Friday, December 19, 2008
First Family Photos as Four
Whew! Say that ten times fast! Ha ha...so today, with the help of Adam's Mama, we made the trek to Sears to have our annual "Christmas time" family photos done. They went, well, as good as they could with a newborn with acid reflux that spits up anytime you move her, and a toddler that gets stage fright in portrait studios. We only got four pictures out of Riley, (two of which were accidental). Riley proceeded to pull out all of her tantrum tricks, which include: screaming, flailing, hitting anyone within reach (including trying to hit Bree), and all out Mama-clinginess. Needless to say, we are hoping that she'll do a bit better next time.
Bree did better than her big sister did! We were so careful to dress the girls right before we left the house and we put a bib on Bree so that if she spit up it would go on that and not the dress. Well, lo and behold, we whipped her bib off about ten seconds before the first picture was taken and Bleh...that's right, all over the dress. Luckily, she was dressed in an off-white dress which perfectly matched her spit up...one quick wipe and you never knew she spit up in the first place.
Today was the first, and last time, Bree will go out of the house to a public place (the exception being doctor visits). We had a great time...and we love the pictures that we got because they all tell a story of our family!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Bree did better than her big sister did! We were so careful to dress the girls right before we left the house and we put a bib on Bree so that if she spit up it would go on that and not the dress. Well, lo and behold, we whipped her bib off about ten seconds before the first picture was taken and Bleh...that's right, all over the dress. Luckily, she was dressed in an off-white dress which perfectly matched her spit up...one quick wipe and you never knew she spit up in the first place.
Today was the first, and last time, Bree will go out of the house to a public place (the exception being doctor visits). We had a great time...and we love the pictures that we got because they all tell a story of our family!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth"
...And that is what Riley will be getting! Just yesterday I noticed a little bit of white on her gums next to her right front tooth. Her left front tooth has to squeeze between the two teeth that are already there so the next few days should be full of crankiness, whiny-ness, and fit throwing! BRING IT ON!!! :)
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sisters united at last!
Riley has done better with Bree than we were expecting...a little bit of jealousy, but that seems to be it so far! Here is some pictures...
Homecoming
We had a little bit of a mix up in communication regarding the time we were bringing Bree home. I had gone in in the morning with the intent to watch her eye exam at ten, then we were told that we had to wait six hours after her exam before we could bring her home. We had made all of our plans (dropping Riley off, cleaning house, etc.) around that. Well, I got there for the eye exam and Courtnee said "Ready to take her home? She's ready to go!" So after a flurry of calls and rushing back home to get Adam and drop off Riley we were back up at the hospital to pick her up!
Aunt Courtnee had to get one last picture in with Bree...
After that, we got our discharge instructions, packed up the little stuff we had left there, and proceeded to get her ready. We dressed her in her coming home outfit. (Bumble bee pj's and hat!), switched her over to her portable oxygen and made sure her apnea monitor was set to go. Adam loaded all up and we were ready to head out!
Courtnee walked us out with everything, and after a few dozen hugs, promises to stay in touch and almost three crying adults we were off! We got home and settled in quite nicely for the night. Our good friend Cheri was watching Riley for our first night home. We were even able to squeeze in her first bath!
Hope this finds you happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Nesting
Nesting was great as you can tell from the pictures! She is an awesome sleeper!!! I am amazed and feel so so blessed to finally have a good sleeper for a child. I love Riley to death, but she is a horrible sleeper. Even at the age of almost 15 months she wakes up at least twice a night. Ugh! The only downside to Bree being a good sleeper is that we have to wake her up every three hours to eat and she does not like it. We have to bounce her, change her diaper and work with her for a half an hour trying to get her to eat as much as possible. However, during a large majority of it she stays zonked out and feels like a sack of potatoes.
Speaking of sacks of potatoes...she is now the equivalent of a five pound bag!! Her weight last night was 5 lbs, 2 oz! What a big girl...woo hoo! We are both very excited to be bringing her home tomorrow and we are looking forward to the visit of Adam's Mama on Wednesday to help us out.
While we are on the subject of helping out...we both want to extend a warm, heartfelt THANK YOU to Danielle and Pat, Cheri and Steve, and Aleasha and Scott for being our helping support system during these crazy times for us. They have logged numerous hours in watching Riley for us so that we can go to doctor appts for Bree, classes for her monitors, nesting with her, and just allowing me time to go see Bree during the week while Adam is working. We don't know what we would have done without you all!!
Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and in love with life!
Speaking of sacks of potatoes...she is now the equivalent of a five pound bag!! Her weight last night was 5 lbs, 2 oz! What a big girl...woo hoo! We are both very excited to be bringing her home tomorrow and we are looking forward to the visit of Adam's Mama on Wednesday to help us out.
While we are on the subject of helping out...we both want to extend a warm, heartfelt THANK YOU to Danielle and Pat, Cheri and Steve, and Aleasha and Scott for being our helping support system during these crazy times for us. They have logged numerous hours in watching Riley for us so that we can go to doctor appts for Bree, classes for her monitors, nesting with her, and just allowing me time to go see Bree during the week while Adam is working. We don't know what we would have done without you all!!
Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and in love with life!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Officially...Homecoming day is...
MONDAY!! After her eye exam on Monday, (as long as it is good)...we get to pack up her stuff, put her in her carseat and walk out of the doors with her! To hear that car seat click into place in our car,and to know that she is in it, will be one of the sweetest sounds my ears will ever hear.
She is taking 50 cc's a feeding on average (which is about 2 ounces). As of today she weighs: Four pounds, thirteen ounces! Almost five pounds!!!!!!
We have a few classes we have to take before we can take her home. One is a class about the monitors she will be coming home on...she is at least coming home on an apnea monitor and on oxygen. The other class is infant CPR and choking. Then comes the BIG test....nesting. No, we don't have to build a nest or something silly like that, but we have to stay the night with her. It is a simulated "we are at home" test. They put us in a room for the night with her and she will be on all the monitors she will be on when we go home. They leave us alone for the night and let us fly solo. That way if something goes wrong in the night, or we push the wrong button we can be shown how to fix it and what to do. (BIG thank you to Danielle for watching Riley during these for us!!)
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
She is taking 50 cc's a feeding on average (which is about 2 ounces). As of today she weighs: Four pounds, thirteen ounces! Almost five pounds!!!!!!
We have a few classes we have to take before we can take her home. One is a class about the monitors she will be coming home on...she is at least coming home on an apnea monitor and on oxygen. The other class is infant CPR and choking. Then comes the BIG test....nesting. No, we don't have to build a nest or something silly like that, but we have to stay the night with her. It is a simulated "we are at home" test. They put us in a room for the night with her and she will be on all the monitors she will be on when we go home. They leave us alone for the night and let us fly solo. That way if something goes wrong in the night, or we push the wrong button we can be shown how to fix it and what to do. (BIG thank you to Danielle for watching Riley during these for us!!)
