Archives for October 2011

My wife and I have decided to thank each and every one of the friends, family members and perfect strangers who have been so supportive to us these past few weeks. The best way we could honor all of you is by donating our time and helping those around us who are less fortunate during this holiday season. Our first act for Halloween is best surmised in the following email I’ve sent to approximately 10 local farms…

“My name is Jonathan Farsaci and I am the proud, first time father of a beautiful 1 lb 9 ounce baby girl named Sofia. Sofia was born 15 weeks premature and is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit at WakeMed Hospital on New Burn Avenue. My wife and I have received an outpouring of support from our friends, families and local community during this very difficult time and we are now asking you to help us pay it forward. There are approximately 35 premature, underdeveloped or at risk babies in the hospital and some of their families have not been as fortunate as we have. We are asking you to find it in your hearts to donate as many small pumpkins as you can for us to reach a total of 35 and my wife and I will decorate them with colorful faces and place at the children’s bedsides. We are hoping that this will bring some sense of joy and comfort to their families who are having to endure the test of their lives. I have included a link to our website where you are welcome to read about Sofia’s story in more detail. Thank you and God Bless.”
Sincerely,
Sofia’s Daddy

Within about 30 minutes, I received a call from Gross Farms in Sanford, NC. Tina Gross was touched by Sofia’s story and wanted to donate all 35 pumpkins to the wonderful families in the Raleigh NICU. I’m set to meet with Tina tomorrow morning and will be sure and take lots of pictures of the finished product. Just another testament to how beautiful this world can be when we love and support one another. Thank you all once again, we can’t say it enough.

Daddy F

My wife and I have decided to thank each and every one of the friends, family members and perfect strangers who have been so supportive to us these past few weeks. The best way we could honor all of you is by donating our time and helping those around us who are less fortunate during this holiday season. Our first act for Halloween is best surmised in the following email I’ve sent to approximately 10 local farms…

“My name is Jonathan Farsaci and I am the proud, first time father of a beautiful 1 lb 9 ounce baby girl named Sofia. Sofia was born 15 weeks premature and is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit at WakeMed Hospital on New Burn Avenue. My wife and I have received an outpouring of support from our friends, families and local community during this very difficult time and we are now asking you to help us pay it forward. There are approximately 35 premature, underdeveloped or at risk babies in the hospital and some of their families have not been as fortunate as we have. We are asking you to find it in your hearts to donate as many small pumpkins as you can for us to reach a total of 35 and my wife and I will decorate them with colorful faces and place at the children’s bedsides. We are hoping that this will bring some sense of joy and comfort to their families who are having to endure the test of their lives. I have included a link to our website where you are welcome to read about Sofia’s story in more detail. Thank you and God Bless.”
Sincerely,
Sofia’s Daddy

Within about 30 minutes, I received a call from Gross Farms in Sanford, NC. Tina Gross was touched by Sofia’s story and wanted to donate all 35 pumpkins to the wonderful families in the Raleigh NICU. I’m set to meet with Tina tomorrow morning and will be sure and take lots of pictures of the finished product. Just another testament to how beautiful this world can be when we love and support one another. Thank you all once again, we can’t say it enough.

Daddy F

Today was a big day for Sofia! She tested out the vapor nasal cannula for the first time today. For those that don’t know what a nasal cannula is, think little old lady with an oxygen tank and a nose piece. It’s what may get Sofia off her bubbly CPAP and help us see her face a little more than we can now. They let her wear it during kangaroo time today and watched her stats to see how she would respond. She did great during her hour and a half session. She had a minimal amount of desats and no brady’s! I loved it too because I could see her little face a little better and the CPAP gear is no fun for Mom and Dad either during Kangaroo time. All that equipment hurts!

Since the little nasal prongs go up her nose a little ways, I was able to hear her sneeze for the first time. It was so adorable to hear her squeaky little sneeze. She also got a swaddle sponge bath today and her left over belly button piece fell off so we were able to see her itty bitty belly button for the first time. Her weight is up to about 1lb 12oz…only 4 ounces till we hit the big 2lb mark! Big strides for my little munchkin. Daddy and I had lunch with some of the other NICU parents today and swapped stories on our little ones, the things you just have to laugh at and the struggles that we go through physically, mentally and emotionally.

Having time to sit with other people who understand what you are going through is so helpful. It helps us stay focused on the positives. Tomorrow is Sofia’s 3 “weekaversary” (thanks Colleen for the new vocab word) and we are hoping for a little weight gain to celebrate!

