First week in the NICU

Mason was only on oxygen for about 6-8 hours, which is not too long for being 7 weeks early. He had a few wires going through his belly button and a feeding tube in his nose.
The NICU at Aultman was wonderful! Besides the outstanding nurses, the rooms are equipped with chairs that recline and a couch that folds out to a bed. We spent MANY nights there with Mason. It was really hard to leave him, even for a quick trip home. Although we wish Mason never had to be in the NICU, Tom and I really cherished the countless hours we spent as a new family in room B4. Tom became a fan of the hospital cafeteria food while I found myself always eating at 7th Street Cafe.
We spent many hours doing "Kangaroo Care" with Mason. This skin to skin contact is really supposed to help preemies grow and mature.