Busted out of NICU!!!

The former NICU diggs...

Grant is out of NICU!!!  We are SO happy...  Late last night he was brought down to the regular nursery and the nurses (knowing how desperate I was to have him in my arms again) brought him to our room right away.  He was so cute - eyes open, checking everything out, smiling and cooing.  He was so content!  After polishing off 2 ounces in less than 10 minutes (!!) went right to sleep.  Today the doctor said that he is eating so well that we can actually offer him more.  So we'll be upping the amount.  He's also already back up to his birth weight, so we can postpone that first doctor's visit by a few days.  Overall, she said he is one healthy little boy!  Such great news...

Here is a picture from last night when he and I were cuddling.  He is just so sweet!  I was certain that he was going to be the spitting image of his brothers, but he is actually very different!  I need to dig out my baby photos to see if there is some resemblance.  I am just so excited that he has dark hair like mommy.  I hope it sticks around!

My aunt Judy pointed out the ultrasound picture from earlier in the pregnancy and when we looked we were pretty impressed!!  It's amazing!  Here is that picture compared to how he looks today.

We'll have more photos soon!  Now that things are settling down, we'll have more opportunities for photos, cuddles and fun.  I can't wait to bring our bundle home!!

Baby update!

I'm just sitting in the room waiting for our next feeding.  Grant is still in the NICU and we're *hoping* that today might be the day he comes back to the regular nursery.  The NICU is so far away from our room -- we actually have to leave the maternity unit to get there.  So it will be nice when he can be closer to us and spend time in the room.  Once I get my hands on him he'll be in here 24/7!!!  I just miss him so much!

The main reason he is still in there is his blood sugar levels.  Everything else is great, but they are in the process of weaning him from his IV.  This means he has to get his blood tested after each feeding to see if his levels have gone up.  I finally gave in last night and let the doctors give him some formula to help expedite the process.  After three overnight feedings, his numbers are looking GREAT.  So that is good news for us!!  

The boys were so cute yesterday visiting their brother.  They tentatively entered the room and I could see their relief that it was just me in the bed.  But after a few minutes of playing, they wanted to know where Grant was.  So we made arrangements with the NICU where they could peek through a glass window to see him.   I will never forget that moment - ever.  They were so cute peeking through the glass at their new baby.

Cole: "Why doesn't he say goo-goo, gaa-gaa?"

Tommy: "He won't open his eyes!"

Cole:  "I want to go in that room!!"

Then Tommy leaned in and kissed the glass window.  I am tearing up just thinking about it.  Can you imagine?  Kissing his new baby brother good-bye.  I can't WAIT for Grant to be here so the boys can see him up close today.  Send a quick prayer that he'll be back to our room soon!

We'll post more pictures tonight...thank you to everyone for your well wishes, love and support.  We are so proud of our new little man and can't wait for everyone to meet him!

Our new little man...

WELCOME TO THE WORLD BABY.....

Grant Kenealy Riordan

Born 2/3/11 at 12:47pm

Weight 8lbs 1oz  Length 21 inches

He is perfect, we are elated and Tommy and Cole are proud to be BIG BROTHERS!   Mommy and baby are both doing well.  Pictures will be posted soon.  Stay tuned!!!!

WE'RE BIG BROTHERS!!!!

My babies...

Tomorrow they won't be my "babies" anymore.  We are excited to meet our newest little man, but watching these guys run around in fire hats tonight is making me feel a bit nostalgic...

I'm a ball of nerves tonight!  Knowing that this time tomorrow we'll be parents again feels so surreal.  Knowing that this baby bump will be gone is so strange!  So many worries, fears, concerns...I have to give it up to God and hope for the best.  Say a little prayer for us tomorrow that all goes smoothly and we have a healthy baby boy.  Then continue to pray that he'll survive childhood with these two wild boys.  

The big day has finally arrived!