Working the Room

Visits from family continue and Pierce is figuring out how to "work the room". He has found that going with the "cuddly baby" approach really pays dividends ... it allows him to do what he does best, look cute and sleep.

Grandma and Grandpa Houston both got some nice cuddle time ...

... and he even got Uncle Eric in on the act!

Yep, it's pretty good to be a baby.

Everybody have fun tonight ... everybody Wang Chung tonight

Pierce had his first party last night. After a rough Christmas everyone was ready for a better Friday and we got it. Taking him off the vitamins was the right thing to do and our perfect, happy, healthy boy returned. (Here he is resting up for the big night.)

Not only did Uncle Mateo and Auntie Em stop by, but Jon's cousin Ellen, her husband Keith and Grandma Maggy made a visit too.

All went well, but the little guy got pretty tired towards the end of the night and it took awhile to calm him down and get him to sleep.

Chrismissed

Pierce's first Christmas started out pretty darn well with the family nestled in front of the Yule Log on WGN. But, it is now 10:30 p.m. and we haven't had lunch or touched a present. In fact, the past 12 hours have been no fun for any of us. In response to Pierce's behavior, our nervousness and an odd lump we found on his chest Amy and I spoke with our friends at the NICU, our pediatrician and ended up visiting the Mercy Hospital emergency room today.

To make a long story short everything is fine. All day, Pierce was shreaking like he was in pain, couldn't be consoled and the lump was freaking us out. Given his history we were worrying ourselves sick so we made some calls and got in the car. The doctor was concerned and said we did the right thing by going in (which made us feel better) so he had blood and urine samples tested and a complete going over by a doctor with good results. We suspect the vitamins we have been adding to his milk over the past couple of days aren't sitting well with him, and he has a hormone-induced lump that should go away in short order. The blood work will be cultured and we will know in 48 hours if he has anything but the CRP test came back at 0.

Our little guy was a champ at the hospital and did much better than mom and dad. He's finally quiet, resting and comfortable.

Merry Christmas to all ...

Oh there's no place like home for the holidays ...

It's official ... Pierce is home! We got him dressed at the hospital ...



... snapped a family photo ...



... put him in his car seat ...



... and off we went.

Upon our arrival home, Pierce got a quick tour ...



... was introduced to the couch by Dad ...



... then had a meltdown.

(There is always a transition period with a new roommate.)

Pierce has never been cold ...

When Pierce comes home Tuesday he'll experience a couple of firsts ... his first car ride and his first taste of winter in Iowa. Grandma and Grandpa Houston stopped by for a visit today and he slept the whole time. According to nurse Bette, Pierce was up all morning but somehow managed to fall asleep as soon as family arrived.

It seems as though mommy has him used to being held which means the nurses have to hold him when they want him to sleep. Dad sees a pattern here.

Unfortunately the I.V. is back in his head so he's not as photogenic, but word on the street is that the girls in NICU think Pierce is hot.

Ho, Ho, Ho

Yesterday Pierce met Santa for the first time. Santa made the rounds to visit all the NICU babies. They are just great about this time of year. So far, Pierce has received a knitted cap, blanket, stocking and craft from volunteers. Very sweet! Today Pierce had a visit from his Grandma Maggy who arrived at meal time so was able to feed him. He is a very strong eater! In fact, we decided we should wake him up from his very long naps and have smaller feedings - otherwise he just devours it too fast! He has gained half of a pound since he was born! He loves having his hands close to him during his feedings and sleep. Amy just loves the photo above of his hands clenched while he is eating - it definitely takes a lot of concentration.

It's not shampoo, it's real poo ...

Today was a day which included lots of activity and a grumpy boy. Everyone should sleep well tonight. The I.V. has been moved to his right foot meaning cute baby pictures again and clean hair for Pierce! Amy got her mommy ring (Pierce's birth stone) today so he is with her all the time. Our little guy is proving to be a strong eater which means he is also a strong pooper!

1 Week Old Today!

Oh the weather outside is frightful ...

Baby's first snow storm! Luckily for Pierce he can't shovel yet so he got to cuddle all day with mommy ...

Back at it for Dad

Jon went back to Flynn Wright so Mom had Pierce to herself today. Annette, Amanda and Maggy visited as did Dave and Kathy who were back from Hawaii. Pierce got some good test results and we are more than ready to bring the little guy home. Uncle Cool (Chris) is going into the squirrel poop business.

Sunday is a fun day!

We came in this morning to good news ... strong feedings overnight, good sleep and the removal of the continuous I.V.! He's doing well and if we could just fast forward these antibiotics we could take the little guy home before the 23rd. There are fewer photos to share as we're spending more time parenting and less time staring ... I think that's a good thing.

A lot can happen in a few daze ...

Things continue to improve. Vitals are strong. He's eating more and more every few hours and, as you can see, his I.V. has been moved to his head allowing for better hand-chewing. His favorite thing is to have his hands around his face or to grab his ears.

Well, I guess it's "Hello World!".

Pierce David Miller
Born December 9, 2008
1:40 a.m.
21.25"
8 lbs, 15 oz