A Banner Day for Baby Ben

Today was pretty amazing. First, when Auntie Jane and I got to the hospital, we learned that Ben had graduated to his own "condo". This means he's doing better at regulating his own body temperature.

Then, we also learned that Ben had started back on breast milk through a feeding tube. They had tried on Sunday, but he didn't digest it. This time, he was digesting it perfectly - and his bowels were working properly as well (great news for a worried momma).

Then, tonight while Nick and I were visiting, I casually asked nurse Kate about "Kangaroo Care." My cousin Michael told me that when his son Elliot was born prematurely, they used this technique of holding the baby against the parents' bare chest. Apparently the skin to skin contact is really good for the little ones. I thought BP would have to get to a certain weight before we could try this. But no, Kate smiled and asked if we wanted to try it NOW. ABSOLUTELY!! As you can see from the above pictures - both BP and MP(momma pollara) are amazingly content. During the Kangaroo Care, all of Ben's vitals evened out. It was fascinating - his breathing and heart rate became stronger and more regular. Yeay for Kangaroo Care!

More importantly, YEAY for Baby Ben. He's doing great.