Adios Summer!

Hey everyone! It's me again! I have been busy enjoying my summer so I haven't had time to write. I know I haven't been alive for all of the seasons yet but I sure do enjoy summer time! Mom and Dad both had time off of work to spend time as a family and it was really special. We did a lot of fun things and they keep saying it gave them a good amount of time to help with all of the new changes and routines that I bring into their lives.

Most of August included day trips, play dates, the beach and another nice visit from Grandma Metz.  I spent time with my girlfriend Ruby (I have several g-friends) and my best bud Henry. We had a nice few days on Hampton Beach with Kung Kung, Grammy, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Andy and my cousins. We enjoyed the sun and fun in the baby beach tent, ate some yummy seafood and enjoyed the boardwalk in the stroller. My cousin Nicholas is just one month ahead of me so I think we will be fast friends once we learn how to talk and walk and what the word 'friend' means. Mom and I also went to visit Aunt Ewood, Uncle Greggles and their kiddos on the Cape! Miles showed me how to play with trucks in the sand at a really pretty beach (I swear I wasn't napping through it!) and mom and Aunt EWood got to catch up on life. I think the beach will be even better next summer when I don't have to stay in the tent or under an umbrella the whole time! Mom, Dad and I ended the summer with a visit from Grandma who I just love so much and a nice day trip to George's Island where I had my first boat ride and soaked in the sea air.

 Cousins!

Boat Rides!

Dancing!

Hanging out!

Mom and Dad are back to work this month so I'll be going to Ms. Laura's 3 times a week. She is very sweet and I think all the other kids really like me. I have been showing them all of my new skillz like rolling, good head control, putting things in my mouth, grabbing and swatting at things and talking baby talk. This week, I found by foot and my chubby legs are super entertaining. I always hear Mom tell Dad I am growing up way too fast. Story of a parent's life!

Until next time....

MJS

Dear Max #6

Dear Max,

There are a lot of surprises that come along with having you in our lives. There are feelings I never expected and challenges and changes that come about. One of the surprises of having you in our lives has been the new, different and growing relationships that have come due to your birth. Whether it be with friends or family, relationships have changed due to your presence. My good friend, Kara, told me that when she had her son she felt her baby brought family members together and that babes breathe "love and life into families." I have seen this happen with our family as soon as you were born. It was as if we all had a bit of a new beginning. It makes me feel happy to see how happy you make your grandma and grandpa. You are their first grandchild and it is such a special relationship. There is such a bond and love already and I can't wait to see how your bond grows over time. I look forward to grandma making cookies and playing games with you and grandpa teaching you how to catch a fly ball or ride the lawnmower like they did for me growing up. I remember the love I felt for my Grambo growing up, as she was my only surviving grandparent, and I hope you have the bond and love with your 4 grandparents as you grow. You are blessed to have such great examples in your life.

You enjoyed your first vacation at Snyder Beach this past month. You got to take 'road trips' with Grandpa, had your first dip in Lake Erie, had many conversations and snuggles with Grandma and finally met Great Grambo for the first time. You got to meet some of mom and dad's friends from high school and our extended family in Silver Creek. You seemed at peace by the lake, had longer naps, and I have a feeling you will love your summer visits to Snyder Beach for quite some time. I know it is my favorite place, both because of the atmosphere and the memories. Maybe it will be one of yours too.

Love you MJS.

Summer Fun

Summer is finally here! And by this, I mean, both Mom and Dad are off and we get to spend time as a family. Mom and Dad are still doing some part time work but we get to do special things together and Dad gets to change as many dirty diapers as Mom does! It has been hot here in Boston but I think some sunshine has been helping me grow. Sunshine, love and milk! I get my four month vaccinations on Friday and I'll find out what I weigh then. Mom guesses I weigh 12 pounds but we will see. I am in 3 month clothes and my cheeks are those that can be compared to a chipmunk. Lots of people comment on their beauty. ;)

I have been learning new things in my Early Intervention appointments and am concentrating on getting more neck strength by doing tummy time and chest time with Mom and Dad. I've been enjoying my play mat more and am kicking my legs so much that I think I might be a soccer player or  a swimmer. Dad keeps saying I can be a punter in the NFL but I guess only time will tell! I wouldn't mind being on the Patriots and then I could get Dad front row seats and he would be in Heaven.

