Hooray, our son turned 50 today…um, 50 days. I turn 50 YEARS in slightly over two months. Gulp. Needless to say, the only thing I want for my birthday this year is our boy home with us. I’ve been posting so often lately that now if I let a few days go by I get panicked phone calls from friends worrying that something is wrong. No new drama, I’m happy to report (hey, Evil Eye, can we just make an agreement that I can say positive things on here without spitting three times on my computer screen every single time?). More delicious kangaroo care for both me and Kendall, more visits from family and friends, and Charlie is being “sprinted” off his CPAP onto regular nasal cannulas by going a few hours each day without the CPAP. He’s been behaving pretty well during those sprints so the amount will increase each day until he’s off the CPAP for good. (“Sprinting” seems an odd name for this slow process but that’s what they call it!). Above is the very first photo taken of me with my two children during my last kangaroo session. I love it and only wish Oliver could be in it.
They tapped Charlie’s reservoir for the second time today. His white blood count was a bit off in the last one so they want to make sure he has no infection. Every day is an education in the NICU, we’re learning so much. And now that we’re at 50 days, I’m hoping that we’re nearing the halfway mark. I was trying to figure out today how many times I’ve surgically scrubbed my hands and arms which we have to do every time we enter the unit. At least 200. I’ve never had such clean skin in my life—even if it is starting to resemble Karen Silkwood’s following her Kerr-McGee scrubdowns.
Sunday is Father’s Day and the day my Chicago family arrives for a week of Wilco fun. Given the upcoming holiday, and despite my constant claims that “I am not a DaddyBlogger,” I think I’ve gone off the deep end with my latest video creation. Please bear with me (it’s sorta long). I’m just so nuts about both of my kids that I’m starting to lose it. The song at the beginning of the video is one that I sing to Charlie all the time—nothing wrong with a bissel Yiddish…
Danny, you have every reason to kvell -- Leah was superb in that production. And baby Charlie...always wonderful to watch onscreen!
Posted by: Pearl | June 15, 2009 at 06:53 PM
Great video montage, Danny! Next up I'd like to hear you sing a song from Mamma Mia: "Dancing Queen." Only for this blog you would sing "jew can dance/jew can jive" etc...
I must see Charlie soon! We'll give you a call this week. xx
Posted by: Kathryn | June 15, 2009 at 06:58 PM
Good news, holding strong. Fifty days hooray:)
Posted by: maggie may | June 15, 2009 at 07:04 PM
I love the Andrews Sisters! I sang that same song to my Paddycake when he was born, and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy too.
Charlie is precious, I am praying for him everynight. Leah is adorable too! G-d Bless!
Posted by: Heather P. | June 15, 2009 at 07:17 PM
What a gorgeous picture of your family!
Posted by: Sarah | June 15, 2009 at 07:29 PM
I loved this SOOOOOOOOO much! Charlie seems so much more alert, and did I detect a smile? And Leah is talented and beautiful. :-)
Please don't ever quit posting about your babies, and I promise I'll never call you a daddyblogger.
Posted by: Jane | June 15, 2009 at 07:58 PM
Happy 50 to Charlie, and congrats to Leah on her new production!
Posted by: Julie R. | June 15, 2009 at 08:04 PM
Danny, he is looking more and more like you - especially without his hat! So thrilled to meet him!
We love you, Charlie!
Posted by: Karen | June 15, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Danny, Charlie is looking more and more like you! Happy 50 days Charlie, and here's to many more happy and healthy years ahead! Leah is adorable! I can see why you and Kendall are so proud of both!!! They are lucky to have you as a mom and dad. Have a great week with your family. Say hi to Sue for me!!
Posted by: Arlene Silverman Andresen | June 15, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Those photos are just... glorious.
Posted by: sweetsalty kate | June 15, 2009 at 09:07 PM
How wonderful to see Charlie with the whole family. He doesn't look a day over 49!
I enjoyed Leah & the cast of Mamma Mia. Much better than the original.
Love,
Cynthia
Posted by: Cynthia Reich | June 15, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Charlie smiled! And he has HAIR! Omigod!
A.A. (or as my niece Rachel used to call me: Ant Ant)
Posted by: amba | June 15, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Yay! On phone hard to type. But yay!
Posted by: Neil | June 16, 2009 at 12:45 AM
Happy 50-days to Charlie. Thanks for another great video and enjoy your family visit this week!
Posted by: Pam G | June 16, 2009 at 03:59 AM
It means you're the fairest in the land. How appropriate.
xoxo
Fake Grandma
Posted by: Elaine Soloway | June 16, 2009 at 08:08 AM
I wanted to pokie ont he big toe, too. So sweet!
Mama Mia or the Pollution show...Mama Mia or the Pollution show...hmmm, tough call!
Love to you and thanks so much for the pic!
Posted by: Julie Levin Freireich | June 16, 2009 at 10:12 AM
I must tell you everytime I click on my "Jew Eat Yet", silently; I can hear "Anticipation" with Carly simon as I wait for this slow Dell computer to show me whether this is an old blog or new entry.
How lovely to see you three. A big five oh... Now I have to wait to see the video when I go home after work.
Posted by: Judy | June 16, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Happy! His cheeks are getting so round.
V-Grrrl
Posted by: Compost Studios | June 16, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Good luck. I wish the best of health for Charlie and your family.
Posted by: WeaselMomma | June 16, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Wow, Charlie looks good. That skin is healthy! I'm all weepy...
Posted by: Erica | June 16, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Congrats on your first 50 days, Charlie. I can't wait until you come home to your amazing and loving.
Posted by: churlita | June 16, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Great news! I'm thrilled to hear things are still going well (bumps in the road notwithstanding). I hope things keep moving in that direction. All my best to you and yours!
Posted by: jason | June 16, 2009 at 02:53 PM
he's so beautiful! and love the sweet smile.
Posted by: gorillabuns | June 16, 2009 at 08:49 PM