Luke's First Week

Luke had an eventful first week of life. Unfortunately, eventful is not always good when talking about a newborn. While we were in the hospital, he stayed in the nursery the whole time. He didn't get to spend time with us in my room. We finally all got discharged from the hospital on Monday. We spent Monday and Tuesday at home with Joey and my mom(Joe can't take any days off work unless it's an emergency). On Wednesday morning, we went back into the doctors office to get Luke's bilirubin level checked. I got a call on Wednesday at lunchtime from the doctor to tell me that his bilirubin level was at a 17.8. That is pretty high and not good. So we packed our bags again and headed back to the hospital. Joe was able to come home and go with us. My mom and Joey stayed home. They put Luke under the lights overnight. He also had to have an IV in. We couldn't hold him and I couldn't breastfeed him because the doctor said that there is something in breastmilk that can make the jaundice worse. I had to pump. I hate pumping. Anyways, here is a picture of my baby tanning.

On Thursday, after about 14 or so hours of Luke laying under the lights, he was allowed out of the isolet after his bilirubin level went down. We still had to stay at the hospital on Thursday night because they wanted to watch him and check his level again the next day.

Joe was able to take the day off work on Thursday to play with Joey while my mom came with me. Poor Joey was definitely missing his mom and dad. He loves my mom, though, so that made it a lot easier! Then my mom and Joe swapped and Joe spent the night with Luke and I at the hospital.

Also on Thursday, I started to develop a cold. What bad luck! I called my doctor to see if I could take anything and someone that I talked to at the clinic suggested that I just go get checked out at the emergency room--it was right there and with our insurance, it was free. So I went down to the emergency room at the hospital and spend 5 hours waiting to be told that it is a virus. I guess it was better to be safe than sorry. But they did give me a mask to wear around Luke. So I have been wearing a mask while feeding him or getting close to him. This means that I can't kiss him and hug him like I want to. I am feeling better now, though, so hopefully it will only be another day or two of wearing the mask.

My mom left on Saturday. She was here for 2 weeks because she came early just in case we needed her. Joey definitely misses his buddy that he spend so much time with. We were so lucky to have her here because I pretty much didn't see Joey for a week because of being at the hospital for so long.

We are home and enjoying life as a family of 4. Luke is doing great and eating and sleeping pretty good. Joey loves his little brother. He likes to hug and kiss him, shake his hand, and play with his toys. He has done great with the new addition.

Here are some pictures of Luke: Luke's first week.