"I drink for comradeship, and when I drink for comradeship, I don't bother to keep count." -John Wayne

November 30th: So I am obsessing over my serious baby. Duke will smile, but laughing is something I am working to get him to do. I have played an intense game of peek-a-boo, tickle fits and where's mommy. I am going to have to show him a good movie.

"I suddenly found out after 25 years I was starting out all over again. I would just about break even if I sold everything right now." John Wayne

November 29th: Today Duke is gestationally 1 month old (though is he 2 1/2 months) Currently Duke has accomplished everything on the list of things a 1 month old should do. The nurse came today and was beyond stoked about Duke's progress we should be getting all this nasty medical equipment out of the house.

     Here is the 2 month list, which he should be working on for the next month. Green means he has mastered this Orange means he is working on it, Blue ... not so much,

• Your baby can follow an object as it's passed over her face, looking in an arc about six inches from her face.
• He steadily holds up her head.
• Baby rolls over in one direction.
• He can raise his chest using her arms for support while lying on his stomach.
• Baby smiles when you smile at him.
• He responds to loud sounds by becoming completely silent, crying, or acting startled.
• Baby coos.
• He focuses on very small objects, like raisins.
• Baby may laugh out loud. She may even squeal.

" I drink for comradeship, and when I drink for comradeship, I don't bother to keep count." - John Wayne

November 27th: Day two of noting but bottles today. We are all beyond tickled pink at this. I think at this point it would be weird if he didn't drink all of his bottle. This is so good for so many reasons. 1. I get to see all of his face on a regular basis 2. There are 3 back to back doctor's appointments in DC I do not have to go to now and either be off work or have to have someone else take him 3. He is going to be looked at an treated like a regular baby when we go out now (again I am thankful he just has the NG tube and I pray for the babies at the rehab and hospital with the trachea tubes and colostomy bags).

Tank trying to remain the baby

      Today after the 6pm feeding we took out the tube for changing and will put a new one in if Duke needs it. Untill then he is tube free and to me he truly looks like a little baby, but my little injured bird. I hope he keeps everything up because I do not want to put the tube back in for my life!

(His cheeks will de-red soon)

" Mine is a rebellion against the monotony of life." -John Wayne

November 26th: Duke ate all of his bottle by mouth today, not a drop came from the machine. He is also doing this off the oxygen to check if he gets tired. He is not acting anymore tired or sluggish without the oxygen and he is staying awake for the majority of his eatings. It is AMAZING the difference he has made in the three weeks he has been home, I am not sure if he would have made this progress at the rehab center so 3 weeks later I am 100% confidant in the decision I made to bring him home.

"I am a demonstrative man, a baby picker-upper, a hugger and a kisser - that's my nature."- John Wayne

November 25th: Happy Thanksgiving from Duke and I. We spent the day with my family at Grammy and Pop Rock's. Unfortunatly due to a case of shingle in our family we chose to opt out of Great Grandmom's house for Duke and Rockey's safety since they bother are suseptable to viruses right now.

     Duke's first Thanksgiving meal was a bottle. Duke has had 3 complete bottles today which is a huge accomplishment (Pop Rock, Aunt Candi and I got them).

     Rockey kept an eye on Duke at dinner, which was a nice excuse to get up from the table every so often.

( Rockey's first picture of Duke)

Sorry folks computer has been slow and the holidays have been fun. Posts will be up today for Thursday to Saturday.

"I never trust a man that doesn't drink." -John Wayne

November 24th: Duke took his first full bottle today. Pop Rock is King of the Lab...I mean bottle.

"[on why he never wrote an autobiography] Those who like me already know me, and those who don't like me wouldn't want to read about me anyway." -John Wayne

November 23rd: Duke got to meet his cousins today, which he slept mostly through. Tank was a little jealous that his mommy was holding Duke and Rockey was more interested in the new toys from Grammy and Pop Rock. Duke's feeding went well today, except from me :(. He is protesting me going back to work I have decided.