Mom is still doing her Mom's group and Dad just joined a Dad's group. We have gone on some picnics, lots of walks, visited my cousins and Grammy and Kung Kung and are about to embark on our first road trip to Snyder Beach to hang out with Grandma, Grandpa and Great Grambo for a week. I will also meet my Uncle Mark, Aunt Stacie and Aunt Abbey for the 1st time and lots of family friends from Silver Creek. It should be quite exciting! Grandpa can't wait for me to dip my toes in Lake Erie water and introduce me to all of his Snyder Beach neighbors. It'll be glorious.

Well, I'm off to run errands with Mom and Dad. Just a day in the life of MJS.

 Growing up

 Roof decks are nice!

I like my baby bjorn!

Dear Max #5

Dear Max,

Tonight I reread your blog from start to finish. I have to admit it made me cry just thinking about how hard it was to know you would come so early, wondering if you'd be ok and worrying that you would have to start your life in the NICU. There was such anxiety and fear about if I did something wrong in pregnancy, if you would develop properly, wondering if you would be healthy and when you could come home. But, as I read on, I also shed happy tears as I thought about how strong you were from the minute you were born, how much love radiated from our hearts the second you arrived in this world and how every single day, you bring us joy and pride and purpose like we have never felt before. I hope one day you can read this blog and it is a reminder of your strength from the very beginning and our love for you that will never end.

Hugs,

Mom and Dad

Double digits

Hi everyone,

I am getting bigger and bigger every day. I just had a doctor appointment and weighed in at 10 pounds, 6 ounces, 22 inches and a 38 cm head. I am in the 50-60th percentile at my adjusted age of 1.5 months so I am catching up to all my new baby friends like Scarlett and Ruby.  My early intervention worker also did another assessment on me and I have some new goals like opening my hands more, working on my neck strength and tracking things with my eyes. She will come see me every other week to see how I'm doing and Mom, Dad and I will practice these skills at home. These days I'm more awake during the day, I have real tears and a louder cry when I cry, I look at Mom and Dad and smile, I kick my legs and I try my best to make sounds. I really enjoy the outdoors and fresh air, I like riding in the car and the stroller, I love being sung too and when mom pretends to clap my hands together and says "Yaaaaaay!" She's very protective of me and kisses me A LOT. Probably a little too much but I won't tell her that until I'm in middle school.

I took my first ride on the T and bus and that was quite an adventure. I met my Aunt Megan who lives in NYC and she's super fun. I attended my friend's, Hillary and Oliver, baptism because Mom is Hillary's Godmother. That was fun for me but not so much fun for Dad whom I pooped all over and made a huge mess on his pants and in mine! My Grandma Metz also came to visit me last week and I really love her. She is very gentle and talks to me in a nice voice a lot. My Kung Kung and Grammy and Tia have also watched me so Mom and Dad can have more "adult time" and keep the romance alive. It's nice to have so many great people in my life.

My next big adventure will be an 8 hour car ride to Snyder Beach to see Grandma, Grandpa and finally meet my Great Grandma Fries! I hear she's a firecracker so we'll get along great. We both don't have any teeth these days so we will be kindred spirits together.

Until next time....

First Ride on the T

Trying to coo! 

Moving and Grooving

Hey, hey everyone!

I just wanted to say hello and let you all know I'm still here! I have been out and about with Mom a lot these days so she doesn't let me sit in front of the computer too much, especially on sunny days, which is why I don't write as many blog posts as I used to. I'm a man on the move these days. Well, not literally, but I have been getting out more on walks with Mom and Dad, visiting Mom's friends, enjoying my new playgroup (i.e. "Mom's group) and Mom just recently started using her BOB running stroller to get back into distance running. I enjoy it a lot and might actually add some posts about my adventures in my cool new ride. Maybe I'll call it, "The Adventures of Max and BOB." Mom really likes using it because we can be outside, she gets some exercise and she gets to hang out with me all at the same time. In fact, I heard her telling Dad that I actually inspire her on the runs. She thinks about all I went through in the NICU and how resilient I am and how strong I have been in just a few short months on earth and it makes her want to work harder and be better. She is always telling me that even though I'm very little, I'm a big inspiration to her. That's pretty cool.

I have a busy week ahead. I'm doing some more play groups, have my first early intervention appointment, the visiting nurse is coming to see me and I get to meet my Aunt EWoozy (Emily) and her kids.

