Ruby Richman Simental

I am officially 34 weeks old today, at least in terms of gestational age. I definitely was not designed to be out in the world this early, but I’m adjusting quickly thanks to my friends in the St. Joseph’s NICU and my loving parents and extended family. Here is a picture of me sleeping peacefully while I dream of milk!

I had a lot of visitors today. Aunt Michele, Aunt Christina, and Uncle Tony all came to visit me. I slept through most of it, though. All this growing makes me tired!

I am one week old today and I feel much better. I am eating regularly now, about 8 times a day. Yum!

Mommy and Daddy came to visit and Mommy held me while I ate. I was in heaven!

The nurses gave me a cute hat to keep my head warm and it even matched mommy’s shirt.

Grandma and Grandpa Richman visited me again today. They are nice. I started on the skin light today to help get the yellow out of my skin. I have to wear these funny glasses to protect my eyes and they are not so comfortable, but the light is nice and warm.

Daddy got to hold me for the first time today. I was very comfortable and nicely wrapped up!

I also got my nose tube taken out today so now you can see my cute nose!

Today was a big day for me. The doctors removed my breathing tube and I’m back on the nose tube. This much more comfortable. I even started sucking on a binky. I find it very soothing at times.

My skin is a little bit yellow, which I understand is normal for babies my age. The doctors are going to put me under a light tomorrow to help me process the chemicals in my blood that make my skin yellow. It should be fine in a couple of days.

My lungs are getting stronger every day. The doctors say the air pockets are gone now and I shouldn’t have to worry about them anymore.

Mommy got to hold me today and I was very excited about that. It was peaceful in her arms and I can’t want to do it more when I get home.

Daddy showed up too and that was cool, but my eyes don’t work so well yet and his glasses were kind of scary.

Mommy is feeling much better and will be getting out of the hospital today. I can’t wait to see her more. I’ve been getting better by the minute, but still on the breathing tube. The doctors hope I will be off of it soon.

I’m doing a little bit better today, but not good enough to breath on my own. The doctors say I will need to keep the breathing tube in for another day or so until my lungs get better. I’m showing signs of improvement, though, so mommy and daddy are hopeful that I will be better soon.

Mommy started storing milk for me so I can eat it when I’m ready. This milk will help me grow and help keep me well and safe from sickness.

Today was a rough day. All this breathing made my lungs very tired and I developed two tiny little pockets of air in my lungs. The doctors were concerned about this so they put a breathing tube inside my wind pipe and inserted some medicine in there to help my lungs stay open. Mommy and daddy are concerned, but I know the doctors and nurses are taking very good care of me.

Well, I was born today. So that’s pretty cool. My mommy had high blood pressure for the last few days and the doctors decided it was best for me and her if they delivered me today. I’m just under 33 weeks old, so it’s early. But I’m in good hands at St. Joseph’s in Burbank.

Daddy cut my umbilical cord. That was gross. But I guess it’s something that must be done.

All this birthing has made me very tired.

Born February 18, 2001 @ 8:54 pm
3 pounds 14 ounces, 16 inches long