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
A Mama's Dilemma
So, I have been mulling over in my mind for the past three months on how Bree's homecoming will be. Of course, I would love for it be all smiles, hugs and kisses. Bree will come home and fit perfectly into our routine, and Riley will accept her with open arms and want to help all the time. As most of you who know me know, I think of every possible situation and I WAY overthink everything!!! This is true for her homecoming...the dilemma is this:
Riley is very much at the stage where I am the only one who can do things for her. This includes: snuggling and giving love (no one else will do, not even Daddy), play with her, read to her, and a few other things. Hence, the problem. When Bree comes home my time is going to be stretched even thinner than it is. It is going to hurt Riley's feelings that I cannot do everything with her anymore. This will result in fits and crying (I am sure of it!). Here's what breaks my heart: In order to take care of Bree properly, I am going to have to hurt Riley's feelings and cause her to feel neglected by me. Even thinking about this and writing about it brings tears to my eyes.
I am sure that every 'second time new mommy' deals with this problem, but it is exacerbated by the oxygen and apnea monitors she is coming home on. My heart aches and yearns for the day when Bree will be home and our family will finally be together all under one roof, but it also dreads the day I am going to have to look into Riley's sweet little eyes and tell her "No, Mommy can't give you love right now because I am doing something with Bree." She is not able to understand that and to see her little eyes tear up, and for her to cry is going to break my heart into a million pieces.
Riley is very much at the stage where I am the only one who can do things for her. This includes: snuggling and giving love (no one else will do, not even Daddy), play with her, read to her, and a few other things. Hence, the problem. When Bree comes home my time is going to be stretched even thinner than it is. It is going to hurt Riley's feelings that I cannot do everything with her anymore. This will result in fits and crying (I am sure of it!). Here's what breaks my heart: In order to take care of Bree properly, I am going to have to hurt Riley's feelings and cause her to feel neglected by me. Even thinking about this and writing about it brings tears to my eyes.
I am sure that every 'second time new mommy' deals with this problem, but it is exacerbated by the oxygen and apnea monitors she is coming home on. My heart aches and yearns for the day when Bree will be home and our family will finally be together all under one roof, but it also dreads the day I am going to have to look into Riley's sweet little eyes and tell her "No, Mommy can't give you love right now because I am doing something with Bree." She is not able to understand that and to see her little eyes tear up, and for her to cry is going to break my heart into a million pieces.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A "BUG"
So, there's this bug that is going around. No, not a ladybug or a bee...but more like an annoying fly that seems to land on you at the worst moment ever! Riley still seems to have 'the bug', which consists of throwing up, stomach cramps, horrible gas and diarrhea. Today was day three on her not eating much at all so tomorrow we may be taking a trip to the urgent care office if she is still not eating.
As if not one sick person is enough, Adam came home from work sick today. All my years of knowing Adam, (six years), he has only thrown up twice that I can recall. Once when he was trashed beyond belief, and the other when he had his wisdom teeth taken out. Today he has met that record. He threw up twice at work, and then once at home. He also has all the symptoms that Riley has, which has resulted in a lot of laundry between the two of them.
That is why it is unlikey that Bree will be coming home on Thursday. I refuse to have her come home to a house full of people with 'bugs'....because a little baby around that is bound to catch it. And we can't be having a little one with a bug...she'll end up right back in the hospital!
Let's all pray for the health and recovery of Riley and Adam...and for the protection of myself and Grandma against this "bug"...the last thing we need is four sick people.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
As if not one sick person is enough, Adam came home from work sick today. All my years of knowing Adam, (six years), he has only thrown up twice that I can recall. Once when he was trashed beyond belief, and the other when he had his wisdom teeth taken out. Today he has met that record. He threw up twice at work, and then once at home. He also has all the symptoms that Riley has, which has resulted in a lot of laundry between the two of them.
That is why it is unlikey that Bree will be coming home on Thursday. I refuse to have her come home to a house full of people with 'bugs'....because a little baby around that is bound to catch it. And we can't be having a little one with a bug...she'll end up right back in the hospital!
Let's all pray for the health and recovery of Riley and Adam...and for the protection of myself and Grandma against this "bug"...the last thing we need is four sick people.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Bree's news
On Monday, Bree had her eye exam....no change in her ROP. Which is a good thing, and a bad thing. On one hand, at least it is not worse. However, it is a bit discouraging. The doctor did say that he does sometimes see an improvement at this point, however the more average is that they see a response the second exam. If there is no change next Monday, we are going to have to consider a second surgery.
When I was feeding Bree on Monday, she had a coughing fit and then had rapid breathing afterward. The speech pathologist was worried about aspiration, so today she had a barium swallow test. It is kind of like 'x-ray in motion'. She got to sit in this special little chair, and I fed her a bottle of the barium while they watched her on the screen. It was so awesome to see her insides while she was swallowing. She passed her swallow test with flying colors!! No problems with her swallowing...the first little swallow she does she pushes a little of her "food" into her nose, but the doctor said that that won't cause any problems. She will figure out that it is unpleasant and will learn how to swallow correctly in time.
Bree could come home as early as Friday (which is unlikely...)or more realistically we are still looking at Monday-Tuesday ish...
When I was feeding Bree on Monday, she had a coughing fit and then had rapid breathing afterward. The speech pathologist was worried about aspiration, so today she had a barium swallow test. It is kind of like 'x-ray in motion'. She got to sit in this special little chair, and I fed her a bottle of the barium while they watched her on the screen. It was so awesome to see her insides while she was swallowing. She passed her swallow test with flying colors!! No problems with her swallowing...the first little swallow she does she pushes a little of her "food" into her nose, but the doctor said that that won't cause any problems. She will figure out that it is unpleasant and will learn how to swallow correctly in time.
Bree could come home as early as Friday (which is unlikely...)or more realistically we are still looking at Monday-Tuesday ish...
Sunday, December 7, 2008
An unlikely first
As of lately, we have been talking about a lot of 'firsts'. Namely, Bree's firsts. Well tonight we experienced one of Riley's firsts. It was not one that most people remember or celebrate for that matter, but it is a first. It was Riley's bed time and we were letting her run around and play because she was still up for it. You know, to help wear her out just a little bit more. She started to come towards me...and then she lost it. Yeah, that's right...she threw up all over herself and the floor. Poor kiddo....she threw up about four more times that time. Mind you, this was the first time she has ever thrown up. :(
We let her rest on me (thankfully none on me!) and when she was settled down, we got her cleaned up, changed and ready for bed again. We made a bottle of 3/4 water and 1/4 juice to help to rehydrate her. No sooner than three minutes of laying her down in bed did Adam hear the tell tale noise....and I got to change her bed, and wipe it down with clorox wipes. Nana helped us out and got the laundry load started to wash everything all up.
