First Two Silas Weeks - Bits + Pieces

Here are just a few random iphone and camera pics from Silas' first two weeks at home. I have to say that the first week at home didn't even feel like it counted since we had to go back to the doctor practically everyday to get weight checks and billi lab results for jaundice, and then ended up in the hospital for 24 hours anyway to treat him.  It was a whirlwind of a week.  It wasn't until this past week that it felt like we were really home and able to get used to each other and start establishing a good schedule.  Since Silas was early and jaundice and we had him circumcised, those three factors has led to him being incredibly sleepy all the time, and it has been the prime focus to just get him to eat and sleep lots and lots to gain weight.  So I've been pretty much been trying to nurse him directly (we're still working on it to see if it works), then supplement him with a bottle to make sure he was getting enough to eat, then lay him down to sleep more, and then I would pump for the supplementing.  That cycle starts over every 2 hours so I pretty much have been getting only 45 min to an hour of sleep during a couple of those cycles a day.  So yes - I'm a ZOMBIE right now.  But hopefully when he gets to be around 3-4 weeks old, this will improve b/c that would mean he is closer to full term age and some of those skills that would have been learned in the womb would be established...like sucking so that feedings can happen a little more quickly/easily.  Right now it's all about getting him to rest lots and built up his strength so that he can eat better and grow grow grow.  We're seeing lots of improvements already - he's starting to open his eyes more, get some baby fat started on his thighs, and eat more at each feeding.  All good things for the preemie life.  It's doctor's orders though - he really can't leave the house and go many public places until he's 6 weeks old since his immune system is so weak.  It's the feeding/pooping life for us now.  The smallest outing and activity tires him out so much and then he is too tired to eat so we have to be careful with him.  Even his first bath last night exhausted him and he wouldn't nurse for several feedings.  

I am so so tired but loving my maternity leave so far.  It's been so nice to be home with him more than I had with Tyndell and to really give nursing a better go this time.  I really had no chance with Tyndell given all the separation.  Silas is doing really well so far and it would make life so much easier if I wasn't strapped to a breast pump all the time, but we'll see how it goes - the important thing is that he is growing and gaining weight, which he is.  On a lighter note - isn't every single picture of Tyndell and Silas together so wonderful? She tells me she loves him everyday.  LOVE!