Zoe had a bath

Yesterday Mommy gave Zoë a bath for the first time. Of course nurse Jessica helped Mommy as she had never given any baby a bath. It was a great experience for both. Zoë was very relaxed and enjoyed it very much.

(I have a towel in my hair, just like Mommy)

We also found out two things that we wanted to wait until we got a definite answer before we said anything. We didn't want to worry everyone. Both items seem to be the reason why she is forgetting to breathe.

The first thing is that Zoë's murmur has not closed, so the Drs put her on medication to help close it. She has received her last does and it seems to be helping. She is going to get an echo of her heart tomorrow to see how well the medication is working. This is being done to help avoid surgery to close it up. This is a common thing even with babies born to term. Her feedings were also reduced to 1cc she was already up to 16cc's. She was almost at full feedings.

She also has an infection because of the central line they put in last week. We knew this was a risk when it was put in. The central line has now been removed and she is being given anti-biotics to fight the infection. Because of this visitors are being limited from touching her. Since her central line was removed she now has a regular IV and is getting her nutrients through the IV. Her central line was about to be removed, so we are anticipating that she go back up to full feeds in a couple of days.

Zoë however doesn't know she has an infection. She if very alert and moving her arms and kicking. Yesterday Mommy and Daddy were having quality time Zoë and she was looking at both of us and smiling. She would hold Daddy's hand and look at him while he talked to her. She even turned to the red light that turned on and looked away from Daddy. This is not typical of babies with these type of infections. Zoë also started to lick her blankets during feeding time, she would stop when Daddy would look. She is a joker, just like Daddy.

Some great news is the Zoë's chromosome test came back normal. Nothing is wrong in that area. This is great news for us.

We want to thank everyone that has stayed home while they were sick. This makes a big difference, especially now that she has an infection. We know there is a bug going around and fully understand why you haven't been here :). There will be plenty of time to visit Zoë in the hospital.

We also talked to the Doctors today and they agreed with Mommy that the nurse handed Zoë to Daddy the wrong way. So Daddy is going to give it another shot when the next kangaroo care comes up, he will try and hold her again.

("I am traumatized", this was from Sunday)

Unfortunately, 

I haven't been able to visit to get MORE pictures!  Sorry Zoe!

This picture is from last Saturday.

Zoe was sticking her tongue out trying to lick Mommy's "lovely lady lumps" and we were trying to catch it.

Daddy Soilo I'll bet you'll regain confidence sooner than later...  

Coincidentally, I was given a book today to pass on to Daddy Naz!  

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters 

10 Secrets Every Father Should Know

Looks like a good read!

"This book maintains the argument that, for a girl to grow up into a self-assured, well-adjusted, and happy woman, a strong, nurturing father is a must. The existence of a strong father in a girl's life is a foolproof protection from social failure, misery, drugs and alcohol, academic failure, eating disorders, and teen pregnancy, while being a catalyst for a rewarding emotional life, successful relationships, personal health and grooming, and academic achievement."

10 weeks to go.....

Saturday morning Zoë turned a week old, it feels like it has been 10 weeks but none the less she is doing well.   Daddy got to hold her for awhile, with a few minor issues, I was holding her a little bit off balance and all sorts of pops and buzzers went off. Amy assures me it was the nurses doing I on the other hand have been a bit traumatized  So I have to build my confidence up here rather quickly especially when it is kangaroo care time.  Mommy on the other hand is a master at holding her and changing her diaper.  She is off of work until the end of March so she has been spending tons of quality time with baby-Z.  

On Sunday Daddy was busy cleaning the house while Mommy spent the day with Zoë (by the way I have gotten pretty good at spelling her name using the "ë" , control+ "u" then "e").  We have to get her room ready for her big May homecoming, which Amy and I have decided to celebrate in perpetuity.  So each valentine day will be her day as well as the day she comes home, yes Daddy is going to spoil her and yes I know I'm creating a monster but I can control her just like Frankenstein.  That worked out well, right?  Sunday, Mommy let me watch the ASU-UA game at Tio Rick's house...Go Devils !!!

Zoë had a stressful day on Monday, her heart murmur is starting to close, like it is supposed to, which is causing her oxygen level in her blood to drop and rise.  This is to be expected in preemies, the medical team hopes it will close her in few days.  She is up to 16 cc of the afore mentioned lady lump juice but they added a calorie fortifier.  The doctors are anticipating taking out her central line in 3 days, god willing. She had an ultrasound on her noggin which came out great, I don't she like that ultrasound gel on her head.  There was a lot of action going on in the NICU hallways which stressed her out.  She let us know because she was covering her ear with her little hand to block the noise, I'm continually amazed by her reaction to the environment.  Mommy and Daddy have been sleeping at home since last Thursday, she is in great hands here at PCH.  All the nurse seem to like her and say she's the cutest , now that is unbiased opinion !!!

Tomorrow they plan to bath her we'll see how that goes, also Daddy hopes to go to the ASU Women's basketball game, since it is Father Daughter night and I want my shirt for my daughter, I might have to get a little crazy but I'm getting a shirt....

Good Night Zoë

More to follow....

Thursday night was the 1st time Mommy & Daddy slept at home since Zoë arrived.  We made it through the night just fine as did Zoë.  She had a great day yesterday and she is up to 7 cc's of Mommy's lovely lady lumps juice :)   We also met with he surgeon that will be doing her surgery which will be sometime in June/July.  She is an expert in this sort of surgery and said it is a very routine surgery, Zoë will go be in the hospital for a couple of days so her stay wont be very long.  