This time, we let her rest for an hour before we tried laying down again...and so far so goood. She's been down for a half an hour and right after I get down writing this I am checking on her and headed to bed myself.
I hope my sweet little girl wakes up refreshed...and with a non-yucky tummy!
Hope this finds you happy, healthy, and in love with life!
We let her rest on me (thankfully none on me!) and when she was settled down, we got her cleaned up, changed and ready for bed again. We made a bottle of 3/4 water and 1/4 juice to help to rehydrate her. No sooner than three minutes of laying her down in bed did Adam hear the tell tale noise....and I got to change her bed, and wipe it down with clorox wipes. Nana helped us out and got the laundry load started to wash everything all up.
This time, we let her rest for an hour before we tried laying down again...and so far so goood. She's been down for a half an hour and right after I get down writing this I am checking on her and headed to bed myself.
I hope my sweet little girl wakes up refreshed...and with a non-yucky tummy!
Hope this finds you happy, healthy, and in love with life!
The "Question"
Sooo...the question has been answered! Bree will be coming home next week! We were told it could be as early as Thursday this week, but more realistically we are looking at next Monday! We are a mixture of emotions...obviously, we are thrilled with her coming home, it's what we have been waiting for all along. We are even more excited that it is before her due date....most preemies don't come home at least until their due date. (hers was December 19th).
However, on the other hand, it is scary to think that they have had her hooked up to all these monitors, watching her heartrate and her breathing, and we are going to be sent home with none of that if she comes off of the oxygen. If she comes home on the oxygen, she will be sent home with an apnea monitor and an oximeter. It is kind of a double edged sword situation. One one hand, it will be a little harder if she comes home on oxygen because of the monitors, and the oxygen itself. But, if she manages to get off of it, she comes home with none of the monitors, which is easier to move her around...but trust me, I will get no sleep at all!
Tomorrow is Bree's eye exam...the first since her surgery. Let's pray that the doctor at least sees a little bit of a positive step forward for her ROP.
However, on the other hand, it is scary to think that they have had her hooked up to all these monitors, watching her heartrate and her breathing, and we are going to be sent home with none of that if she comes off of the oxygen. If she comes home on the oxygen, she will be sent home with an apnea monitor and an oximeter. It is kind of a double edged sword situation. One one hand, it will be a little harder if she comes home on oxygen because of the monitors, and the oxygen itself. But, if she manages to get off of it, she comes home with none of the monitors, which is easier to move her around...but trust me, I will get no sleep at all!
Tomorrow is Bree's eye exam...the first since her surgery. Let's pray that the doctor at least sees a little bit of a positive step forward for her ROP.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Milk anyone??
So....yeah. I got a call tonight from the hospital during Adam's christmas party. Of course, we had missed the call and there was a voicemail. Both Adam and I panicked and I ran to go listen to it while Adam stayed in to be sure our ticket numbers weren't called if we were both gone. (It was during the raffle)
Luckily, nothing was wrong and it was just the night nurse calling to let me know that they were running low on milk. They didn't even have enough to get through the night!!!!! So, they are mixing about a 1/4 of formula with 3/4 breastmilk every bottle so that she is not getting 2 breastmilk and one formula. Darn it!!! I didn't want her to ever have any formula at this age....so, Adam is making an early run to the hospital to drop off some more. Grandma is going to go with Adam so she will get some snuggle time in with Bree.
Rrrrr!!
Luckily, nothing was wrong and it was just the night nurse calling to let me know that they were running low on milk. They didn't even have enough to get through the night!!!!! So, they are mixing about a 1/4 of formula with 3/4 breastmilk every bottle so that she is not getting 2 breastmilk and one formula. Darn it!!! I didn't want her to ever have any formula at this age....so, Adam is making an early run to the hospital to drop off some more. Grandma is going to go with Adam so she will get some snuggle time in with Bree.
Rrrrr!!
Friday, December 5, 2008
December 5, 2008
Good evening...
As of lately, I have been struggling to find something to blog about on a daily basis. There is always the basic update on Bree, but I feel like all I do is repeat myself. As I have said before...no news is good news! So, in light of that good news, I am going to be going to writing blogs at least once a week...or more if there is a special event in the family!!
I thank you all for the support, prayers and dedication in reading our blog and I hope that you coninue to do so!
Bree's update for today isn't much...she is still eating exclusively out of the bottle...no feeding tube usage as of lately. Woo hoo!! Other than that, she is staying the same with her oxygen and everything else. Her A's and B's have been getting better slowly as she is getting stronger and stronger from her surgery. Monday is her eye exam from her surgery so let's all hope and pray that it shows improvement and that she won't need another surgery!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
As of lately, I have been struggling to find something to blog about on a daily basis. There is always the basic update on Bree, but I feel like all I do is repeat myself. As I have said before...no news is good news! So, in light of that good news, I am going to be going to writing blogs at least once a week...or more if there is a special event in the family!!
I thank you all for the support, prayers and dedication in reading our blog and I hope that you coninue to do so!
Bree's update for today isn't much...she is still eating exclusively out of the bottle...no feeding tube usage as of lately. Woo hoo!! Other than that, she is staying the same with her oxygen and everything else. Her A's and B's have been getting better slowly as she is getting stronger and stronger from her surgery. Monday is her eye exam from her surgery so let's all hope and pray that it shows improvement and that she won't need another surgery!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
December 4, 2008
Well, this is officially the one hundredth post that I have done! Whew, it is hard to believe that I have posted that much! Lots of information in all of those posts too...and there is more to come in this one.
I went and saw Bree today. She got her first bath since her surgery and she did pretty well. It did tire her out, but I was able to feed her a bottle afterwards. The last 6 cc's were a bit tough to get in there, but after Courtnee tortured her (ha ha...not really!) she sucked it down. All Courtnee had to do was to unwrap her and take her hat off. If she's not super comfy and warm, it tends to wake her up. I'll stash that in my little bag of tricks for when she comes home.
MILESTONE ALERT! Bree has, for over the past twenty four hours, drank everything out of a bottle! Her feeding tube has not been used since she came out of the anesthesia from her surgery. I am so proud of her!!!
Riley's lip is a little better today. It is a darker shade of red, but that means that it is healing. On a good note, she grabbed Nana's cigarettes today and said "Yuck!!" Let's hope that she continues that behavior and frame of mind!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
I went and saw Bree today. She got her first bath since her surgery and she did pretty well. It did tire her out, but I was able to feed her a bottle afterwards. The last 6 cc's were a bit tough to get in there, but after Courtnee tortured her (ha ha...not really!) she sucked it down. All Courtnee had to do was to unwrap her and take her hat off. If she's not super comfy and warm, it tends to wake her up. I'll stash that in my little bag of tricks for when she comes home.
