Phillies Phan

We're into the "hurry up and wait" stage since day-to-day progress will be slow. Foster is up to 4 lbs 2 ounces (was down to 13lbs 15 ounces) and receiving 21ccs of milk every three hours through his nasal-gastric tube. They didn't recheck his bilirubin today, but we expect in 3-4 days he'll be off his lights and the IV nutrition. Around 34 weeks (he is 32 tomorrow) they will start him on a bottle and when he's proven he can balance sucking, swallowing, and breathing, we will attempt breast-feeding.

When Phillies tickets went on sale this year, I bought tickets for last night's game, assuming we'd get to see one more game before Foster arrived. It was supposed to be his first game (in utero), but we had to go without him. It's embarassing that I'm already dressing him up in silly outfits, but this (sterilized) ice cream cup really fit him perfectly (although it stayed on better when he lay on his back). I'm sure he'll be mortified some day that we subjected him to such public humilation. Sorry big guy.

Warning to male readers, the following involves a discussion about breast pumping... do not read further if that makes you uncomfortable! Since I want to breast feed as soon as possible, and Foster is currently receiving my breast milk via the tube, I need to pump every 2-3 hours to keep up my supply. It is pretty demanding, but it makes me feel like I am doing something productive for Foster. I even had to rent an economy hospital-grade pump since the store bought option can't keep up with my pumping schedule (eventually I can use the store bought variety when I am not exclusively pumping). Last night I had to tote the whole apparatus to the Phillies game, hoping I'd find a private place to pump. Luckily the security guard doing the purse inspection stop didn't bat an eye at the cooler, bottles, and pump...he was probably too scared to ask. I did find a family bathroom that had a electrical outlet and locked door. I quickly discovered that one way to seriously anger drunk Phillies fans is to use the family bathroom for 20 minutes. I guess many people like to use it to avoid the long lines at the group bathrooms. About 10 minutes into the pumping, I had two very loud beligerant drunks trying to pound down the door. Not the ideal environment for milk production. Luckily by the time I left the room, the angry guys were gone. I only got a few strange looks from others who had been waiting more patiently in line. I'm sure it will continue to be an adventure finding quiet places to pump!