"I suddenly found out after 25 years I was starting out all over again. I would just about break even if I sold everything right now." -John Wayne

November 22nd- Today was my first day back to work. This is suppose to be a time where I am ultra weepy and upset to miss my son. I was weepy and upset of almost two months when I had to leave him every day, so missing him for 9 hours was nothing. He did well while I was gone today too eating 65 of his 70 ml. He has been uber hungry so the doctor asked us to up his feeds to 80 ml. It's funny, once we hit the 50 we moved to 70, now we hit 60 and we moved to 80 ml. We will keep pushing.

"I don't want ever to appear in a film that would embarrass a viewer. A man can take his wife, mother, and his daughter to one of my movies and never be ashamed or embarrassed for going." -John Wayne

November 20th: This quote is not a good link for the next statement. Duke's testicals have decended WOO Hoo!!!! Took him 2 months but they are here. Mom says I shouldn't put this in the blog just to put that people should call me for an important update, but I don't want to have a phone conversation about testicals, so here it is. He is a man, Mazal Tov! Other than the testicals, Duke's 2 month check-up went well. He got two immunizations which Grammy gave him. He didn't have a bad reaction but did sleep the entire afternoon, just getting up to eat.

( he was knocked out!)

"I'm the stuff men are made of!" -John Wayne

November 19th: Duke LOVES looking in the mirror for tummy time. He cranes his neck to look at himself and raises his arms in the air. I only do the mirror during tummy time because the physical therapist said that if you have their favorite toy at that time they will enjoy their tummy time more.

     Pop Rockwas in charge today of Duke so he is 100% good to go with feeding Duke. Duke at first was a little stuborn, but when he realized Mommy wasn't coming in to feed him he killed 40 ml for Pop Rock. Pop Rock also changed Duke's diaper (woo hoo!!)

     By the way whoever invented health insurance, if I ever meet them I will kiss them on the mouth. I got the invoice for how much Duke's Month at Children't hospital cost.....Thank god for insurance! Just staying in the NICU with general cares for one day is $1021 (this is not including the crazy tests he had).

[on being asked about his "phony hair" at Harvard in 1974] "It's not phony. It's real hair. Of course, it's not mine, but it's real."- John Wayne

November 18^th: Welcome to the wild world of Bottle Feeding Competition. The competitors are Mommy, Pop Rock and Grammy. Mommy is the seasoned profession where Pop Rock and Grammy are out of retirement for the games. The competition is steep, and the stakes are serious (getting Duke off the feeding tube). Grammy came out of the gates with her first feed at 17 ml. Pop Rock made a decent showing at 16 ml, followed by a meger 6 ml, but then he smoked Grammy with a fine showing of 26 ml. The winner….Mommy with 52 ml today. If you don’t believe me you can ask the occupational therapist who was here to work with me on eating and couldn’t believe it either. Now the rest of the day Duke was recovering from the drinking and tummy time.

( Duke after his Champion 52 ml drink)

I like to move my arms and legs...so grammy is safe

[on presenting the Best Picture Oscar in 1979] "Oscar and I have something in common. Oscar first came to the Hollywood scene in 1928. So did I. We're both a little weatherbeaten, but we're still here and plan to be around for a whole lot longer." -John Wayne

November 17th: Sorry this is coming late, yesterday was a day where my brain was scattered and at the end of the day I crashed.

(Duke pretending to nap)

   Duke was very cute and cuddly today he enjoyed his tummy time with Grammy and PopRock and reading with me. Now I am just working on getting him to get bigger so I can make my nights have more sleep times.

I can see Russia from my House

Just checked the Blog states we are just shy of 3,500 views and we now have readers from Russia, so Здравствуйте!

