Jayden's NICU Experience

Hi, this is Jayden. Mom has been really busy, so i thought I'd help her out and take a moment to tell you about my first experiences in life. Like mom said in her last post, I was born on Tuesday October 21st. I knew that mom had been really tired and worn out from carrying me for nine months, so I decided to make delivery as easy for her as possible. So when I recognized mom's Dr's voice, I knew it was my turn. Mom only had to push twice before I came out! What a nice son I was! I had a lot of amniotic fluid in my mouth, so the Dr suctioned it out to help me take my first breaths! That sure felt better.

***

My family came to visit me. It was so fun to meet them. Especially my big brother Braxton. I know that I am taking away from his attention at home, but I hope he knows that I love him and already look up to him!

***

My first night really scared me and my parents. I tried to eat and learned that I didn't know how to breath at the same time. Mom and I were alone when I first learned this. She was still numb from the epidural and couldn't move, but tried to help me breath. Mom called to her nurse, who is also my great aunt, and dad saw that her call light was on and came running to mom's room. He got there before the Nurse or CNA and saw that I was blue, so he ran and got the CNA. I was lucky that she was fast because by the time she got to me I was completely blue and limp. I could tell that mom and dad were scared. They were crying. Everything happened so fast. Before I knew it, I was breathing again, but I was with the Nurse. They had to give me oxygen. That felt much better.

***

The next time mom tried to feed me I was hooked up to monitors to watch my oxygen levels. I still couldn't figure out how to breath and eat at the same time and so I was rushed back to the nursery again. I hated being away from mom and dad, but knew everything would be OK because mom and dad were always watching me from the window.

***

My doctor came in and decided that I needed to be watched more closely, so at about 1:00 in the morning was admitted to the NICU. My nurses were so nice. I had to be on monitors and have IVs in my head. I got antibiotics and nutrients through them to help me stay strong, and I was so brave.

***

My grandparents came in to see me, but Braxton couldn't come in because he was too young. It was always good to have visitors. I love being held. I gradually learned how to breathe and eat at the same time and got to go home on Saturday Oct. 25th! What a great day! Mom and Dad were so happy to finally have our family together! Here are some pictures from the time I was in the NICU.

Me in my isolette

Dad holding me right after my IV was taken out! The isolette kept me warm

Mom and me

When I had two IVs in my head. I look like i have horns