4 Weeks (Day 26-30)

We are celebrating 4 weeks of life with Hugo! On our part, we made cookies for the nurses. For Hugo's part, he slept and ate. He was just approved to move on to Phase 2 of the cue based feeding process. Now he can have bottle or breast 2 times each twelve hour shift.

His first bottle attempt on September 4 was successful. He drank the whole thing. Some have asked, and I don't think I've ever clarified, that Hugo gets my breast milk. I pump and they feed it to him through the bolus. They do need to fortify it a little to supply some of the things his premature body needs. He gets it with the bottle too. Whatever it is seems to work since he is gaining weight! As of today he's 5lbs 4oz.

Unfortunately, my production is ahead of his appetite. In addition to what we already have at home, I used up my allotted space in the hospital and they sent us home with a big bag of frozen breast milk. I've been told to keep it because he'll catch up to me but I have my doubts.

Hugo's first Hawkeye game was last Saturday and he was all geared up and ready to cheer for the Hawkeyes! They started a new tradition in Kinnick Stadium this year. At the end of the first quarter everyone turns to wave at the children's hospital. Children and parents gather on floor twelve or look from their rooms to see everyone sending the love. It's a sweet tradition that I hope will last for a long time. The heartwarming scene even made it to the Today Show!