Sunday 22nd July 2007

Well, the floods in Oxford did not deter mummy and daddy from getting in to see me. Some of the nurses couldn't get into the hospital last night and today though. I'm doing well in my cot, and beginning to get used to life outside the incubator. I'm not having many desats (when the oxygen saturation levels in my blood drop), and virtually no 'bradys' (when my heart rate drops too low). I was a bit cold today though, so on top of all the blankets, sheets and fleeces covering me up, I'm also wearing a fleecey jacket on top of my babygrow and vest! I think it's because of the air conditioning in the Special Care Unit to the honest. Mummy and daddy were chilly too! Sue one of the Nurse Practitioners sat down with mummy and daddy today and talked them through all the health issues that I have had since I was born - it was a very long list! But luckily there was nothing there that they weren't aware of, and there was nothing that was unusual, or that should be a lasting problem. She told mummy and daddy that I will have my eyes tested tomorrow, and that I will have another head scan this week. I am also due for my guthrie test tomorrow - this is to check for a metabolic imbalance. It's something all newborn babies have done apparently. Sue also said that I will be due my first immunisations soon - I think that means more needles. Mummy is sitting down with Sue tomorrow to work out a feeding programme for me. I have to be on 100% sucking feeds and gaining weight in order to go home, so that is what mummy, daddy and I need to work towards now. I'm not even doing 1 sucking feed per day yet, so I 've got a long way to go. Wish me luck! Sue also examined me today. She found a cute little birth mark on the back of my neck, and also noticed that the tops of my legs and my groin seemed a little swollen - she said I may be putting on weight too quickly, but they will keep an eye on the swelling and decide what to do later - they may need to stop putting the fortifier in my milk - my first diet!