MILESTONE ALERT! Bree has, for over the past twenty four hours, drank everything out of a bottle! Her feeding tube has not been used since she came out of the anesthesia from her surgery. I am so proud of her!!!
Riley's lip is a little better today. It is a darker shade of red, but that means that it is healing. On a good note, she grabbed Nana's cigarettes today and said "Yuck!!" Let's hope that she continues that behavior and frame of mind!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
December 3, 2008
What a champ! Our little Bree is doing so so good today. Her eyes are really puffy from the surgery, which is to be expected. However, she is doing great on her oxygen! She is still at .1 liters and 35% oxygen on average. Her only 'issue' she is having right now is that she is having periods of "A's and B's" (apnea and bradycardia). This is where she forgets to breathe, and then her heartrate drops because of it. She is a little more tired because of her surgery so she gets worn out easier. Once she gets worn out, she relaxes her whole body and that is when she forgets to breathe. Her heartrate follows for a few seconds and then she picks herself right back up...
She is weighing in at 4 lbs and 9 ounces today! It is so crazy to think that we are rounding near the five pound mark....it seems just like yesterday that she was hitting the two pound mark and we were celebrating. She looks and feels just like a normal, just slightly smaller, sized baby. She even fits pretty nicely into some preemie clothes. From friends and family we have recieved many clothes for her and it is such a blessing! It is amazing how God fulfills your needs, even without you asking sometimes. Thank you to everyone who has helped us out, and a thank you to those who will in the future!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
She is weighing in at 4 lbs and 9 ounces today! It is so crazy to think that we are rounding near the five pound mark....it seems just like yesterday that she was hitting the two pound mark and we were celebrating. She looks and feels just like a normal, just slightly smaller, sized baby. She even fits pretty nicely into some preemie clothes. From friends and family we have recieved many clothes for her and it is such a blessing! It is amazing how God fulfills your needs, even without you asking sometimes. Thank you to everyone who has helped us out, and a thank you to those who will in the future!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
A lesson a little earlier than expected...
At the ripe age of 14 months, I had to have the "smoking is bad" talk with Riley. If you look closely at the picture above, you'll see a red mark in the middle of her upper lip. Nana (my grandma) is here visiting and she smokes. Riley was playing outside while Nana was smoking this afternoon. Nana put her cigarette down in the ashtray when it was still lit and came to the door to tell me something real quick. Next thing we know, Riley is at the door trying to put a cigarette in her mouth...backwards! Monkey see, monkey do! She ended up burning the top of her lip with it. I guess that is one way to learn that smoking is bad! I just thought I would be having this talk at 14 years old, instead of 14 months!Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Nicole's Prayer for Bree
A friend of mine, who also has a preemie little boy, wrote this prayer for Bree and I wanted to share it with you all!
Dear Lord,
Thank for today and every day that you have given us. Thank you for the beautiful children which you have blessed us with already and those that are still to come. Please look over and protect our little ones and keep them safe in your arms. We ask that you please take extra care with our little Bree in the coming days as she goes through surgery and recovery. Please guide all the doctors and nurses in the best possible way and allow for a successful treatment for Bree's eyes.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!
Dear Lord,
Thank for today and every day that you have given us. Thank you for the beautiful children which you have blessed us with already and those that are still to come. Please look over and protect our little ones and keep them safe in your arms. We ask that you please take extra care with our little Bree in the coming days as she goes through surgery and recovery. Please guide all the doctors and nurses in the best possible way and allow for a successful treatment for Bree's eyes.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!
December 2, 2008
Bree's surgery went well. The doctor said that they got all the portions that they were hoping to. The surgery time was a little bit later than we had expected. We were told 130 and it ended up being 230. Her surgery lasted from 230 to about 430. Adam and I were in the waiting room during that time...me reading a book and Adam watching SpongeBob. (of course!)
When she got out of surgery she was still on a ventilator due to the anesthesia that was used during the surgery. I just called and got an update (7:49 pm), and she is still on the ventilator because she is having a hard time waking up from the anesthesia. We were told that it takes some kids an hour, while others can take 5-6 hours to wake up from it.
Grandma Ogden (Nana) is going to be coming into town tonight so we are going to stop and see her since the airport is right by the hospital. I will update more when I get more info!
Let's all praise God and give thanks for his faithfulness and healing...he is an awesome God!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
When she got out of surgery she was still on a ventilator due to the anesthesia that was used during the surgery. I just called and got an update (7:49 pm), and she is still on the ventilator because she is having a hard time waking up from the anesthesia. We were told that it takes some kids an hour, while others can take 5-6 hours to wake up from it.
Grandma Ogden (Nana) is going to be coming into town tonight so we are going to stop and see her since the airport is right by the hospital. I will update more when I get more info!
Let's all praise God and give thanks for his faithfulness and healing...he is an awesome God!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Monday, December 1, 2008
December 1, 2008
Surgery is tomorrow. We were there today when Bree's eyes were checked, and her right eye is worse than her left. However, her left eye is also right on the verge of needing surgery so since they are doing the right eye, they are going to do the left as well. Her surgery will be at 1:30 tomorrow, is what I have been told. It is ordered to start eye drops at 1:30 to dilate her eyes for the surgery. I have not heard how long recovery will be or what it entails, but will ask tomorrow.
Adam and I will get to give her a quick bath before her surgery, which will be the first bath Adam gets to be present for. Hopefully I can get him to give it to her. With how small she is, it still freaks him out a little. She seems so breakable at times if you are not used to handling her.
A big thanks to Cheri and Aleasha for helping us with watching Riley so that Adam and I can both be there for Bree. Cheri watched Riley today, and Aleasha will be watching her tomorrow while Adam and I are there for her surgery and for her recovery. I t means so much to us to have friends that are still here for us even though it has been a long three months.
Please pray for the guidance of the doctors hands, for Bree's strength, and for a quick and successful recovery.
Dear God,
We thank you for today and we look forward to what tomorrow has to bring. Please be with Bree during her surgery tomorrow. Please guide the hands of the doctors and nurses that are caring for her. You are a big and great God, and you have already shown that you are a God of miracles! Just hold your daughter Bree in your arms, and let your healing pour over her tomorrow. Thank you for all that you do!
In Jesus' name we pray...Amen
I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Adam and I will get to give her a quick bath before her surgery, which will be the first bath Adam gets to be present for. Hopefully I can get him to give it to her. With how small she is, it still freaks him out a little. She seems so breakable at times if you are not used to handling her.
A big thanks to Cheri and Aleasha for helping us with watching Riley so that Adam and I can both be there for Bree. Cheri watched Riley today, and Aleasha will be watching her tomorrow while Adam and I are there for her surgery and for her recovery. I t means so much to us to have friends that are still here for us even though it has been a long three months.
