A week of many firsts

As expected, this week was a week of many firsts for all of us. We came home from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon, so Tuesday night was our first night home with Jacob. Wednesday morning he had his first doctor's appointment to check his bilirubin levels for jaundice. Late Wednesday afternoon we found out Jacob had to be re-admitted to the hospital for phototherapy because his bilirubin levels were too high and because he dropped a significant amount of weight in 2 days (11 ounces). It was a trying night for all 3 of us. We were initially told there wasn't a room for Mark and I to board with Jacob but we could sit in chairs next to him in the nursery if we wanted to stay with him. (Of course we did!) Fortunately by about midnight on Wednesday night a room became available that was attached to the special care nursery and the three of us were able to stay in that room the rest of the time. Jacob had to be in a crib under lights unless it was time to feed which was difficult because he didn't always like it but the nurses had many tricks up there sleeves to help comfort him. One of the overnight nurses that evening turned out to be a nurse I worked with previously at another hospital and having her familiar face around to help was a huge relief to me. She also helped us with breastfeeding which has been quite a challenge! Jacob's bilirubin levels dropped throughout the day on Thursday and after 24 hours of phototherapy we were able to come home once again. Although being re-admitted to the hospital was very difficult emotionally, I really believe it was a blessing in disguise. The nurses were all so comforting and supportive, and we got the help we needed to begin a path of much more successful breastfeeding. I came home ready to tackle Jacob's first night at home (round 2) with much more confidence. Since Thursday evening we've been enjoying the company and amazing help of my parents who took care of the us, Bailey and the house since their arrival on Monday. We've had our first walk and first bath at home, and are slowly starting to learn his personality. He makes the cutest facial expressions while he's sleeping; he loves going outside; he is very content in his car seat once he's buckled in and wrapped back up; he seemed to enjoy his first bath, and he does not like to have a wet diaper ( don't blame him)! Yesterday we went back to the doctor and she was very please with the improvement of his jaundice and his weigh gain. He gained 6 ounces so now weights 7 lbs, 8oz. My parents left to head back to Virginia this morning so today will be a day of more firsts as the just the 3 (4) of us. Here are few more pictures from Jacob's first week.

Jacob comes home (take 1).

Meeting his big sister Bailey.

Bailey and her new toy.

Jacob with Mark's parents.

Our family at home.

3 generations of Siburt boys.

First doctors appointment.

Soaking up some sun to help break down the bilirubin.

My cute little yellow snuggler.

Phototherapy.

Waiting with Daddy to be discharged from the hospital.

Jacob comes home (take 2).

Our cute little sleeping man.

First walk with the stroller (aka Bob).

Another family picture.

Sweet sleeping baby.

Bath time with Daddy.

Hello bright eyes!

Clean sleeping baby.

Hanging out with my Dad on the late night shift.

Enjoying the rocking chair with my Mom.