice his stretches, and was lucky enough to get to change two preemie diapers filled with poop!
This afternoon Burke’s parents hung out with Lucas for a while as we snuck off for a hike in Rock Creek Park. It felt great to be outside on a beautiful day, and to lay in the hot sunshine with our feet dangled in the cool, fresh water.
Comments (12)
Tanya
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:13 am
Nice job, Lucas! Temperature holding is no easy thing. Welcome to the world outside the incubator! (Unfortunately most indoor spaces are artifically climate controlled so maybe you won’t notice a difference. And YAY K&B for date night / hike day. So glad you could get out and take some solace in this beautiful autumn.
Meredith
September 21st, 2009 at 9:29 pm
This is great news! Lucas has made so much progress. I think you both have the right idea about the doctors wanting a diagnosis most of all, when what really matters is he is making steady progress and having less challenges than he started with.
here’s to swaddling!
Shaun Hubbard
September 21st, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Lucas, you are the cutest little bug in a rug! I bet your grandparents are so happy to see you. I hope you got the hug I sent along with them. Love from Shaun
Elly
September 21st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Go Lucasito! His cuteness continues to grow exponentially, and the little hat/bed/crib action doubles it. And go loving parents for doing some crucial hiking self-care. Sending you all love from Los Angeles.
daniella
September 21st, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Yay for cribs!! And breastmilk! I bet he will be off the ventilator in no time. Give him a kiss from me,
Daniella
Madeline
September 21st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Good job Lucasito! Congratulations on your move to the big boy crib. Every step is a step closer to going home…keep it up you little cutie pie!
Jocelyn
September 21st, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I think about how long it takes for a broken bone to heal, and I’m not too surprised that it will take several months for such a tiny little brain to get better. For a little guy who still hasn’t reached his due date, Lucas’ progress is truly miraculous. Keep trusting in Lucas’ internal clock, and keep taking care of yourselves, too. Sending lots of love and positive energy (and more Spanish music!), Jocelyn
Laura M
September 21st, 2009 at 7:45 am
Hi Krista, Burke, and Lucas,
Congratulations on all the progress! Although there’s more healing to do, its amazing to see how far the little guy has come and exciting to see Lucas get closer to coming home. Lots of love!
laura
Margo
September 20th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Crib time! Yay! Must be nice to feel that much closer to your baby and home. Good job guys.
Tracy
September 20th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Burke and Krista,
It’s been so great reading your posts and getting to root for Lucas as her keeps up his fight. Just wanted to let you know the offer of some home made dinner and movies is open when ever you are ready!
Tracy
Nurse Amy (WHC)
September 20th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Wooohoo…check out the crib!! Keep up the good work Lucas:)
Great Aunt Kit and Great Uncle J.D.
September 20th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
It seems like Lucas is making some progress daily now… what a little fighter :). He has come so far from the time he was born. So glad Nonna was able to hold him on her birthday… it was her only wish! Also glad you two could get away together for a while. Don’t lose sight of the “two of you” with everthing that is happening with Lucas.
Many hugs and lots of love,
Kit
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