Party Pooper

Precious, huh? Seriously--cutest baby in the NICU--but Par was very very mischievous today--and I can guarantee you that "smile" is because he is most likely replaying our moments from this morning when Rusty and I arrived.

Par had just woken up a few minutes before we arrived--he was very content and just looking at his mobile. While Rusty and I talked to the nurse about his night, we stood by his bed gazing at our angel. All of the sudden, loud noise from the bum area--followed by lots of loud noises. Well, because Rusty and I are the most immature parents in the NICU--we started cracking up--it was so funny. So, as a good mom, I waited a few minutes and went to change his diaper. Halfway through changing him, he made a second deposit. Again, Rusty and I laughing. Well, this happened 5 times--no kidding, I had five diapers stack one on top of the other by the end--and he just laid there with this innocent look on his face--like, "Who? me?"--well, nothing like this happens without a mess...so it was definitely bath time--and time to change all his bed stuff too. Our poor nurse, she just stood there--I'm sure thinking that our baby doesn't have a chance with us as parents! We are now officially christened as parents by our little "party pooper."



It was his first "real" bath--and he didn't cry at all. He really seemed to enjoy it--although, he slid all over the place! After his bath, we attempted breastfeeding--and we had a VERY successful feeding--and then again tonight. I am so excited!!!!! At this point--along with everything Elaine taught us/him--success comes when he is WIDE awake--I just wish I could be there all the time so I could take advantage of it (today the Nurse practitioner wrote I can breastfeed as much as I want-before it was once a day if successful). His food is now coming exclusively from his NJ tube and from a bottle or me. He gets his medicine through his NJ tube. He is still on the fetanyl drip--but hopefully that will be gone tomorrow--it is now the only IV drug--so the PICC line should be out of here sometime soon.





After his big lunch this afternoon, he said goodbye to his dad (Rusty left to catch up on stuff) and decided to take a nap. I fell asleep too and the nurse took a picture. (Note to self, extend chin and apply lipstick during naps in the NICU). I'm glad she took it--it barely captures the joy I get from napping with him--but it is a nice glimpse.



Rusty and I were talking about how it gets harder and harder to leave him each night. We are so anxious to leave Gainesville with our son--but we know that our time here is for a purpose greater than that of Par--and our own agenda is nothing to the bigger picture that our Maker has--we ask that we can be still during this Christmas season and know that our God has us where He wants us right now. We know that everyone in the NICU wants to be home by Christmas, we ask that they will all have a peace in God's perfect timing for their little one.

We didn't see or hear anything from Par's friends today--but we continue to pray for them.

May God bless each of you.

Love, Liz, Rusty & Par the Party Pooper