 Enjoying the outdoor SOWA Market

View from our first adventure with BOB

Socializing

Mom joined a New Mom's Group for some social time. She thinks she likes it so far. It's actually pretty funny to watch. All the moms sit around at the park when it's a sunny day and compare notes. "Does your baby do this when s/he's sleeping?" "Would you call your pediatrician for this?" "Have you downloaded this app?" "Is anyone else still wearing maternity shirts?" She likes having some new mom friends but she still loves her old friends the best. ;)  I think Mom likes it because she feels better about the stuff she is nervous about and feels more at ease knowing other babies do the same things as me sometimes. I'm one of the oldest ones in the group but also the smallest one. It's mostly girls so I think my chances of finding a girlfriend are high.

At this point in my life, I should be about 2 weeks developmentally, so I'm still doing a lot of sleeping, eating, crying and pooping. I am still trying to find out what those things called hands are for and sometimes I hit myself in the head. One day I'll get that thumb in my mouth, I know I will! My head is still wobbly too but my neck is getting stronger. I'm almost 9 pounds and I just got out of newborn clothes because I'm too long. Mom says my 'personality' is coming out more and is often at its peak from 9-10am and 5-6pm. I have slept in a few 4 hour stretches though so she seems to have more brain capacity those days. I've discovered I really like going for walks, especially around Castle Island, I like rocking with Dad in the glider, I love warm baths, ceiling fans and being close to mom in the mobey carrier. I love when people are gentle with me and sing to me too.

Overall, this thing called life is going pretty well so far. I can't wait to see what else is ahead.

Love,
Maxwell

Many faces of Max

                                                   2 weeks                           2 months

Dear Max #4 : Mother's Day

Dear Max,

It was Mother's Day yesterday. My very first one. It takes on a whole new meaning this year since I am now your Mom. People always say you never know love like this until you experience it with a child of your own. I couldn't really imagine that until you popped into our world on March 15, 2014. It's a love like I've never felt. I feel protective over you, I want you to be happy and safe and feel secure in the world. I want you to grow up knowing you are loved and loving yourself. I want you to have your dad's patience and intelligence. I want you to have a sense of humor and a heart of generosity and kindness and compassion for others.

Your presence in the world has made me love your Daddy even more then I thought I could. You have made our family complete and brought even more understanding of what it means to look out for one another and make our family a number one priority. You have changed our view on life and the future. 

You have also made me appreciate my Mom even more than before. You have brought on a whole new appreciation of how we were raised and cared for, the lessons we were taught and the great responsibility she had as a mother. You've helped me empathize with her hard times and have me in awe of how she could do it all. I'm happy to have such strong woman role models in my life (family and friends); so many of who are good moms and/or good people.

It's amazing what an impact an 8 pound, 2 month old little person can have on my heart. You have taught me so many life lessons already in your short time on earth. I can't wait to see you grow up (but not too fast)! 

Mom loves you. xoxo

Busy Baby

Hey peeps,

I haven't written in a while. One reason is because my mom has been busy adjusting to taking care of me. She always says that even though I sleep a lot, she feels like there's not enough time in the day to do things she used to like clean the house or go to the gym or sometimes even take a shower (peee-yoo!). All the "pro" moms out there say it'll come to her and that it's first time mom syndrome; Scattered with a touch of paranoia/fear on the side. She loves me so much though and feels like she can't get enough of me!

Another reason I haven't written in a while is because I have had a week full of visitors. I finally met my Metzger side of the family and I'm in love! My Grandma Metz came for a whole week to help Mom out and to cuddle, cuddle, cuddle me!  I think Mom wants her to move in but I think she might get sick of an air mattress in my nursery. She will just have to keep visiting. We had so much fun. We talked, sang and snuggled. We took some nice walks and we went to lunch and did some shopping. She let Mom go to the gym a bunch of times because Mom wants to get her "sexy back." I have no idea what that is but it sounds special. At the end of the week my Grandpa Metz and Uncle Brian came too! They are handsome just like I am and I heard they are responsible for my Native American roots. I think we really hit it off and I can't wait to spend some more time with "the boys" at Lake Erie this summer.

Well, it's a sunny day and the last day my Metzger side will be in Boston for a while so I'm going to sign off and go spend some quality time with them. I think I hit the jackpot with this Shen/Metzger family combo. My little heart is bursting with love.

