Dennie gets a Bath

Before, During, After...

First Doctor Visit

Mom and Dad took Dennie to his first pediatrician appointment today. We are so happy to report that Dennie now weighs 5lbs 7oz! He is already a pound heavier than when he was born. The doctor was amazed at his strength and awareness and he said, "you guys better watch out for this little guy... his head is so strong and he's not even supposed to be born yet." 

Overall it was a great visit and Dennie really enjoyed the car ride (even though as you can see he is a little small for the car seat:-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dennie had a great time celebrating his first holiday today. Mom, Dad, and family are thankful to have him home and for all of the love and support of their friends and family.

Lazy Days

Dennie enjoyed a peaceful day at home.

Home Sweet Home

Dennie came home from the hospital today and is enjoying his new digs. He is sleeping and eating well and loving being home with mom and dad.

Thumb's Up

Dennie is now on a feed on demand schedule. His feeding tube was removed today and he is getting very close to coming home!

Packing on the Pounds

Dennie at his nightly weigh in is gaining more and more each day

Baby Shower

Thank you to everyone who attended our shower for Dennie today. It was so nice to see all of you and spend some time with you. We are looking forward to having you meet our beautiful son when he comes home soon!

We missed all of the out of towners and can't wait to see all of you. 

With Love,

Stephanie, Mark, & Dennie

Progress Report

Today was a big day for Dennie and family. The doctor increased his feeding to 45 ml and he is developing the suck, swallow, breathe sequence nicely. He also moved out of the isolette into an open crib and so far is maintaining his temperature. Keep it up little man!

More pictures to come tomorrow...

Very Happy Baby Video

Medical Update

Dennie has made it back to his birth weight! He was 4lbs 7 ozs when he was born and now he is almost 4lbs 8ozs! He has also been taken off caffeine treatment (used in premature babies to help breathing). The little guy continues to get stronger and cuter everyday! He loves to hear about all the comments left by friends and family on the blog, so keep it up!

Dennie's Favorite Thing

Dennie is not happy unless he is able to stretch both arms all the way out (and preferably his legs too). When Stephanie holds him, he will not totally settle unless his arms are free. When he is in his warmer, unwrapped, it looks like he is sunbathing because he is sprawled all the way out.
He certainly knows how to make himself comfortable:



Dennie Stretching



Ah, good.

Happy Two Week Birthday, Dennie!

Our Family

French Songs Video

Mom and I like to sing French nursery songs to Dennie and he already has a few favorite ones.

Saturday was a peaceful day in the nursery for Baby, Mom, and Dad as they are getting to know each other.

Bath Time Video

Dennie was moved to a lower level NICU yesterday! His progress is amazing and astounding all the doctors and nurses.
Plus....Nonna decorated Dennie's crib yesterday with pictures of his family, so he is always surrounded by love.

Daddy Time

Update

Last night Dennie got his first bath from his Mom and Dad. He loved it!
He was weighed today and is about 4lbs 4ozs and is on his way back up to his birth weight. Based on how quickly he is progressing and how much he eats, i'm sure he'll be back up there soon!

Eight Days Old

Eight days old

Checking Mom out

Dennie's name placard

Dennie had another wonderful day in the NICU. Stephanie and Mark were able to perform much of his caregiving-- which they may have regretted after he needed a change of clothes for the third time!

He seems to be thriving and enjoying his mother's milk. 

Stephanie and Mark enjoy reading all of your comments very much and they send their love.

Pictures

Dennie's Historic Birthdate

My grandson Dennie raced his way into the world because he wanted to be a part of a historic day-- election day. He arrived with time to spare as President-elect Obama made his victory speech.

Dennie and I were also very proud of his mom who managed to vote in between contractions. She is one strong lady!

Yes they did!

Love,

Nonna

Medical Update 11/11

The doctor took Dennie off all antibiotics today which is great news!

Dennie is one week old today!

Happy One Week Birthday, baby Dennie!

Dennie Update

Since Stephanie and Mark spend much of their time in the NICU, where no phones are allowed, we will use the blog as a tool to keep everyone informed on Dennie's progress. 

Dennie is currently in the NICU at the hospital not too far from Stephanie and Mark's house. He was born 7 weeks premature, but is a healthy weight. He is very beautiful and came out with a full head of dark hair!

 Dennie will likely be in the hospital for a month, but he could come home sooner. Three things must happen before Dennie is sent home:
1. He has to be able to breathe on his own.
2. He has to be able to regulate his own body temperature.
3. He has to develop the sucking function.

We are happy to say that he has already reached milestone number one! He has been off of the respirator since Thursday. They still need to monitor his breathing, but he is doing great! 

He was treated with light therapy for jaundice (very common in preemies), but is done with that for now. Baby Dennie is still on a feeding tube, but at every feeding his intake increases and he digests very well.

Today was a great day for Dennie. He is getting so strong and more beautiful every day!

We will continue to post pictures and give updates. Stephanie and Mark thank you all for your love and support. While they may not be able to return all of your voicemails or emails, know that your love and thoughts are very much appreciated. Stay tuned.......

Welcome to the world baby Dennie!

Dennie Miles Erbland
Born: November 4th, 2008
Time: 9:39pm
Weight: 4lbs 7ozs
Length: 18inches