First extended family photos

And first father-daughter snuggle!!

Sarah, mommy, and me!

Auntie Castine and Sarah and me...look at Sarah open her eyes for the pic!

Grandma Mimi came to see Sarah too!

Post-exam report

Sarah had her eyes checked, and guess what? Her eyes are a little immature. Just like she is. Nothing to worry about, they'll grow as she does.

Also, another little baby in the NICU is very sick. We don't know if it's a boy or a girl, but it needs prayers too. Think of him (or her)!

Morning!

Sarah has an eye exam scheduled for today. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope she checks out okay!

Despite the increased feedings of 14 mL, she dropped a little more weight last night. She's down to 610 grams. But, with the continued feedings going up and up, she should be packing it on in no time.

This morning I got a little play time with Sarah, which is unusual. She's normally sound asleep at 6:00 a.m.

Morning report - Daddy is back!

It's nice to be back home and able to be with Sarah again. I missed her so much, and so much happened while I was gone. She looks absolutely fantastic, and her progress has everyone, including her doctors and nurses and RTs, amazed!

We knew it would happen, and her weight did drop down again. She's 640 grams. But that's okay, because we know where the weight went. She took three (3!!!!) big poops overnight. Even I don't poo three times a night (most nights! j/k)...

I spoke with Dr. Banks for a few minutes this morning, and he said we are just going to continue to watch her feedings and increase them periodically. That's about all there is to do now, as she just needs food food food to grow grow grow.

Erika will hopefully Kangaroo again today and tomorrow, and then on Saturday I will get my first chance. I'm so excited!

First Family Photo's

Daddy came back from his business trip today and got to see Kangaroo for the first time.
A little more kosher this time.
That is the wave to grandpa for his birthday. Love you gramps! Hi every one else.

Thanks for all your support, love and prayers!

All this growing has me so exhausted! Time for my nap.

Wednesday-Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Sarah weighed in at a WHOPPING 700 grams last night (that is nearly 1 lb 9 ounces). Seems a bit high for an overnight gain, so don't get too excited, she might just need to poop, but we certainly will take it! Nothing else to report since the Doctor has not done rounds yet.

We want to wish Grandpa a very happy birthday today. It is the first of many birthday's as a Grandpa. We look forward to celebrating many more together. We love you Grandpa!

(Picture removed)

Tuesday Night Info

I spent another wonderful day with Sarah laying on me. She slept almost the entire time and this time left drool marks all over my chest:) Her feedings went up to 11 mL's and most importantly, her IV fluids were discontinued and her IV line was taken out. She is only eating milk now. The only things she is connected to are the oxygen hose and her heart rate machines.

Tuesday Update

Sorry for the late morning update, but with Roger out of town for a few days, you will have to bear with me. Sarah had a good night. She weighed in at 630 grams- that is just over 1 pound 6 ounces. She is eating 10 mL's every 3 hours and all is looking good, with nothing left over in the tummy at the next feeding. Not sure if they have plans to increase her eating today, either way, she is doing fantastic.

I am going to sign Roger and I up for the parenting classes that we were supposed to take before she was born. Since that didn't happen, now is the perfect time to learn about Baby Care, The Amazig Newborn, and Infant CPR. I wonder if we will be the only non-pregnant parents in the class. Oh well, circumstances beyond our control. Regardless, I am looking forward to taking the classes over the next few months.

In case anyone was wondering what the next few weeks will hold for Sarah, it seems her only job is to grow. Around week 35 they will start to introduce her to the bottle- so she has about 4 weeks 'til then. Until then she will be eating through her tummy tube. She will also have an eye exam in the next week or so.

Kangaroo, Kangaroo!

Ok, I know I said yesterday was awesome, but today was even more awesomer! It was so awesome that I had to make up the word awesomer! Don't get me wrong, the first time you get to hold your baby is a time you will never forget, but I was so nervous and tense, that I was not able to relax and enjoy it. I didn't know how to hold her and I didn't feel that she enjoyed it much either. But today, today was a totally different story entirely. Today I got to hold Sarah skin to skin. I got to feel her right up on my chest. Today I got to relax for 2 hours with her in my arms. All alone. Sarah was so happy that the nurse left us and as long as her heart rate and oxygen levels were stable, we were basically left alone to snuggle and bond. I got to sing to her and tell her how much Mommy and Daddy love her. She layed on me and slept the entire time. This process is called Kangaroo Care and it is supposed to simulate the womb. The baby hears your voice and heartbeat just like she did in the womb. It's has a calming effect on everyone, including me. I had to prevent myself from falling asleep! Kangaroo's sure do got the right idea. I proclaim every day a Kangaroo day!

Thanks to Grandma Rees for being there to take the pictures. These pictures were taken on a disposable camera, as I had forgotten my good camera at home. I learned my lesson and that won't happen again.

Fun fact: Sarah sneezes just like mom- at least 2-6 times. For all the HAL classmates out there reading this, Mr. Koff would so give her a detention for that, just like he gave mom in 8th grade for being disruptive in class.

Monday morning

Good news, everyone! Sarah reached another milestone last night, and now weighs 610 grams. Her increased feedings are really paying off, and not just in her numbers. She really looks fantastic!

She gave me the most adorable little smile this morning as I watched her eat. I tried to get a picture of it, but the lighting wasn't right. It's okay, though; I'm sure she'll have many more smiles for the camera.

Sarah Celebrates 1 Month Old in Mom's Arms

First off, I must start out by wishing Sarah a very happy 1 month old day! Woohoo - way to go Sarah.

Secondly, Mommy got to hold Sarah today!!!! It lasted about 45 minutes, until it was time to eat again. What a rush. Words can not describe it. She is just so precious. Sarah slept most of the time and didn't cry much at all as I rocked her in the rocking chair. I was very nervous at the begining, but I relaxed more as I settled in. I am sure as time goes on and as Sarah gets bigger I won't be as nervous. After our snugglefest, I changed her diaper and got her ready for her lunchtime nap while Nurse Alice hooked up her lunch. Sarah fell asleep rather quickly in her new outfit provided by Auntie Castine. So cute and she looks so comfy.

I've waited for this day for so long and I am so thankful for all the miracles God performs. Today was truly a miracle sent from above.

Hopefully, in a few days, Daddy will get to experience what I felt today. I am looking forward to that too and so is he.

Sunday morning

Sarah made it through the night without any problems.

Nurse Alice says that they are going to increase her feedings to 7.0 mL every three hours, and if she tolerates that well, Sarah will go up to 8.0 mL.

And, if everything goes well today, we'll have a great surprise to tell everyone about tonight. No guessing!