"I've always followed my father's advice: He told me, first, to always keep my word and, second, to never insult anybody unintentionally. If I insult you, you can be goddamn sure I intend to. And, third, he told me not to go around looking for trouble. Well, I guess I have had some problems sticking to that third rule."- John Wayne

November 16^th: Happy 2 month Birthday my little bird. It is amazing that so much time has passed since I found out I was having him early. He has made amazing strides on his own. I cannot believe I am so lucky to have this little guy is my son. Every day I love him even more with his little funny and kissy faces.

            Today Duke had his time with the Physical therapist, and he did not want to wake up. He worked with her on getting his head to move and following. She said he was a very strong little guy, and recognized his lack of participation wasn’t lack of ability, but rather him being super sleepy. He was exhausted after therapy and crashed on Pop Rock’s chest for the rest of the day.

“If I had it to do over again, I'd probably do everything I did. But that's not necessarily the right thing to do.” –John Wayne

November 15^th: Another sign I am officially a mom, today I had to change shirts because Duke covered it in poop. Thanks buddy!

            Duke had a new best with feeding 30 ml and was awake for two long periods today, Woo Hoo. On the other side of the day he also scared the crap out of me this morning by starting my day off with a scare by him straining to breathe. He got over it, but I was stressed the rest of the day. A lot of today was calling about Duke’s appointments (which are a lot) and finding out how to appeal getting Duke one of his immunizations which insurance has denied.

“You're going to think I'm being corny, but this is how I really feel: I hope my family and my friends will be able to say that I was an honest, kind and fairly decent man.” –John Wayne

November 14^th: This was Duke’s first Sunday home, which was spent mostly on Pop Rock’s chest. Duke didn’t stay awake most of the day, but when he was awake he was very alert and wanting to show how strong he was by gripping hands and trying to pull himself up (that little he-man).

"Every time they rate a picture, they let a little more go. Ratings are ridiculous to begin with. There was no need for rated pictures when the major studios were in control. Movies were once made for the whole family. Now, with the kind of junk the studios are cranking out-and the jacked-up prices they're charging for the privilege of seeing it - the average family is staying home and watching television. I'm quite sure that within two or three years, Americans will be completely fed up with these perverted films." -John Wayne

November 13^th: Duke is killing the bottle today. He still doesn’t have his best bottle feeding volume but he is doing much better about getting over his times of exhaustion and is able to complete the suck, swallow, breathe we take for granted much more. We had a relaxed day with some visitors who Duke did very well with. Also Duke and I watched Amelie today, and by that I mean he watched it and heard the French in the movie and myself reading the subtitles. I was impressed he stayed awake for most of it since napping is Dukes favorite thing to do.

( who could not love this face)

"I'm not preaching a sermon from the mount, you know. This is just my own opinion." -John Wayne

November 12^th: Exercising with Duke is fun. He is a fan of walks as long as the sun is not in his eyes. He also likes to do floor exercises on his bug quilt. It is funny how little things like rolling him over and leg kicks makes my little bird breathe like he just ran a marathon.

"I stick to simple themes. Love. Hate. No nuances. I stay away from psychoanalyst's couch scenes." -John Wayne

November 11^th: Duke is an amazing night sleeper, he only got up twice once because he had a dirty diaper and the other just required a quick cuddle and he was back to sleep. He has been also good about letting me know when he needs to change his position by squeaking a couple of times, I flip his side and he is back to sleep.

Roar...Okay it's a yawn

            Today was Duke’s first appointment with his pediatrician. Duke is 7lbs 4.5 ounces (a little drop in weight) and 21 inches. He did a great job during the appointment and failed to pee on anyone, which is a first since at the hospitals he considered the nurses target practice, maybe it is because the nurse is his grand mom. We talked about all the upcoming appointments Duke would have, including Duke’s 2 month well check up next week so he can get more fun shots, poor guy.

            I holding Duke when I had to get his bottle ready, so since everyone was at a concert Uncle Charlie had to hold Duke. He looked so uncomfortable holding him, but he held him so cautiously it may be the safest he was ever held.

John Wayne related Fact : The Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, issued a proclamation making 26 May 2007 "John Wayne Day" in California.