Please pray for the guidance of the doctors hands, for Bree's strength, and for a quick and successful recovery.
Dear God,
We thank you for today and we look forward to what tomorrow has to bring. Please be with Bree during her surgery tomorrow. Please guide the hands of the doctors and nurses that are caring for her. You are a big and great God, and you have already shown that you are a God of miracles! Just hold your daughter Bree in your arms, and let your healing pour over her tomorrow. Thank you for all that you do!
In Jesus' name we pray...Amen
I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
November 30, 2008
Good afternoon!
Today, we all took a family nap! It was so great! Okay, Riley slept in her crib, but
Adam and I retired to our bed and took a two hour nap this afternoon. Usually we don't take time for naps because there are a million other things to do, but we have been beat lately and needed a break. Sometimes you just have to put aside the cleaning, dishes and laundry to take some time for yourself.
Bree is doing well. I just called and got a quick update on her. She ate a full bottle last feeding and Becky, her nurse for today, is going to try again this next feeding. She has been resting well for the day and behaving herself quite nicely.
On Tuesday the opthamologist will be examining her eyes again in the afternoon. That examination will determine if surgery will be done or not. We are told that it is pretty for sure at this point unless a miracle happens. However, I remain optimistic because our God is a big God and we never know what he has in store!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Today, we all took a family nap! It was so great! Okay, Riley slept in her crib, but
Adam and I retired to our bed and took a two hour nap this afternoon. Usually we don't take time for naps because there are a million other things to do, but we have been beat lately and needed a break. Sometimes you just have to put aside the cleaning, dishes and laundry to take some time for yourself.
Bree is doing well. I just called and got a quick update on her. She ate a full bottle last feeding and Becky, her nurse for today, is going to try again this next feeding. She has been resting well for the day and behaving herself quite nicely.
On Tuesday the opthamologist will be examining her eyes again in the afternoon. That examination will determine if surgery will be done or not. We are told that it is pretty for sure at this point unless a miracle happens. However, I remain optimistic because our God is a big God and we never know what he has in store!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Novermber 29, 2008
We all went to see Bree today! Riley gave her sister her first kiss from her (melts my heart to look at the picture!) and then her second... and then her third! In fact, Riley was very into giving her kisses. However, Riley thinks that Bree is a baby doll and even asked me to give Bree to her. (she said please in sign language and then held her arms out for Bree.) It was so cute, but I did not give her what she asked for obviously!
Adam hadn't seen Bree in about two weeks so he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw her! He got to feed her today, and she gave him quite a scare. She decided to choke on her milk, and we are both very jumpy with her. I think that will last for a bit considering what we have been through.
I was brave enough to hold both girls for a picture, which turned out quite nicely I might add! Riley was interested in Bree's nasal cannula and did try to pull it out. I think we are in for a bit of a struggle if she comes home on oxygen. Riley will have to learn to leave it alone.
Bree is doing great. She is up to 35 cc's of breastmilk, and is down to .1 liters of oxygen at 50%. She is attempted to be fed every feeding and as of right now the pattern she is holding at seems to be one full feeding by bottle, then she takes about half of the next one by bottle but becomes too tired to take the rest. She receives the rest of it through her feeding tube. The next bottle she drinks, she drinks all of it and etc... etc...
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Friday, November 28, 2008
November 28, 2008
Good evening!
Well, we have some good news and some bad news today. Good news is that all last night Bree ate her meals out of a bottle! She is up to 4 lbs 5 ounces and is doing GREAT in her big girl crib! The bad news is that they did her eye exam again today and her ROP is worse. They are talking about laser surgery (90 percent certain it will happen). They are re-checking on Monday and if it is the same or worse they will be doing the surgery next week. We are reassured that it is a short recovery time, but any type of surgery scares me.
Since her eye exam today, she has been tired and irritable. The eye exams are stressful for her and seem to ruin her day when she gets one. We are all going to see her tomorrow morning and to get a picture of both of the girls in their christmas dresses for our christmas cards. They both have off white and gold dresses that are oh-so -cute!
I tackled and braved the crowds today for Black Friday shopping deals and I emerged triumphant! I actually need to get to wrapping some presents so.........
I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Well, we have some good news and some bad news today. Good news is that all last night Bree ate her meals out of a bottle! She is up to 4 lbs 5 ounces and is doing GREAT in her big girl crib! The bad news is that they did her eye exam again today and her ROP is worse. They are talking about laser surgery (90 percent certain it will happen). They are re-checking on Monday and if it is the same or worse they will be doing the surgery next week. We are reassured that it is a short recovery time, but any type of surgery scares me.
Since her eye exam today, she has been tired and irritable. The eye exams are stressful for her and seem to ruin her day when she gets one. We are all going to see her tomorrow morning and to get a picture of both of the girls in their christmas dresses for our christmas cards. They both have off white and gold dresses that are oh-so -cute!
I tackled and braved the crowds today for Black Friday shopping deals and I emerged triumphant! I actually need to get to wrapping some presents so.........
I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
November 27, 2008
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! We hope that you enjoyed your day with friends and family. We hope you ate lots of turkey, smashed potatoes, and are currently relaxin on the couch watchin football and thinking about if you can fit another piece of pie into you! We are thankful for our miracle baby Bree, and for all of our family and friends. Even the friends we have never met, but who follow our story we are appreciative of! I think it is so cool that we have people from Australia, Washington, Maine and all over that read our story. I think it would be really cool if everyone could post where they are from (and their name!) in the form of a comment on here so we could see how many followers we have!
We got the best news ever today! We were told (in the words of the nurse) that "come hell or high water" Bree will be home for Christmas!!!!! Exciting exciting exciting!!! Today, she is 4 pounds, 3 ounces. She was moved to a big girl bed again, and is down to .2 liters of oxygen at 50%. She is doing great!!! She is doing so awesome with her feeds on the bottle that they might be moving her to eating 2 of every 3 feeds out of a bottle. We are so happy and excited about all of this great news today!
We hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
We got the best news ever today! We were told (in the words of the nurse) that "come hell or high water" Bree will be home for Christmas!!!!! Exciting exciting exciting!!! Today, she is 4 pounds, 3 ounces. She was moved to a big girl bed again, and is down to .2 liters of oxygen at 50%. She is doing great!!! She is doing so awesome with her feeds on the bottle that they might be moving her to eating 2 of every 3 feeds out of a bottle. We are so happy and excited about all of this great news today!
We hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
November 26, 2008
Good evening!
We didn't get a chance to go see Bree today, but I did call and get an update on her. I was told by her nurse today, Fran, that Bree is a pleasure to take care of, and is oh-so-cute! (I agree!) She ate both of her feedings from her bottle in about 10-15 minutes each. She has been weaned down to .3 liters for oxygen.
