NICU Day #18

Today is Danny's 18th full day in the NICU. Danny has improved and developed a ton since he was born, so there aren't too many updates. Here are the couple though...

- weighs about 5lb 3 oz
- nurses 3 times a day and eats from 10-17 minutes
- had his first bottle feeding last night and did very well
- is starting his car seat testing today. They have to sit in the car seat for an hour and a half and monitor his breathing

I spoke with the Dr. this morning and he said that the following things need to happen before Danny can come home:

1) must feed for 8 feedings straight - which means no eating through a tube (either bottle or nursing)
and
2) must maintain or gain weight for 2 days straight

So, this all depends on Danny and how he feels. He is currently on a stage 2 feeding plan (2 out of 4). Stage 1 included two times feeding through nursing/bottle (1 day and 1 night). Stage 2 is four times total, shift 3 is six total and finally Stage 4 will be eight total. So, we're about half way there! He has been gaining weight really well lately, so hopefully that will keep up!