November 10^th: Duke slept through the night except at 3 when he needed a little cuddle time. Grammy and I took Duke for his first walk today to get some fresh air into him. Mom said this would help him sleep, and sleep is what Duke did for the majority of the day. When Duke was awake he was looking around, playing with his hands and hanging out with myself and Pop Rock.

            Duke had his first appointment with the occupational therapist to evaluate how my little bird is doing. I told her the exercises I have been doing for his arms, legs and mouth. She said she was impressed with what I knew so far and said she was impressed with Duke’s motor skills. I thought it was funny when she told me Duke is only 2 weeks old because everything is based off babies due dates for motor skills…..Okay lady so where have I been the last 7 weeks vacation before the baby? She gave me some great new exercises to help him develop his motor skills and improve his tone. I found it funny that Duke proceeded to burp in her face once….too funny.

            Tomorrow is Duke’s first appointment with his pediatrician.

John Wayne Trivia: He made several films early in his career as a "singing" cowboy. His singing voice was supplied by a singer hidden off camera.

November 9^th: Day 2…still alive. Today Duke got checked in with the home nursing program where he will get checked on by a nurse twice a week for this month to ensure he is doing well, thriving and to ensure his little preemie lungs are doing well.

            Most of the day was adjusting to being home and not running to the hospital, which is lovely, but I also found myself. Duke is now on a strict schedule of feedings, medicine (for his reflux) and sleeping. Mom and I gave him a bath last night (not with coffee pot water) which he finds relaxing. So relaxing he showed mom all over her shirt. He loved being wrapped up in his frog prince towel and coos when he gets his lotion massage.

            Feedings are picking up again since his transition is done, but he is still stressed when eating so this is going to be a timely process.

John Wayne Trivia: The Duke holds the record for the actor with the most leading parts - 142 (From IMDB.com)

November 5^th-8^th: This weekend was the trial run of caring for Duke at the hospital apartmenton my own. They put me up in a very nice room that had a full kitchen, large flat screen tv, a separate bedroom, comfy furniture….and no heat and hot water. So aesthetically nice, realistically I learned quickly how to dress Duke warmly. Mom spent the first night with me, which was comforting, but the next two I was solo.

            I also learned how to give Duke a bath with ½ cold water from the faucet and ½  hot water from the coffee maker to make a warm bath (this is not a joke for blog purposes I did this). Duke is up to 7lbs 5 oz, which means he bathes in a very tiny basin which is no bigger than a bread box. He enjoys baths because his body completely relaxes and his breathing is very calm.

            As for myself doing the majority of the work, feeds, diapers, meds/ vitamins, checking vitals, I found myself very nervous about leaving on Monday. There is a lot to care for my little bird and two of the three nights I found myself getting up to check every beep and sound he or the monitors made, which made a very sleepy mommy. I was so nervous/ tired Monday when a co-worker of mine called me to ask me how Duke and I were doing and I cried on the phone during the conversation, which is SO not me. I don’t think he knew I was crying (unless he reads the blog).

            The car ride home entailed either a paranoid mom with her fingers near Duke’s nose to check for breathe, or trying to calm him down from screaming fits showing just how much he did not like his car seat. I am not sure who was worse on the car ride, Duke or me. I don’t know how I am ever going to drive with him alone in the back seat; I may have to pull over every 5 minutes.

            When we got home I got Duke out of his car seat and sat on the couch with him on my chest. Suddenly Duke’s body got very relaxed and all my nervousness went away. It is amazing what familiarity will do to the human body. Duke knew this was home and I was relaxed because I didn’t have to leave my baby again. We spent the evening with my parents, where Duke got to watch his first football game on Pop Rock’s chest as he hazed the Bengals.

            Currently Duke is in the bassinet by my bed, he just went to bed after listening to The Beatles Lullaby CD. Day 1 is complete and I didn’t screw up, phew!