Today we had a late morning at the house, and then we all went out to Uncle Ricks (except for Adam who was at work) to hang and have some dinner. We even made a short trip to Devin and Jason's house to see how it was all set up. Devin is nine months pregnant and is in the last few days of her pregnancy. She is having contractions and hopes that Baby Wyatt will stay in for a few more days so that she can get Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping out of the way!
A little funny story tonight about Riley: She is really wanting to drink out of the cups that we have. So, tonight I grabbed a plastic shot glass for her to have for her own. At first, we gave her a bit of Diet Mountain Dew in her "cup". She did great with it! I didn't want her to have too much of the soda, so I went and got some water that we could pour into her "cup" for her. She was drinking from it pretty well, and she even was so nice that she wanted to share with her Auntie. She took her full little shot glass and quickly thrust her arm in the direction of Auntie. This proceeded to throw the water all over her Auntie!! Too funny!
Also, here's the picture from Santa...she wasn't too happy about it!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
November 25, 2008
Good evening! The day started off with a visit to Bree. She is doin great as you can see! When the picture was taken, she was getting all ready for her bath...She is now 4 lbs, 1 oz, and is up to 33 cc's a feeding, which is supplemented so that it is 36 calories per feeding. Her ROP results were left for me, and it has not gone down, but it has shown no increase or change at all. No news is good news!
Today she enjoyed her bath, but it wore her out so much that she wasn't able to nipple her feeding. So she got to try, but when she wasn't interested it got put onto her pump to go through her feeding tube. Wehn we left, she was snug as a bug in a rug. She was swaddled, and put back into her isolette.
With the family, we took a little trip this afternoon and ran a few errands. After a few quick stops we stopped at the "air park" located on base. We played around, took some pictures, and Riley had a great time! She enjoyed crawling back and forth over the brick border that was lining the area. (Kids play with the wierdest things!) Here is a snapshot my stepmom she took as us kiddos were headed back to the car.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Monday, November 24, 2008
November 24, 2008
FOUR POUNDS!!!!!! Woooooooooooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooooooooo!What a big girl. She broke the four pound mark last night! She is actually exactly four pounds today.
Another exciting event that happened yesterday was that she had another eye exam. Now, the nurses don't tell me the results for some reason(it is left for me to decipher in the form of a note from the opthamologist), but they do tell me when the next one is scheduled. The farther apart they are, the better her eyes are. When her ROP went to a stage two she was having them every week. She had one yesterday, and the next one is not next week, but the week after! That means that it is getting better!!! Yee haw!
Her feeds are up to 33 cc's a feeding (which it will probably go up once they calculate her weight increase), and she is still nippling every other. Drinking from a bottle really wears her out, so that's all she can handle right now. However, it is so so exciting that she is now slightly reaching the milestones that we have been being told about for the past two months. (Drinking from a bottle, reaching four pounds, etc)
Her oxygen is still on, and it is at .4 liters and 35% oxygen. However, every little bit is a step forward and a celebration within itself! Today, we are taking Riley to see Santa, hopefully it doesn't end in tears! She has started to have some of the stranger anxiety so we'll see how it goes!
Another exciting event that happened yesterday was that she had another eye exam. Now, the nurses don't tell me the results for some reason(it is left for me to decipher in the form of a note from the opthamologist), but they do tell me when the next one is scheduled. The farther apart they are, the better her eyes are. When her ROP went to a stage two she was having them every week. She had one yesterday, and the next one is not next week, but the week after! That means that it is getting better!!! Yee haw!
Her feeds are up to 33 cc's a feeding (which it will probably go up once they calculate her weight increase), and she is still nippling every other. Drinking from a bottle really wears her out, so that's all she can handle right now. However, it is so so exciting that she is now slightly reaching the milestones that we have been being told about for the past two months. (Drinking from a bottle, reaching four pounds, etc)
Her oxygen is still on, and it is at .4 liters and 35% oxygen. However, every little bit is a step forward and a celebration within itself! Today, we are taking Riley to see Santa, hopefully it doesn't end in tears! She has started to have some of the stranger anxiety so we'll see how it goes!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
November 23, 2008
HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!! Okay, so it is really not turkey day for the nation, but for our family it was. My step mom, brother and sister are actually leaving on Thanksgiving so we had ours today. It was great! Deep fried turkey (kudos to Adam), mashed taters, sweet potatoes, green beans, steamed carrots, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and of course gravy! Mmmmm Mmmmm good! Riley even enjoyed it. :) Best of all though, is the time spent with family. The laughter over stupid jokes, the retelling of old stories from back in the day, and making new memories as well!
My sister and I are headed out to see the movie Twilight, and the boys and Mindy (Riley too!) are staying home and just hanging. Bree is hanging at the hospital (of course) and is doing great today! Well, we need to head off to our movie...and when we get home I think a piece of pumpkin pie will be calling my name...with cool whip of course!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
My sister and I are headed out to see the movie Twilight, and the boys and Mindy (Riley too!) are staying home and just hanging. Bree is hanging at the hospital (of course) and is doing great today! Well, we need to head off to our movie...and when we get home I think a piece of pumpkin pie will be calling my name...with cool whip of course!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
November 22, 2008
"Look, it's mousse!" My stepmom was convinced today, for a few brief seconds, that the hospital was so concerned with everyone's hairstyle that they mounted little cans of 'mousse' on the walls everywhere in the hospital. She then proceeded to rub it in her hair! Okay, so really she knew it was foam antibacterial purell, but she did pretend to rub it in her hair. (and accidently got it in there!) Ha ha!
Well, as you can tell from the pictures and the story, we didn't go to the zoo today. Adam woke up sick with a bad cold, and Riley had a very yucky (VERY!!!) diaper this morning, combined with a low grade fever so we figured a day at home would be good for the both of them. Sooo...Mindy, Danielle, Caleb and myself went to the hospital to turn in some bottles of breastmilk for Bree, and to stay for a visit.
Today we got to give Bree a bath, and Mindy got to give her a bottle again! Bree was a champ during her bath, and she got so hungry from her bath she ate all 35 cc's in her bottle! Woo hoo!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Friday, November 21, 2008
November 21, 2008
As of today Bree has met all of her grandmas! She still has her great grandma Ogden (Nana) and Gram (who is her great great grandma) to meet, but she met her Gamma Mindy today. Gamma got to change her diaper and even feed her a bottle. So far, I have been the only one to give her a bottle so I decided I would let Gamma have a turn.
Bree also got to meet Auntie Danielle and Uncle a-buh (Caleb), but they were too scared to hold her so I didn't get a picture of them with her. Bree is doing well today and I hope to see some weight gain from her tonight. She had lost five grams yesterday so I am hoping that she at least gains that little bit back. For some reason, I have been worried about her weight as of lately.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
November 20, 2008
Good afternoon everyone!
