Splish Splash ...

Today we gave Ellie a tub bath (long about a Monday afternoon) for the second time and it was fun for the second time. I really enjoy any excuse to hold her, especially when she is awake and looking me in the eyes. So far she holds up pretty well during baths. The only time she has cried during her first two baths is when she is completely exposed without anything restraining her. As soon as we get a blanket or our hands around her to swaddle/cuddle her she quiets down. She didn't even cry when we accidentally pulled her N.G. tube out. Oops, sorry Ellie. She did squirm when the nurse put a new one back in and cried a bit when the nurse was changing the tape that holds it in place. Overall though, I think she's one tough cookie ... with a soft center of course.

Ellen had some basic nutritional labs run and the results came back completely normal. Ellen mentioned that sometimes the levels are a bit off and they can adjust the amount of iron, calcium, etc. in the baby's diet. But no need to adjust Ellie's feedings. Always wanting to impress, Ellie told me she was not content with her marvelous nutrition and hygiene. She also wants to be able to eat her food by herself and get rid of that silly N.G. tube for good. (She's always pulling on it anyway.) So she decided to work on her sucking today and she sucked her pacifier throughout an entire feeding today! Her feeding lasted for 30 minutes! Preemies her age are doing pretty good to stay awake for 30 minutes, let alone suck on their pacifier. Ellie knew she couldn't stop there because her parents would be eager to see the results from her assessment, especially her weight. She also knew it would be tough to have a good weight gain with all that excercise she got today. But true to form she was able to pack on the ... grams. She gained another 20 grams putting her at a solid 3 lbs 14 oz (1770 g). So Ellie has had an all around great day. Unfortunately mom hasn't had such a great day. She's been having skin problems probably caused by pumping. The lactation consultants are trying out a set of treatments today, but if they don't work Mandy may have to revisit Dr. Bonebrake tomorrow. Please pray for her skin and her emotions / stress level during this time.