Today was a rather slow day, aside from a brief visit back to Group Health for a follow-up hearing test, which Delton aced (and managed to do so without getting fussy). The examiner informed us that the hearing test was a mandatory follow-up based on Del’s stay in the Special Care Nursery, as well as his low initial Apgar score.

An Apgar score is a quick technique for assessing a newborn at birth. We figured that Delton’s initial Apgar was probably pretty low, given his rather rough condition in those first few “post-delivery” minutes and at this point, we’re really curious to find out what it was. You’ll often hear parents bragging about how high their child’s Apgar score was… “My child’s Apgar was a 10!”… At least knowing Del’s, we’ll be able to respond “Oh yeah? Well our son’s Apgar score was [insert expectedly low score], but look how great he’s doing now!”

Other than that, not much new to report, aside from lots of feedings, lots of naps and a fine five-hour night’s sleep!

And, of course, more baby pictures…

Delton continues to do well as he’s settling into his new home. Yesterday brought the return of Maddie and Tobey, who’d spent the last week at the Downtown Dog Lounge while we were at the hospital. So far, they’re relatively receptive to Del; Maddie’s curious about him, though she heads for the hills as soon as he starts crying, and Tobey’s quick to administer a lick to Del’s head anytime he’s walking by. 

Being an Old English Sheepdog (which at times are referred to as “nanny dogs” for their affinity for kids), Tobey seems to be taking his duty as caretaker quite seriously. Del spent most of last night sleeping in his crib for the first time and Tobey situated himself on the foot of our bed, directly across from the crib, watching him most of the night. As big and clumsy as Tobey can be, he’s already showing an awareness of Del and a noticeable degree of gentleness when he’s around him.

Today was also eventful in that it was Delton’s first appointment with Dr. Madwed, his pediatrician (at least his first such appointment out of the womb). Things went well and Del  even marked the occasion by taking a giant dump in his diaper right before the doctor walked in. You can’t argue that the kid doesn’t have timing!

Delton’s continuing a busy week of check-ups. In addition to today’s appointment with Dr. Madwed, we had a visit yesterday from a visiting nurse, a routine follow-up for all baby’s that spent time in the Special Care Nursery at Group Health. Tomorrow wraps up our hat trick of visits as we head to the Hear Center for a hearing test, another standard post-nursery follow-up. If his previous check-ups are any indication, Delton ought to pass that one with flying colors!