Bree is doing well today! Riley is crying and tugging on my short, and I am doin pretty good. Adam is at work today, and will be at work until about 930 tonight. Riley and I will be going to R groups tonight so I am a little hesitant. It starts right at her bedtime, which I could bring a pack and play, but I don't want her to go to sleep just for an hour. So we are going to try and tough it out...we'll see what happens. (wish me luck)
These pictures are from when I last went and saw her, isn't she the cutest?
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 19, 2008
Good evening!
3 pounds 14 ounces!!!!! We are nearing the four pound mark...woo hoo! It is so ridiculously exciting. After the past few months going so slow, and counting grams instead of ounces it is so odd to have things 'speed up' as of lately. We were told the unofficial weight limit for her to go home was at least four pounds. So we are hovering around the edge of it.
She is also being given every other feeding by bottle. This has only been in effect today, but she is doing well with it. She does struggle with waking up at night to take the bottle, but for now she needs her rest more than they need to wake her up to take it from a bottle. They will try to give it to her but if she seems too sleepy, they will just put it in her feeding tube. Before she goes home she will have to be nippling all of her feeds, but this is a step in the right direction! Baby steps are a good thing....
Riley and I had a fun day today. Our friends, Pat and Danielle were moving today so I watched their kiddos while they moved all their stuff. Riley played really hard today with Aidan and Ivy and I am hoping for a long night of sleeping (for both of us!). Speaking of which, I am going to go shower and head to bed...
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
3 pounds 14 ounces!!!!! We are nearing the four pound mark...woo hoo! It is so ridiculously exciting. After the past few months going so slow, and counting grams instead of ounces it is so odd to have things 'speed up' as of lately. We were told the unofficial weight limit for her to go home was at least four pounds. So we are hovering around the edge of it.
She is also being given every other feeding by bottle. This has only been in effect today, but she is doing well with it. She does struggle with waking up at night to take the bottle, but for now she needs her rest more than they need to wake her up to take it from a bottle. They will try to give it to her but if she seems too sleepy, they will just put it in her feeding tube. Before she goes home she will have to be nippling all of her feeds, but this is a step in the right direction! Baby steps are a good thing....
Riley and I had a fun day today. Our friends, Pat and Danielle were moving today so I watched their kiddos while they moved all their stuff. Riley played really hard today with Aidan and Ivy and I am hoping for a long night of sleeping (for both of us!). Speaking of which, I am going to go shower and head to bed...
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November 18, 2008
Happy Birthday Ashley! It is my best friends birthday today and she turned the big 2-2!
In honor of her birthday, Bree had her first set of immunizations! Okay, so she didn't have them just for Ashley's birthday, but I will always remember this occasion when her birthday rolls around. :) Bree got some tylenol about a half an hour before her shot (it was a combo of like three different vaccinations). When she did get the shot, she did the silent cry-so-hard-you-can't-breathe for a good 10-15 seconds. I am not one to freak out about things, but she had me rubbing her head and telling her "Breathe, love, it's okay!". Her face turned a bright shade of purple, and when she finally caught her breath she was all tuckered out.
After she had a good rest, I was able to bottle feed her. She took her whole feeding like a champ! (30 cc's!!!) She is able to pace herself now, so she doesn't choke at all when she is eating. The speech therapist sat with me while she ate to make sure I was holding her the right way, and that she was latching onto the bottle okay. I was also told that I need to bring in the bottles that we will be using at home so she can get used to them before she goes home. This is the first time someone has mentioned her going home in a general sense so it was exciting to hear that! Since we are still using bottles with Riley, I will probably go pick up a few packs of bottles for Bree to have at the hospital so we aren't taking from our stash here at home. :)
After her feeding I needed to get going because I had told Aleasha I would be back around four to hang with her and pick up Riley. I got Bree all settled in her bed, but she kept spitting up. I sat her up and was wiping her mouth when she started getting really fussy. Out of curiosity, I checked her diaper....yup! Poop! and lots of it! I changed her britches, and got her all settled in snug and cozy while her nurse, Becky weighed her diaper. 22 grams of poop! 30 grams is an ounce, so that was a lot for a little girl.
Thinking that her acid reflux was bothering her, I put her in her bouncy seat sitting up. Since it is outside of her isolette she needed another blanket so I went and got one. While tucking it around her, my littlest monsters face turned red and I heard a little bubbly fart. Ugh! I got her out of her seat, back on the bed...and yup! More poop! and even more of it! I got all the 'supplies' gathered (diaper, wipes) and went about changing it. I wiped her little toosh, and got a second wipe. While wiping for the second time she pushed out a whole nother load right onto the wipe I was holding! I gasped in surprise and both nurses who were in the room rushed over thinking something was wrong. When they found out what happened, they all cracked up. Guess how much all that poo weighed? 28 grams!!!! Our kiddo pooped out about 2 whole ounces today! Jeez!
Now some of you who are reading and don't have kids probably are thinking I am either gross, have a sick mind, or just have issues and am obsessed with my kid's poop. Trust me, once you have kids, you will talk about poop, rejoice when your kid does poop, and worry when they don't. You will even discuss their 'poop habits' with friends. Just trust me on this one. :)
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
In honor of her birthday, Bree had her first set of immunizations! Okay, so she didn't have them just for Ashley's birthday, but I will always remember this occasion when her birthday rolls around. :) Bree got some tylenol about a half an hour before her shot (it was a combo of like three different vaccinations). When she did get the shot, she did the silent cry-so-hard-you-can't-breathe for a good 10-15 seconds. I am not one to freak out about things, but she had me rubbing her head and telling her "Breathe, love, it's okay!". Her face turned a bright shade of purple, and when she finally caught her breath she was all tuckered out.
After she had a good rest, I was able to bottle feed her. She took her whole feeding like a champ! (30 cc's!!!) She is able to pace herself now, so she doesn't choke at all when she is eating. The speech therapist sat with me while she ate to make sure I was holding her the right way, and that she was latching onto the bottle okay. I was also told that I need to bring in the bottles that we will be using at home so she can get used to them before she goes home. This is the first time someone has mentioned her going home in a general sense so it was exciting to hear that! Since we are still using bottles with Riley, I will probably go pick up a few packs of bottles for Bree to have at the hospital so we aren't taking from our stash here at home. :)
After her feeding I needed to get going because I had told Aleasha I would be back around four to hang with her and pick up Riley. I got Bree all settled in her bed, but she kept spitting up. I sat her up and was wiping her mouth when she started getting really fussy. Out of curiosity, I checked her diaper....yup! Poop! and lots of it! I changed her britches, and got her all settled in snug and cozy while her nurse, Becky weighed her diaper. 22 grams of poop! 30 grams is an ounce, so that was a lot for a little girl.
