To say that first month of Sam’s life was an interesting one would be putting it mildly. Never in a million years did I imagine that I would be he would be placed in the NICU for 12 days after birth after he developed a pneumothorax. I know that we were lucky it wasn’t longer but it is still incredibly hard to be discharged from the hospital and have no baby in your arms. I never want to process those feelings.
Born 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 20.5 inches long, Sam was kindly referred to as “big boy” on the unit. He spent 5 days in a isolet with a chest tube in his lungs to help him breathe. He was placed on fentanyl and later morphine to help him deal with the withdrawal. Holding and watching him go through that was also a scary ordeal. With that said, were amazed at the care and attention we received from the NICU nurses. There are a lovely bunch of ladies, who saw us through this difficult time. Soon it just became a waiting game for Sam’s oxygen levels to get back to normal.
Sam was discharged, coincidentally, on his due date, August 5th. Our first night at home was a lively one as he kept everyone up the entire night. Big sister Rowan was so happy and excited that he was home she slept in our bed to celebrate and was not immune from being woken up. Thankfully, the 3 am parties haven’t been as lively! Lol!
These first few weeks, Sam spent eating or sleeping in the carrier. Getting out of the house has been comical at best but when we finally made it out the door would would go for short walks around our neighbourhood, usually to grab coffee or take Charlie for a walk. In these early days, I felt like I never want to put him down. I think I was making up for lost time!
It has been clear from the beginning that Sam’s a pretty relaxed little dude – most of the time! If he’s eating, he is very expressive, grunting, oohing and awing as he fills up. Also, he hates having a bath and will scream the entire time he’s wet. His Moro reflex is also well developed and if he’s not swaddled, he will startle suddenly with his hands stretched out.
The best news is that at he’s first follow up doctor’s appointment Sam was gaining weight and his lungs were clear! At one month, Sam weighed 9 pounds 1 ounce and measured 21.5 inches long. He social life this month included attending therapy appointments for Rowan and seeing a movie! He gives The Man from UNCLE two thumbs up!
It was an eventful month and one that I will not likely forget. I can’t wait to see him smile and develop his personality! Grow Sam grow!