Wagon's Forward Reader Alert

**There will be no new posts until Monday because there is no wi-fi at the hospital and I am not sure if I will have access to a computer during the computer stay**

**The Blog has hit 3,000 views since it started in September. Crazy!!! Thank you to everyone for reading and their encouragement. Positivity is good, negativity is bad. More to come :)**

“You're what this is all about.” Colonel Mike Kirby (John Wayne) The Green Berets

November 3^rd: We have a date for Duke to come home and it is Monday. This is very exciting but also nerve racking. I thought Duke was wheezing today and called the nurse over twice to check on him, they told me he was good because his numbers were good and his lungs sounded clear. They told me to not be a worry wart….don’t see how I can’t. We are getting his eating back on track with some new good habits from the speech therapist.

(He still has the crazy hair, just bought him a brush today)

            Here is the word on visiting when Duke comes home. Visitors are 100% welcome. Please no visitors on Monday to give us some time to adjust to being home.  After Monday we are happy to see visitors, but because Duke is having the RSV shots (to prevent respiratory infections in the winter for preemies) if you feel a cold coming on, or are sick, or are getting over sickness please pick a healthy day to visit. A text or call would be appreciated about the visit. We go to bed around 9pm and our shows start at 8pm…..need I say more J.

"Contrary to what people think, I'm no politician, and when I have something to say I say it through my movies." - John Wayne

November 3^rd: Good-bye Oxygen!!!!!!! Pop Rock beat me to the hospital today and I was talking with him about how long he was here, sat down and realized Duke didn’t  have his oxygen tubes on his face. I squeaked with delight. He spent the day without the tubes on, he did have moments were his numbers dropped, which were around times he was eating.

            Duke did great overnight with his feedings, but his noon and 3pm feedings weren’t as good. This can be linked to the change in oxygen or what I think…he was just playing with me. He was like ha ha it’s oxygen or eating today. Well Duke….I’ll take the oxygen.

            Alertness for Duke was great today even with him being solo on his oxygen, so proud of my almost 7 lb little bird.

" The sky is blue, the grass is green. Get off your ass and join the Marines." - John Wayne

November 2^nd: Sleepy Sleepy Baby today. Duke was weaned down to .1 liters of oxygen today and had 3 straight feeds. Duke was so tired by 3pm (we just had another nursing session) when it came time for his bottle feeding session he was completely tuckered out and just slept. I didn’t push him because it was a big day of change and we all can use a sleep day.

Attention Wagon Readers

Just checked the reader stats for countries this blog is read in from Blogspot. This blog is almost at 3,000 views in a month and a half. I am not sure who is reading this in Denmark, the United Kingdom Canada and Norway, but Thanks for reading!

Viewers   United States

Denmark

United Kingdom

Canada

Netherlands

"Let's say I hope that I appeal to the more carefree times in a person's life rather than to his reasoning adulthood. I'd just like to be an image that reminds someone of joy rather than of the problems of the world." -John Wayne

November 1^st: Today was the big day at the hospital where we determined how long Duke would be in rehab in regards to oxygen and feeding. I don’t want Duke to come come with oxygen if possible, because this can be a large challenge. He is down to .2 liters and as long as he keeps up the good work will go to .1 tomorrow. Duke is going to be coming home either Tuesday or Wednesday (depending on how long it takes for Duke’s medical supplies to come in). I will be doing a trial run in the hospital apartment from Friday night until Monday morning. In the hospital apartment I will be in the safety of the hospital, but it will be just Duke and I….and any visitors.

(He's faking...it's a cat nap)

            Duke was crazy awake today from the time I got there until he passed out after his 3pm feed. He was mad when I put him down so of course I had to hold and cuddle with him. He took 24 ml in his early feed with the speech therapist, which is his all time best. This is also almost 50% of his 55ml feed. I got my first chance to attempt breast feeding today; which the lactation nurse said was a good start. After this Duke took the bottle from me and Killed It! He took 23 ml in less than 5 minutes. He then went into a food coma and fell asleep.

( This is the NG tube I placed)