Adios,
MJS

Max Attack

Hollller! Guess what I did this week? I hit the 7's! Yup, I'm 7lbs, 4 oz and 20 inches long, according to my pediatrician. I'm pretty excited that I'm weighing in at a 'normal baby' size. I am fitting in my clothes better and almost fill out my newborn attire. I'm more alert these days, grunting and "cooing" a bit more and letting mom and dad know I have some lungs on me when I'm really upset. That doesn't happen often unless I'm cold, hungry or uncomfortable though.

(Bath time)

Besides taking a few more walks and having a few baths, I have just been getting used to my surroundings and continuing to eat, sleep, poop and grow. I have met a lot of new people recently and am very excited about how beautiful and nice all of my aunts are. Aunt Sarah and Uncle Andy visited me and told me about my older cousins who I can't wait to meet after mom isn't such a germ-a-phobe. I met Aunt Courtney, Aunt Vanessa, Aunt Katie and Aunt Amy as well. They aren't mom's "real" sisters but she says I'll call them my Aunts because they are like family. I can tell family and friends are really important to Mom and Dad. I think I will be loved a lot by all of these people and that's pretty cool.

(Aunt Amy)

Anyway, that's about it from this end. I'm going to take my 3rd nap of the day now but I'm sure I'll report back on other exciting things that are upcoming, like my other Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Brian coming to visit in a week. I can't wait! Adios!

Week one!

It's me again. It's been a week since I've been home. The days are blurring together a bit but I'm growing every day. Today, at my 2nd doctor appointment, I weighed in at 6 pounds, 10 ounces! As you can see in this recent pic, I think several of those ounces might be in my cheeks! I also got evaluated by Early Intervention and I found out that I qualify for some services so that will be an added bonus to help me grow and thrive.

I've been on a few more walks, went to Grammy's house for Easter dinner, cheered on my Aunt Vicky who ran the marathon (from home) and have been working on trying to sleep less during the day and more at night. And since a picture is worth a thousand words, here are some that show what else I've been up to...

("Watching" the Sox!)

(Books with Dad)

(Bonding with my bro)

Mom says it's time to eat so I'm going to sign off now. Thanks to all those who have checked in with us. Mom and Dad can't wait to see more of all of you once they have this "baby at home" thing down!

Love, MJS

Sleep, eat, poop.

Hey hey homies! It's day 4 home from the NICU and I'm getting used to it. Yesterday was my first follow up appointment at the doctors and I weighed in at 6 pounds, 1 ounce and 19 1/2 inches. I also showed them who was boss because I pooped and peed all over the scale. Mom was embarrassed because she didn't pack any diapers. Man, she still has a lot to learn. The pediatrician said I'm looking good, but she'll continue to check me every week for a while. I slept better my 2nd night and 3rd night home too. I sleep A LOT during the day. Sleep, eat, poop, sleep, eat, poop/pee. Ahhh...this is the life.

Today, Mom and Dad got out and about to Starbucks! Those crazy cats. It took them about 40 minutes to prepare my stroller but that's because they are still paranoid about everything.  It was nice to feel this sunshine mom keeps talking about. Spring is in the air. Finally.

 (Trip to the doctors. Dad said this is my touchdown pose)

(Aunt Courtney gave me this outfit. She has good taste)

(My first coffee run)

The Real World; Southie

I'm home! I live in a town called Southie in a small apartment. My room looks pretty nice especially since my Dad installed some new shelves in our closet so that we can store all of my baby supplies. I survived the car ride home even though it was bumpy. Mom kept checking if I was breathing. She needs to chill out. I think eventually she will. We got home and I was introduced to my big brother, Dunkin.  He's furry and almost 11 years old. He wasn't so thrilled when I got home and was rather confused. I hope he gets used to me because I think we could have a lot of fun together!

I was wide eyed and bushy tailed for a while because of all the lights and things around me. In the NICU, I had no window and everything was white and quiet so I think this will be an adjustment. Mom and Dad fed me and I took a nap and then we tried tummy time. Dunkin tried to hump me during this so that was interesting. We will have to work on that. So most of our day was eat, sleep, poop, eat, sleep, poop. You know the baby drill.

Night time was an adventure for Mom and Dad! I wasn't very used to my bassinet and had a hard time settling down but I think once I become more adjusted, I will get a better routine. Mom and Dad are tired today but they love me so much so it doesn't matter. Parenthood will be an adventure!