Mommy also got to hold Zoë for an hour of Kangaroo Care time, I think she actually thought of breaking her out the ICU in her shirt (See Picture)

(Daddy start the car !!!!)

Zoë had another great night Frday, Amy and I slept at home again.  Today she is going up to 10 cc feedings.  She has also gained some weight she is up to 1025 grams ( again I will do the math  aprrox. 2 lbs. 4 oz).  Mommy will stay with her today so Daddy can go and clean the house and begin getting the house ready for her May homecoming.  

Everything is starting to sink for both of us and want to continue to thank everyone for their support.  More to follow........

Zoë had a good day and spent most of it with Mommy.  Daddy went to work today and both missed him.

Her feedings were increased today from 1cc to 4 cc every 3 hours.  She is digesting her food very well.  If she continues to do well, her feedings will be increased by 3cc's every 24 hours.  She is getting all her other nutrients from the central line they put in yesterday.

She also was taken off her tanning bed, so we can see her big eyes now that her goggles were taken off.   She even looked at Mommy and Daddy and smiled at them last night.  

Mommy got to change her diaper twice today and got to hold her while her bedding was being changed in the morning and and night shifts.  Marcie, Delilah, Rochelle and Cynthia even got to see Mommy change her diaper.

Mommy also was given the chance to kiss her.  Zoë got many many many many many kisses from Mommy.  

Since Zoë had a good day and is stable, tonight Mommy and Daddy are going to try and sleep at home.   We will let you know how that goes tomorrow.  

Mommy and Zoe

Tuesday, February 17

What looks like a HUGE hand next to our little angel is Tio Pablo. 

This day he came in to visit and give baby Zoe a blessing.

Good Morning Sunshine !!!!

Good Morning to all, Zoë a great night, her first night without her CPAP mask.  She has a little bit of apnea which is common with premies' and very nerve racking when the machine starts to beep and I see 0 on her respirator line but she remembers to breath which wasn't happening a few nights ago.  We did find out about her surgery, she'll be having it in 4-6 months which means she'll be home for a bit before she has to come back. 

Amy and I slept here again, even though it's 10 minutes from our kitchen to her room (as a scientist I timed it).  Tonight we may sleep at home since Zoë is stable and in good company.

(Daddy asleep at the wheel)

More to follow.....

Update.....

Zoë had her procedure done earlier today, everything went great, she now can take in a little more electrolytes and calories through this line.  She is bit tired and is sleeping quite nicely.  

Visitor Info: Visiting hours are from 10 am to 9 pm with quite time from 6:30  to 7:3o pm.  This is when the doctors and nurses change shifts and brief each other.  Also, since it is RSV season no children under the age of 12 are allowed on the 3rd floor or near the NICU.  

Also if you have any semblance of a cold or flu please get better before visiting Zoë, she will understand and will be here waiting for you :)

Hope everyone has a great night and again thanks to everyone that has e-mailed us and provided words of support.  

Update.....

Here is an update, Zoë had to have a minor procedure.  They inserted a central line into her so she can receive her vitamins and electrolytes.  They did the procedure about 1/2 hour ago and are just making sure it was put in the right place. A specialist came in and did the procedure, as soon as we hear anything I will update everyone....

Zoë Olivia Felix

This is the latest picture of Zoë taken @ 1 pm , she is off of her little oxygen mask, which I can only describe as a fighter pilot's mask.  She's doing great today, more pix to follow.....maybe some video as well....

Amy's Cell number.....

I guess I should have posted Amy's cell number....

Area Code 602

403.3510

Just drop her a text to see if she's there, Daddy will be in and out but she'll be there more often than not...

A quick update for everyone, Zoë is doing great she has not been put back on the breathing machine which is great news.  She weighed in yesterday at 970 grams (I'll do the math thats 2  lb. 2 oz).  Amy changed here diaper twice, Daddy still hasn't gotten the courage to do so, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities, daddy did get to hold her while they changed her linens.  Amy was discharged yesterday and we both slept with Zoe.  

Zoe will have to have surgery in about 4-6 months, I won't go into details but I will tell everyone it is routine with premies but she is feisty little girl and she will be fine.  If would like the details just send me a direct e-mail.  

If anyone would like to visit, we are are on the 3rd floor Phoenix Children's Hospital at Good Sam.  We can have visitors from 10 am to 9 pm but a parent must be present.  Amy and I are usually there, Amy will be there more often since I will be heading back to work and will be in and out.  Please call Amy or drop her a text message on her cell.....

Once I figure out how to post are some pix of Zoë's home away from home I will, more to follow.....

Zoe has arrived !!!

On Valentines Day 2009 , Zoe Olivia Felix was born at 3:55 am, 2 1/2 months before her due date. Mommy and Daddy are very happy that she's has finally joined the family. We know every ones is busy and understand it maybe hard to visit us. This blog has been set up to keep everyone up to date on here journey home. We will post updates and pictures as much as possible, we have no wifi available but we'll manage....

Current Update:

Zoe will be in the New Born Intensive Care Unit(NICU) at Phoenix Children's Hospital wing located at Good Sam for approximately 11 weeks. She has been doing great, on Sunday she was put on a machine to help her to remember to breath, today she she came off of it and since been fine breathing on her own. She actually took off her breathing cap which the nurses thought was funny.

As many of know she was born with out a left thumb and has had quite a few x-rays on her arm and wrist which have come back normal. I'm sure she will adapt quite well as will Mommy and Daddy.

Earlier today I explored the family support center they have here at PCH and found a computer lab which is where I'm typing this to all before I go to my little corner next to Zoe, as soon as I can I will get pix up, hope all is well with everyone and again thanks for all the well wishes and support