In a 'big girl' bed

OK. We know it will be many years before Claire is really in a 'big girl' bed but moving out of the isolette is a huge step forward in going home. She is bundled up tighter than a bug in a rug to help her hold her body temp. Those nurses really know how to swaddle.

According to one of our nurses, preemies have a more difficult time keeping their body temp at first. Makes sense since they are also burning off a lot of energy learning all the things they would have in the womb, while breathing, eating, pooping, etc.

Claire is also doing ad lib feedings now where they feed her when she gives them the cues that she is hungry (like waking from her deep, dad-like sleep). She is still getting a mix of breast milk and formula to pump up her calories and also taking a very nasty smelling vitamin (including iron). Mom & Claire are both on iron now - more special bonding!!

Cousin Nathan and Uncle Joel came by for a visit yesterday. Claire had been moved out into the room nearest the entrance to the NICU (dubbed Dinkyville by the nursing staff) so Nate was able to see Claire from the window. While he was excited to see her, he was more excited that he got to go down to the cafeteria with Uncle Peter and get a cookie. When you were six, wouldn't that be more exciting than seeing a baby who is sleeping through a window? Yeah. Me too.

Claire is doing great with the bottle, not so well with the breast but the nurses say that will come in time. At least we won't have to fight getting her to bottle, eh?