Ok, before I start yapping - here's a teaser since I know all you REALLY want are the pictures :) Here is the first time I've seen Bennett with his eyes open!!




Bennett is almost 2 days old! He's doing really really well. He has remained on the ventilator since yesterday afternoon, but they have it on the very lowest setting. They are just keeping him on it since he is still stressed from the birth, they don't want him to have to work too hard. When he starts showing less signs of stress and starts settling in, they will probably take him off the vent again.

He started his sunbathing routine today for the jaundice. Just about every preemie gets it, so its not unusual. He is also still on the TPN feedings through his IV line, and they probably won't start introducing actual feedings for a few days yet. They don't want to put too much on him at once. So, I've been squeezing every drop of colostrum out that I can and we've been freezing it for when he's ready. Apparently, this stuff is liquid gold and they want every drop possible. My milk will probably be in soon though.

Ace and I just sit there watching Bennett for hours. Its still hard to realize he's ours! But we are getting to know him. I know how he likes to be touched, when he's stretching and exercising and when he's feeling stressed out. He loves to suck on his soothie pacifier and really loves to hold our fingers.

Carter got to meet Bennett last night and let Bennett hold his finger for a good while. My heart just burst seeing my two sons bonding. Carter is so proud of his baby. He is already so protective of him.

I wish I could hold him soon, but it will probably be a while yet. The stress of the last few days with his condition in utero and the birth have really worn him out. Once they see that little things don't stress him out so much, then I will be able to hold him. I'm being patient of course, but its unnatural not to be able to hold and cuddle your baby. But I cradle him in my hands in the isolette anyway, and he absolutely LOVES that.

Bennett can have visitors now, but only one person at a time with either Ace or I, and not too many in a day. If you want to visit, please call us and make sure the time will be o.k. and that the baby isn't too stressed or tired that day. I will forewarn you that looking at this little miracle brings tears to even the toughest guys. Your heart can't help but melt :)

The brothers meeting:



Bennett's freakishly long foot!!