Lucy at 4 Weeks

Weight:  We're back to birthweight (plus an ounce) at her appointment Tuesday, so 8 lbs 12 oz.

Health:    She has had three heel punctures in the lab to monitor her bilirubin levels. Even though she was under photo therapy lights for three days during her NICU stay, it's still lingering. If it's not gone down by enough, she has to have a full blood panel. :( 

Also, she had an ultrasound done last week to look at her sacral dimple, which is sometimes a marker for spina bifida. While she doesn't have spina bifida, they did discover a cyst in that area. It could be nothing to worry about, but they'll keep evaluating it during her exams. 

Oddly enough, her health problem that landed her in the NICU is but a memory for us. Since she's been home, her lungs sound so much better, and her breathing seems to be typical of your average newborn.

Sleep:  Our biggest challenge right now. I feel like she's backsliding -- two hour naps during the day, but can't sustain longer than that during the nighttime. And sometimes she's not easy to get back down after feedings. I feel like I'm doing the right things -- swaddling, at a slight angle, dark, sleep sheep -- but she must get too hungry to stay asleep. I'm thinking about introducing a formula bottle to see if that keeps her fuller longer, plus it would allow me to get more sleep.

Clothes: Newborn and some 0-3. I keep her predominately in sleep and plays and fleece one-piece PJs. It's just a lot easier for diaper changes and clothes changes. She hates being naked and trying to pull a onesie over her head while she screams is more than I need. 

Social:  We get a visitor almost every evening (which helps my sanity while my husband is at work), but that's slowing down. We've taken her to Target, the mall, and McDonald's so far, in addition to her doctor's appointments. I took her out by myself at 3 1/2 weeks for some more appointments, plus we get to visit my coworkers at the same time. I also took her with me to my orthodontist appointment and a quick TJ Maxx run. I'm trying to gain more confidence going places with her. She seems to do pretty well in public (likes the noises and sights), and I know it's good for me to not sit on my couch for weeks on end. 

Baby Gear Love:
Carter's clothes - As mentioned above, one-piece PJs are the easiest for both of us, plus I'm nervous she'll be too chilly in anything else. 

Pampers Swaddlers - I'm afraid to try any other diaper, because these are awesome. Knock on wood, but we haven't had a blowout yet, and they really pull the moisture away from her hiney. 

Boppy Lounger - I registered for this at the recommendation of my friend Casey. I like that it keeps her close to me instead of putting her in another one of her containment devices. I wish they made them for adults! 

Wubbanub - I think they generally look pretty ridiculous hanging off babies' mouths, but I caved and got her one. She actually really likes it, and she's only ever given a crap about the cut Soothie she had in the NICU. Whatever makes her happy and content!

Crying:  Mainly cries when hungry or overtired.

Milestones:  First big girl bath at 3 weeks, first mall trip, first tummy time and activity mat and first Thanksgiving!