Life on Two Coasts: 1 month

One month, the first month life for our little Kalea. It hasn't been easy, but we have enjoyed every second with her so far. This post is heavily loaded with pictures, but I am sure you won't mind.

I wanted to share some of the things that have happened this first month with Kalea. Just scroll down if you are only interested in the pics.

While in the hospital, she was screened for a hearing test. The first night of her life and she failed her first test. We tried really hard not to worry since we were told that she most likely still had extra fluid that still needed to work itself out. Sure enough, the next night she passed the hearing test with flying colors!

She had her first doctors appointment at 5 days old. Her new pediatrician wasn't available, so it was with a nurse. She weighed in at 5 lbs, 8 ozs. Not good since she checked out of the hospital at 5 lbs. 14 oz. The nurse was concerned about her lack of weight loss (normal for newborns, but not this much) and immediately told us we needed to supplement with formula. I was extremely upset and had to work hard to not cry. I was extremely frustrated with the nurse by the end of the appointment, since there was no explanation for why supplementing was needed, as opposed to finding out why she wasn't gaining with normal breastfeeding. We were scheduled a weight check for the next day. I decided to ignore the nurse and not supplement, but instead go full force with breastfeeding and make sure she got as much as she could. The next day we went back and she barely gained half an ounce. Not good since she was still so small. This led to more frustration with the same nurse, but finally she found a lactation consultant. We discovered that Kalea is not using her tongue properly, and having a transferring problem. This means she is not getting enough breast milk. Finally an answer as to what is going on. We are now working on her eating properly while pumping and supplementing as needed.

We had a wonderful family friend buy Kalea some premie sized clothes since she didn't have too many clothes that fit her. Happily, she is not fitting into her newborn sized clothes much better. I never thought I would get to use the newborn clothes so much!

Kalea's grandparents from New Jersey have been with us for two weeks, soaking up every second of baby time they can. Sadly, they have to leave tomorrow. Thanks for all of the help Mom mom and Pop pop!

We have ventured out to dinner with Kalea quite a few times this first month. She is a great dinner date, sleeping through it most of the time as long as we time it right with her feeding schedule.

And now on to the pictures!