day 24 in NICU: let's go already.

Yes, little Lu is still in the hospital! This Sunday will be one month in NICU. He is doing so much better with his mouth feedings by taking in six feedings a day. He just needs to be able to handle eight feedings a day in order to come home. Earlier this week they were telling us discharge could be as early as this weekend, but it's really up to the kid. We are dying to take our little muffin home.



Here are some pictures from his first bath. Whew, he hated it so much. Traumatic!







We have Luka's room all ready for him when he decides it's time to come home.





We have had talented friends give Luka some amazing handmade gifts! We have several knitted blankets and hats that are simply awesome. Our friend Jeanette makes handmade pottery, and sent us this fabulous keepsake plate.

We have such nice family and friends!

For my mama friends who have given me advice on milk production, thank you so much. I am doing everything I possibly can to work on my milk, from your advice and the lactation consultant's advice. Including: Taking an herbal Lactation Blend, eating oatmeal, pumping all the time, massage, these warm pad things, skin to skin contact with the boy as often as possible, a nipple shield, repeating mantras while pumping ("I produce an abundant supply of milk"), picturing the boy nursing while pumping, pumping at the boy's bedside, etc. I think about milk and my boobs all day long, it's exhausting. All for about 2 oz. per pump session. But I will keep at it, and just hope my milk supply gets stronger when Luka comes home with us. I am grateful that he has a good latch when we do try, at least. And the hospital banks all my milk and gives every drop of it to him, though it has to be cut with nasty formula in order to give him enough calories. But we have to keep him fed and healthy, and I'm trying my best to stay positive for when he comes home that we will eventually be on all breast, all the time. Positivity is good. Plus, I'm sure the lactation consultants are tired of me crying all the time.

Now let's get this boy home soon, PLEASE!!