the first week...

Our first day at home was fun but a little tough. We had to introduce him to the dogs which was a little chaotic. They were excited to see me since I hadn't been home since Monday night. They were very curious about this new little person. Kona was especially gentile with him. She was very calm and yet curious about him. Hilo seemed much more upset by the situation. He was stressed out and very intrigued by all the sounds Daniel made.

We spent the day holding him and feeding him. He slept pretty much all day. And then when night fell and it was time for us all to go to sleep, he was awake and crying much of the night. He eventually settled in on daddy's chest so we were all able to get a little shut eye.

We went back to the doctor on Friday for his 2 day appointment. Unfortunately, Daniel had lost a little more weight and his biliruben levels were higher than the doctor was comfortable with. They wanted Daniel taken back to the hospital so he could receive some phototherapy.

We arrived at the hospital and they showed me to a room where I would be allowed to stay. After being assessed by the Peditrician, it was determined that Daniel could receive his phototherapy in the room I would be staying in. Being back at the hospital also provided me with an opportunity to work further with the lactation consultants to help get his weight back up.

Randy spent the days and into the evenings with us at the hospital and I sent him back home at night so he could get some good sleep and spend time with the dogs.

Each day at the hospital, they monitored Daniel's weight and biliruben levels. Finally on Easter Sunday, it was determined that he was healthy enough to go home. When we were admitted to the hospital on Friday, Daniel's weight was 5 pounds 14 ounces and his biliruben level was around 16. By Sunday his weight was back to 6 pounds 1 ounce and his biliruben level was 6.5. We were sent home, again, from the hospital!

We had another follow up appointment on Monday where we met our new Peditrician. Daniel's weight was up to 6 pounds 2 ounces and his biliruben level was up to around 9 which was still a safe level for him.

Our first few nights at home have been much easier than that first night. Daniel is adjusting to life at home and the dogs are adjusting to their new little brother. Daniel is more alert at eating times and is already developing quite a little personality. He makes lots of noises and lots of funny faces. We have already taken our first walk and had our first outing which was to Michael's and Target. I'm pretty sure he was excited to be out of the house. We also noticed that his eye color is starting to develop from a blue gray color to a brighter blue.

It's hard to believe that a week has already passed since his birth. I suppose this is an example of what is to come and we will be sure to soak up every moment with our new little son.