Tuesday February 28, 2012

Last night was our first night at home after baby and without baby. :( I felt so sad to not have her home but I know she's in great hands and being taken care of so well. I kept up with my pumping every 2 hours so even though Tatum isn't home with us, it still felt sort of like she was. I was still getting up for baby even though she wasn't physically with me. I don't mind though. I know I'm doing what I need to get her healthy and ready to come home. I still wish I could start to try and nurse her but they say she isn't ready to. She is still getting her eating down. Ashley brought me to the hospital today because I cannot drive for 2 weeks after my surgery. Rich went back to work today so that he could use his vacation time after Tatum comes home. When I came into her room I was so surprised to see a smaller nasal cannula on Tatum. Yeah!! They lowered her oxygen and decided that a smaller cannula was in order. The next step is no cannula at all. Hopefully in the next few days she can go without it. Ashley stayed with me for awhile and then I stayed at the hospital and Rich met me up there so that he could visit with Tatum too. I was pleasantly surprised when Dr. Castilla showed up at the hospital to visit Tatum! She didn't know I was there and she was stopping by to check on her. I thought that was the sweetest thing and so thoughtful. It was really nice to see her.

Tatum eats a little more from her bottle everyday and that is a huge relief. She is making great progress. They let us provide her care, such as diapering, taking temperature, feeding, etc. when we are there at her bedside. It's really nice to take care of her as much as I possibly can. We decided today that when Rich comes up after work everyday, he will provide her care for the evening so that he gets his "daddy" time. He is so great with her and I am so happy he has just jumped in without hesitation in all her care. He is the best daddy and he loves Tatum so very much. We look forward to tomorrow to see what progress she has made overnight. It is so hard to leave her again. It wasn't quite as hard as last night but it's still very difficult. I just wish she could come home soon and I know Rich does too.