Headed home!

Rock and play

My one month marker!

Happiest of Birthdays

Yesterday, Mom and I celebrated our birthdays together in the NICU. She turned 33 and I turned one month old! We didn't have cake or anything but she had a smoothie and I had some milk. Who cares about cake though because mom says she got the best gift ever when the NICU nurses told her I'd be going home today! Yup, you heard it right...TODAY!

Ever since my last spell on April 10th, they say I have turned a corner and my feeding has improved, I passed my car seat test (twice!) and I am officially a 6 pounder! Mom and Dad are so proud of me for all my hard work. They can't wait to take me home and hold me whenever they want and never sleep again! I'm worth it though.

Even though I'm going home today, I will still update you on some of my milestones and to show you cute pictures of me. Thanks to everyone who has helped Mom and Dad through this process. They said a lot of people want to meet me (I'm popular already!) so hopefully I can see people little by little so I'm not overstimulated and I'm not by too many germs. Us preemies are a bit high maintenance for the first few months. ;) And lastly, a big shout out to my NICU nurses for helping me grow and feel safe.

Real world, here I come!

 The best stickers say "Bringing Baby Home!"

Thrilled to have passed my car seat test!

One month old

Tick Tock

My 5th Sunday here....29 days in the NICU. Mom says it seems like more than that. I thought I was going to pack my bag and hit the road sometime this week but, unfortunately, it will be a bit longer. On April 10th, I had a sleep apnea spell which means I stopped breathing for a few seconds when I was sleeping.  I got myself out of it and it's fairly common here in the NICU but, each time this happens to me, I get stuck with 5 more days here at BIDMC. It's a bummer! My Mom and Dad also signed me up for a "car seat test." This is a test where I'm put in my car seat for 90 minutes to make sure my breathing is ok when I'm upright since I'll be in my car seat a lot. I did pretty good on my first one and have 2 more this week. Besides that, I'm working on increasing my endurance with my feedings. I am doing really well with my bottle feedings but I do get pooped out every now and then. The nurses want to make sure I can handle all my feedings orally before I go home so I don't lose all this good weight I've put on recently. Have I told you? I'm a big, bad 5 pounds and 10 ounces now.

In other news, I had a few more visitors this week and one special one even got to hold me! I also got another bath today. Mom loves giving me a bath because all my wires come off and the beeping from those annoying machines get turned to silent and we just pretend we're out of the hospital for a bit. Today she was about to put me in my bath and I pooped in her hand! I'd say it was a pretty good catch and she found it funny. I sure hope she has a lot of diapers at home. We're going to need them! After that we snuggled, read some books and she showed me some pictures of all the people who love me. I can't wait until my first Sunday in Southie.

Enjoy your week everyone. Love, Max

Grammy Shen

(After my bath)

Rebelling

I'm a rebel. A rebel without a cause. Yesterday I pulled out my own feeding tube because, frankly, I'm just sick of that annoying thing in my nose. Plus, I obviously think I'm ready to get out into this big, bad world Mom and Dad keep talking about. The nurse told Dad that maybe I could keep it out but then I accidentally fell asleep during one of my feedings so they had to put it back in to make sure I got enough food that day. However, I'm still doing pretty good with my bottle feedings. I usually get through at least 2 full bottles a day and do pretty well on the other ones. I'm getting the hang of breast feeding too but it's more work than I like to exert so I often fall asleep during that. Either way, milk (and rest and love) is doing my baby body good so I'm hopeful to be a NICU graduate in the next few weeks.

I would have been 36 weeks in Mom's belly today. Some people tell her "everything happens for a reason" but she still wishes she had an actual reason why I came out early. I think that's because she never wants to see a NICU again. I mean, I don't find it so bad because it's quiet and cute nurses are at my beck and call but I think she has another view of it. But, it is what it is and all Mom and Dad care about now is that I'm "feeding and growing."

I don't have much news other than that. It's all a waiting game now. I did overhear Mom and Dad say they are putting the finishing touches on my room and getting my car seat installed this week. I'm still waiting to meet this furry brother they keep talking about too. I think we might have some stuff in common.

Love,
Rebel Max

    

(and rebel Dunkin!)

