DAY TEN

We are ten days into this adventure. Felix Neptune is growing and improving, slowly but steadily. Haley is feeling better -- again, slowly! We're learning patience and acceptance at every turn. And we continue to be amazed by the generous and kindhearted staff at Children's Hospital. They give us encouragement and strength; their attention to Felix and to us is ever-friendly and filled with hope.

Older brothers Maks and Eli have been among many friends and family who have come to say "hello." We are so grateful for everyone who's come to the NICU and greet Felix, or even sing some songs. Thanks as well to everyone who's sent us such loving words via email, Facebook and post!

We are especially grateful Haley's mom Carmen has come to visit. She's been invaluable around the house and at the NICU.

As of today, Felix weighs 4 lbs 4 ounces. Like all babies, he dropped some weight soon after birth. But now he's on a growth spurt! Felix still receives Haley's milk via a tube down his through. We're working on understanding why his suck-reflex isn't functioning yet. We have to keep remembering he was born a month early! It is a matter of slow and patient progress.

He's still on an airflow respirator. The NICU staff feel he still benefits from subtle assistance with breathing. It helps him allocate more energy to growing lung tissue and muscles.

He's opened his eyes a few more times, but only for short periods. We have to keep remembering he's a month early, and as such, he's very slowly getting acquainted to all the newborn skills he needs to thrive. He doesn't need to look around much now, so that's that.

Felix is also making many improvements in his range of motion. The physical therapist has shown us a mix of techniques to help his joints and muscles loosen up. We've been using tiny blue foam cushions to help open up his fingers and hands. He seems to like to squeeze and shake them. Felix also salutes the world with one or both legs pumping into the air! We should all welcome the world with such enthusiasm.

Most important -- he has learned how to pee on his head. This is obviously a critical skill, and we're excited to see Felix excel in this way. Previously, he was just peeing on us and the nurses. We'll save you any photos of his poop routine, just know it is progressing strongly in volume and odor.

Finally, we've been taking turns holding him on our chests. He's quite content to doze there for a few hours. We're quite content with that, too.