“Mommy! Please no pictures with my hat off!”

“Sheesh, do we have to document everything?” Um, yes…we do!

Today was a big day for Sofia! She tested out the vapor nasal cannula for the first time today. For those that don’t know what a nasal cannula is, think little old lady with an oxygen tank and a nose piece. It’s what may get Sofia off her bubbly CPAP and help us see her face a little more than we can now. They let her wear it during kangaroo time today and watched her stats to see how she would respond. She did great during her hour and a half session. She had a minimal amount of desats and no brady’s! I loved it too because I could see her little face a little better and the CPAP gear is no fun for Mom and Dad either during Kangaroo time. All that equipment hurts!

Since the little nasal prongs go up her nose a little ways, I was able to hear her sneeze for the first time. It was so adorable to hear her squeaky little sneeze. She also got a swaddle sponge bath today and her left over belly button piece fell off so we were able to see her itty bitty belly button for the first time. Her weight is up to about 1lb 12oz…only 4 ounces till we hit the big 2lb mark! Big strides for my little munchkin. Daddy and I had lunch with some of the other NICU parents today and swapped stories on our little ones, the things you just have to laugh at and the struggles that we go through physically, mentally and emotionally.

Having time to sit with other people who understand what you are going through is so helpful. It helps us stay focused on the positives. Tomorrow is Sofia’s 3 “weekaversary” (thanks Colleen for the new vocab word) and we are hoping for a little weight gain to celebrate!

“Mommy! Please no pictures with my hat off!”

“Sheesh, do we have to document everything?” Um, yes…we do!

Today was a big day for Sofia! She tested out the vapor nasal cannula for the first time today. For those that don’t know what a nasal cannula is, think little old lady with an oxygen tank and a nose piece. It’s what may get Sofia off her bubbly CPAP and help us see her face a little more than we can now. They let her wear it during kangaroo time today and watched her stats to see how she would respond. She did great during her hour and a half session. She had a minimal amount of desats and no brady’s! I loved it too because I could see her little face a little better and the CPAP gear is no fun for Mom and Dad either during Kangaroo time. All that equipment hurts!

Since the little nasal prongs go up her nose a little ways, I was able to hear her sneeze for the first time. It was so adorable to hear her squeaky little sneeze. She also got a swaddle sponge bath today and her left over belly button piece fell off so we were able to see her itty bitty belly button for the first time. Her weight is up to about 1lb 12oz…only 4 ounces till we hit the big 2lb mark! Big strides for my little munchkin. Daddy and I had lunch with some of the other NICU parents today and swapped stories on our little ones, the things you just have to laugh at and the struggles that we go through physically, mentally and emotionally.

Having time to sit with other people who understand what you are going through is so helpful. It helps us stay focused on the positives. Tomorrow is Sofia’s 3 “weekaversary” (thanks Colleen for the new vocab word) and we are hoping for a little weight gain to celebrate!

“Mommy! Please no pictures with my hat off!”

“Sheesh, do we have to document everything?” Um, yes…we do!

Hello sweet pea. Mommy and I are here again tonight, watching you grow. I get the same feeling every time I see you and although it’s hard to describe, it’s like when I saw Mommy walking down the aisle in her wedding dress. She looked so beautiful and I can’t wait when you’re big enough, you’ll get to see. I thought that the feeling I got was a one time, magical moment that I wouldn’t experience again. Then, you were born and I got that wonderful feeling all over again. Now, I get that feeling each and every day I see your little face and I’m so thankful for you.
My mind races when I sit and stare at you. I can’t help but smile at your every movement. I wonder what you will look like when you get bigger, I wonder what your personality will be like. Will you play sports like Daddy and be a cheerleader like Mommy? Will you like math or science better? Will you love music or reading? One thing is for sure…we will teach you to be kind, generous and help those in need. Just like all of our friends and family have done for us. So, take your time little one, we’ll wait for you as long as it takes. And I’ll continue to sit here and wonder…

Love,
Daddy

Hello sweet pea. Mommy and I are here again tonight, watching you grow. I get the same feeling every time I see you and although it’s hard to describe, it’s like when I saw Mommy walking down the aisle in her wedding dress. She looked so beautiful and I can’t wait when you’re big enough, you’ll get to see. I thought that the feeling I got was a one time, magical moment that I wouldn’t experience again. Then, you were born and I got that wonderful feeling all over again. Now, I get that feeling each and every day I see your little face and I’m so thankful for you.
My mind races when I sit and stare at you. I can’t help but smile at your every movement. I wonder what you will look like when you get bigger, I wonder what your personality will be like. Will you play sports like Daddy and be a cheerleader like Mommy? Will you like math or science better? Will you love music or reading? One thing is for sure…we will teach you to be kind, generous and help those in need. Just like all of our friends and family have done for us. So, take your time little one, we’ll wait for you as long as it takes. And I’ll continue to sit here and wonder…

