TheCalabrias.com

Paolo’s first week went very smoothly, and he (and Ashley) did extremely well.

As expected, we were all a bit disappointed that we couldn’t bring him home right away. However, it didn’t take long for Ashley and I to realize that a lot of the “premature baby anxiety” was indeed lifted just knowing that he was in the hospital, being monitored, and getting excellent care from the Special Care Nursery. Ashley and I were able to visit him at any time - no restrictions; Ashley was able to breast feed him about 3 to 4 times a day; and, looking at the bright side, Ashley as able to come home and rest, instead of having to stay at a hospital room.

While the first week was mostly about making sure Paolo was stable, the second week was all about feedings and gaining weight. The goal was to keep reducing supplemental feedings until Poalo was able to get all his nourishments through breast feedings. The sooner Paolo could maintain/gain weight without supplemental feedings, the sooner he could come home.

At first, it simply meant Ashley made more frequent trips to the SCN. Not a Problem! By last Wednesday, Paolo was back to his birth weight. And that same afternoon, Ashley checked-in for a “rooming-in”. Paolo was able to leave the SCN and share a room with Ashley; she breast fed him every 3 hours; and the nurses kept monitoring him and weighting him between feedings. It took a few days, but this afternoon (June 7th) , exactly two weeks from his birth, our wonderful baby Paolo finally came home — one week ahead of schedule. Come to think of it, this seems to be his personal mantra: “get it done ahead of schedule.”

Lorenzo and Chloe were ecstatic!!! Paolo couldn’t have asked for a better Big Brother and Big Sister. The kids absolutely love him! I have not yet noticed a single hint of jealousy from either one of them, and they are always anxious for their turn to hold their baby brother. I’m afraid Paolo will be one spoiled, or should I say, loved kid.

Bem Vindo, Bevenuti, and Welcome Home Paolo!!! We love you!!!