Dear Max (#3)

Dear Max,

Your Grandma Metz always taught me the importance of thank you notes. There is something special about someone receiving a hand written note that demonstrates how genuinely grateful a person is for someone elses thoughtfulness. From the day you were born, people that are special to Mom and Dad have been beyond thoughtful and kind. I wish I could write a thank you note for each kind thing that has been said to us, gift or hug that has been given or email or text that has been sent. One of your mom's flaws is that she is not great at asking for help but, since you've arrived in the world, people have just been outpouring their love and it has truly touched us. Whether it was a care package sent from a long distance friend, meals made and delivered by friends, family and our new Mom's group, baby clothes donated in abundance for your tiny little body, dog walks for Dunkin or facebook friends reaching out to tell us their story of the NICU or to send us some "cyber strength," each kind act has made this stressful process much easier. It has helped Dad and I feel like we are never alone in our struggles and that, sometimes, its important to lean on others and accept help.

I can't wait for you to meet all of the special people in our lives. We are blessed to have such supportive friends and family. They will make your little heart strong and full, just as you make ours.

Love, Mom

Multitasking

I know it's been a few days since I've updated you all but sometimes I need help with these blogs and my mom has been working part time this week. I keep hearing her say she has a whole new level of respect for working moms after just a week back at work! She was talking to Dad about how she was pumping in a closet while talking to a case manager on the phone. I can empathize with how it can be difficult to multitask because it's been hard for me to suck, swallow and breathe for long periods of time when it's feeding time. I have the breathing part down but I get tired after a while with my feedings. I have been taking about half a bottle at each feeding or doing about 15 minutes of breast feeding. However, I get pretty tired and it's hard for me to keep my eyes open with all that "cardio." The nurses say I have to take all of my feedings orally until I can leave. I'm trying my best!

In other news, I've had gained some weight and am 0.3 ounces away from a hefty 5 pounds! My Aunt EWood and Aunt Lyn sent me some really cute preemie clothes and it's nice to finally fit into an outfit. I also got another bath from Mom again this week and we discovered my hair is a bit curly. Dad said I might be the UPS man's baby because of that but I'm a spitting image of him so he shouldn't fret. I am opening my eyes more and more especially around feeding time but I'm still pretty mellow. I figure Mom and Dad worry enough about me so I'm just gonna keep Maxn' and relaxin.' Happy 3 weeks to me!

Time to Eat!

Things in the NICU are going pretty well.  I went up another few ounces and am now 4lbs 10 oz! Mom says my knees don't have so much saggy skin anymore and that my elephant butt is getting rounder. I don't know how she pays attention to that when I'm pooping all over her but whatever makes her happy!

This week, I've tried to both breast feed and bottle feed. This is usually the last step before preemies like me can go home because it means I can suck/swallow/breathe without having any problems with my lungs or heart. I'll spare you the details about the breast feeding but I overheard the nurse say it went really well. Then today, Dad got to bottle feed me and that also went better than expected. Mom thinks I'm "advanced" but, really, I just like to eat. Maybe I'll be in the 99th percentile like my cousin Luka one day.

(first bottle!)

(milk coma)

Mom read me a book about Spring today. She keeps talking about flowers and sunshine and long walks with  Dad and my big brother, Dunkin. Here's hoping April makes me bloom!

Movin' on up

This weekend I moved into a new room and into a new crib. I guess I'm moving up in the world. I still don't have a "window side" but I think the families that have been in the NICU a really long time might get that perk. My new roommate is a girl and she cries a lot. She was born 18 weeks early and only weighed 1lb 2oz. I overheard she might go home this week though so it looks like she's moving on up too.

In other news, I keep gaining weight and am now at a stocky 4lbs 7oz. I can't wait to be in the 5s! My cheeks are filling out a bit and I am awake more often, usually during the times that I should be getting fed. Though I still sleep a lot, Mom and Dad get to see my eyes more often. As you can see, I'm still having a little trouble fitting into my clothes.  This outfit is from my cousins, Luai and Luka. They were much bigger when they were born but I have confidence I'll be filling these bad boys out soon enough!

I hear Mom talking about having to go back to work part time for the next couple weeks. She feels guilty for leaving me here on my own for longer hours but I told her all the pretty nurses do a good job making sure I'm healthy and growing. This week Mom and Dad might get to feed me from a bottle and I'm still practicing feeding with mom. Once I get that whole suck/swallow/breathe thing down, I'll be on my way outta this joint. Dad says Dunkin can't wait to get his little brother home!