Love,
Daddy

Hello sweet pea. Mommy and I are here again tonight, watching you grow. I get the same feeling every time I see you and although it’s hard to describe, it’s like when I saw Mommy walking down the aisle in her wedding dress. She looked so beautiful and I can’t wait when you’re big enough, you’ll get to see. I thought that the feeling I got was a one time, magical moment that I wouldn’t experience again. Then, you were born and I got that wonderful feeling all over again. Now, I get that feeling each and every day I see your little face and I’m so thankful for you.
My mind races when I sit and stare at you. I can’t help but smile at your every movement. I wonder what you will look like when you get bigger, I wonder what your personality will be like. Will you play sports like Daddy and be a cheerleader like Mommy? Will you like math or science better? Will you love music or reading? One thing is for sure…we will teach you to be kind, generous and help those in need. Just like all of our friends and family have done for us. So, take your time little one, we’ll wait for you as long as it takes. And I’ll continue to sit here and wonder…

Love,
Daddy

Sofie was doing great yesterday, her weight was down just slightly to her birth weight, 1lb9oz, and she had a limited amount of Brady’s and Apnea’s. Most of her A’s and B’s were “self resolved”, meaning she pulled herself out of them and there was no need for the nurses to provide stimulation. These are the kind of Brady’s we want to see if any. She’s practicing the strength to keep herself going! Good job strong little girl. 🙂

I spent the day with her solo since this is was the last day Daddy would be working strictly from home. he goes back to handling local claims which means that he has appointments around Raleigh and I have less opportunities for access to the car considering it too made the trip to Florida along with the rest of our worldly possessions. I kangarooed with my little snuggle bug and may or may not have taken a nap with her. I feel like our routine is slightly better than it had been but it still needs a little tweaking here and there. The pumping every 2-3 hours is definitely a wrench in the daily spokes.

Each session is about 30-45 minutes with pumping, hand expressing and clean up. Some even run into the hour long range. If I pump every 2 hours, this gives me about 1 good hour before I need to start again. So, if I pump when I wake up and I eat breakfast and shower, I have to pump again. Then, I blow dry my hair, get dressed and I’m 20 minutes shy of my next session. This is barely drive time to the hospital. Needless to say I’m officially attached to this pump ALWAYS. I’m looking forward to the chance to have her close to me and I get to feed her directly, look into those big eyes of her and touch her little cheek, instead of this emotionless relationship I have with the big blue appliance. Sigh.

Mommy-daughter day!

Sofia’s first Alphie is ready for Halloween too!

Sofie was doing great yesterday, her weight was down just slightly to her birth weight, 1lb9oz, and she had a limited amount of Brady’s and Apnea’s. Most of her A’s and B’s were “self resolved”, meaning she pulled herself out of them and there was no need for the nurses to provide stimulation. These are the kind of Brady’s we want to see if any. She’s practicing the strength to keep herself going! Good job strong little girl. 🙂

I spent the day with her solo since this is was the last day Daddy would be working strictly from home. he goes back to handling local claims which means that he has appointments around Raleigh and I have less opportunities for access to the car considering it too made the trip to Florida along with the rest of our worldly possessions. I kangarooed with my little snuggle bug and may or may not have taken a nap with her. I feel like our routine is slightly better than it had been but it still needs a little tweaking here and there. The pumping every 2-3 hours is definitely a wrench in the daily spokes.

Each session is about 30-45 minutes with pumping, hand expressing and clean up. Some even run into the hour long range. If I pump every 2 hours, this gives me about 1 good hour before I need to start again. So, if I pump when I wake up and I eat breakfast and shower, I have to pump again. Then, I blow dry my hair, get dressed and I’m 20 minutes shy of my next session. This is barely drive time to the hospital. Needless to say I’m officially attached to this pump ALWAYS. I’m looking forward to the chance to have her close to me and I get to feed her directly, look into those big eyes of her and touch her little cheek, instead of this emotionless relationship I have with the big blue appliance. Sigh.

Mommy-daughter day!

Sofia’s first Alphie is ready for Halloween too!