A New (ab)Normal

November passed by entirely too quickly, but we absolutely loved having an entire month (mostly) home with Teagan.  My apologies for not updating, and thank you for giving us the time to just enjoy being with our little girl.  I think when we were in the NICU, we were so focused on going home that it seemed like this magical time when things would be quiet and peaceful.  Oh, the sleep we would enjoy, the books I would read, the blog posts I would update on a regular basis.  We. Were. So. Wrong.  It's great, don't get me wrong, just not what I expected.  (This last part should be a preemie mom's personal mantra, and it doesn't stop when you leave the hospital.)

Tiny Teagan in her HUGE crib

Teagan, just like any newborn baby first home from the hospital needs to eat every 2-3 hours.  She is getting better about letting us know when she's hungry, but usually we have to make the suggestion, otherwise she doesn't eat enough.  Yes, I assure you, she is my child despite that.  She also needs diapers, baths, burps, tummy time and all the attention we can spare in between.  A full time job to say the least.  Just like normal new parents - we're learning to operate in a fuzzy, happy, sleep-deprived state most of the time.

Nom nom nom

Unlike most babies, Teagan has a "care team" - pediatrician (Dr. Dave), a nurse that comes to our home to weigh and measure her (Donna), a pulminologist (Dr. Ong), a pulmonary nutritionist (Elena), a physical therapist (Nan), and a speech and feeding therapist (Kim).  And all the appointments that go along with them.  We usually have at least two appointments a week.

Teagan is healthy and doing fantastic.  She weighed in last week at 9 lbs, 4 ounces.  She is still on oxygen round the clock for her BPD, we're hoping to move her to "nights-on, days-off" later this month.  We started her on reflux medication for her GERD (acid reflux), which has helped a lot.  We also switched from Pampers diapers to Gdiapers, which have helped her diaper rash TREMENDOUSLY.

The "g" is for "gangsta"

She  started Synagis treatments, to help prevent her from getting sick and going back to the hospital.  With these shots we've felt a little easier about taking her out a few places that are not crowded. I carry hand sanitizer and a sign that warns people before touching.

This little bear wants to GO!!!

I started back at work full time this week as planned.  Ian started back at work full time the week before...NOT as planned.  We originally had thought that he would be able to take a full three months off to take care of Teagan, but he was given a promotion at work (Thank you, AAA!) and he had to go back right away.

FREEDOM!!

Um, you're probably asking, who does that leave in charge of the baby?  Well, it took a little training, but we finally have Edward able to change a diaper and warm up a bottle.  JUST KIDDING. 

It's WHOSE turn to change the diaper?

We had a very difficult time figuring out child care because of Teagan's immunity, oxygen and feeding requirements.  We really didn't like the idea of multiple-child caregivers because of her compromised immune system, and most wouldn't offer to take her because of the liability, care and time involved in taking care of her.  Most individual care takers were either completely unqualified or so expensive it would not have made sense for both of us to keep working.  So we hired Ian's younger sister, Stephanie,  who has prior experience taking care of babies to move to the area and care for Teagan during the day. 

Needy?  Who, me?

I spent all last week with Stephanie training with her to take care of Teagan.  She is doing a wonderful job!  It gave me a whole new appreciation for the nurses at the NICU teaching new parents how to take care of preemies, though.  Finding a caregiver with an open mind for care techniques and unending patience is a must.  We are very lucky Stephanie has both.  It also takes a good deal of communication.  Ian devised a printed chart broken down by half-hour that allows both us and Stephanie to log feedings, medications, diaper changes, exercise and bathing.  This way we can quickly tell how the day is going.  It has worked really well so far.  I've shared it with the rest of Teagan's care team and they have all been impressed.

Yeah, you know you're jealous

Teagan also may have gotten her first (tiny) taste of Christmas cookie frosting.  It may have been just gas, but she smiled SO HUGE!!!  That's right, we start the sugar addiction early 'round here.  I'm excited to start working on her Christmas tutu and take some Christmas photos!  I'll make sure to share in the next few days....stay tuned!!!

Sooooo many cookies.....