Thinking that her acid reflux was bothering her, I put her in her bouncy seat sitting up. Since it is outside of her isolette she needed another blanket so I went and got one. While tucking it around her, my littlest monsters face turned red and I heard a little bubbly fart. Ugh! I got her out of her seat, back on the bed...and yup! More poop! and even more of it! I got all the 'supplies' gathered (diaper, wipes) and went about changing it. I wiped her little toosh, and got a second wipe. While wiping for the second time she pushed out a whole nother load right onto the wipe I was holding! I gasped in surprise and both nurses who were in the room rushed over thinking something was wrong. When they found out what happened, they all cracked up. Guess how much all that poo weighed? 28 grams!!!! Our kiddo pooped out about 2 whole ounces today! Jeez!
Now some of you who are reading and don't have kids probably are thinking I am either gross, have a sick mind, or just have issues and am obsessed with my kid's poop. Trust me, once you have kids, you will talk about poop, rejoice when your kid does poop, and worry when they don't. You will even discuss their 'poop habits' with friends. Just trust me on this one. :)
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Monday, November 17, 2008
November 17, 2008
Good evening!
Our littlest monster is gaining weight like crazy! She is now 3 lbs 11 ounces! We are nearing the four pound mark...woo hoo! She nippled her entire feeding again today. She's up to 30 cc's a feeding...what a big girl! Tomorrow I am going in in the morning to sign for her to recieve her immunizations, and to hear their talk about them all....I am not sure if all of that is different with preemies, but we will see. It makes me a little nervous about putting something in her body that has the possibility of making her sick. We work so hard and pray so much for her continued health that it seems silly to inject her with stuff. However, I know it is for a good cause. It is just me having a "mommy moment" ("This is my baby! Don't touch it!!!!").
Last night, I was laying down and resting on the couch and Riley had come over to me. For some reason she decided to throw her head back against me as hard as she could. She caught me right on my lip!! It brought tears from me, and lots of ice right after! I had a swollen split fat lip for the rest of the night, and I have a nasty sore on the inside of my lip now. I know it won't be the last time my children contribute to an injury of mine, but it was for sure one of the most painful!!
Riley is learning animal noises as of lately. We have the monkey noise down..."ah-ah-ah". Mind you, this noise is not complete without bouncing up and down while you are making it. We are also working on the cow noise....if you say "mmmoooooooooo!" she will answer you with "mmmmmmm". I think the "ooo" part will follow one of these days.
"The itsy bitsy spider..." We all remember this childhood song, and we teach it to our children when they are small as well. Riley LOVES this song! She knows most of the hand motions..."The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout" part is executed perfectly..."down came the rain" is done great!. "And washed the spider out" is a little iffy. She just crosses her arms in front of her self. "Out came the sun and dried up all the rain" is just dancing (maybe she needs a break from all the seriousness??). "and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again" is once again...perfection! All this is followed by clapping, and the song is repeated. Over and over and over again....she never tires of it!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Our littlest monster is gaining weight like crazy! She is now 3 lbs 11 ounces! We are nearing the four pound mark...woo hoo! She nippled her entire feeding again today. She's up to 30 cc's a feeding...what a big girl! Tomorrow I am going in in the morning to sign for her to recieve her immunizations, and to hear their talk about them all....I am not sure if all of that is different with preemies, but we will see. It makes me a little nervous about putting something in her body that has the possibility of making her sick. We work so hard and pray so much for her continued health that it seems silly to inject her with stuff. However, I know it is for a good cause. It is just me having a "mommy moment" ("This is my baby! Don't touch it!!!!").
Last night, I was laying down and resting on the couch and Riley had come over to me. For some reason she decided to throw her head back against me as hard as she could. She caught me right on my lip!! It brought tears from me, and lots of ice right after! I had a swollen split fat lip for the rest of the night, and I have a nasty sore on the inside of my lip now. I know it won't be the last time my children contribute to an injury of mine, but it was for sure one of the most painful!!
Riley is learning animal noises as of lately. We have the monkey noise down..."ah-ah-ah". Mind you, this noise is not complete without bouncing up and down while you are making it. We are also working on the cow noise....if you say "mmmoooooooooo!" she will answer you with "mmmmmmm". I think the "ooo" part will follow one of these days.
"The itsy bitsy spider..." We all remember this childhood song, and we teach it to our children when they are small as well. Riley LOVES this song! She knows most of the hand motions..."The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout" part is executed perfectly..."down came the rain" is done great!. "And washed the spider out" is a little iffy. She just crosses her arms in front of her self. "Out came the sun and dried up all the rain" is just dancing (maybe she needs a break from all the seriousness??). "and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again" is once again...perfection! All this is followed by clapping, and the song is repeated. Over and over and over again....she never tires of it!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Milestones
This is something that I have been mulling over in my mind for the past few weeks and I feel like I need to write about it. There are so many things that we have taken for granted. When Riley was born she breathed on her own, could nurse and eat, and she was perfect in every medical sense. With Bree, it has opened our eyes to a whole new way of thinking.
When Bree was born, she could not breathe on her own, could not eat at all, and in fact her heart had stopped beating at her birth and she had to have CPR right after she was born. She has had milestones that not many children have. The fact that she is alive right now is the biggest milestone of all. Her milestones as of today are as follows:
- Came off of Oscillating Ventilator (went to a Jet Ventilator)
- Her brain bleeds stopped growing and stayed at Stage Three
- Came off of Jet Ventilator (went to a Conventional Ventilator)
- Started on feeds slowly but surely
- Came off of Conventional Ventilator (went to CPAP) (HUGE MILESTONE!)
- Came off of CPAP (went to humidified high flow oxygen)
- Bree is big enough to be stolen, and she gets her Baby Lo-Jack
- Bree is big enough to have a real bath, instead of a sponge bath
- She gets up to full feeds and is tolerating them well
- Came off of humidified high flow oxygen (went to regular oxygen)
- Started nippling one feed a day
- Bree's brain bleeds have gone down to a stage 2
Look at all of that! It just amazes me when I stop and think about it. It has been a hard road, and one that I never thought that I would take. However, we love Bree more than anything, as we do with Riley as well. We are thankful to God for his goodness, his mercy and his amazing healing power. He does more than we realize...and it is through the power of prayer that Bree is here and doing as well as she is.
We will not ever take one milestone for granted for either of our girls, but especially for Bree. She is already making noises (little grunts and normal newborn noises), but her first giggle will be such a sweet sound. Her first steps will be a huge celebration for her, and we will all dance with joy when those occur. Just the thought of watching her grow up with her older sister through the next few years brings tears to my eyes.
This whole experience has made me more appreciative of what we have. Some people would take this experience as ask "why me?" and feel bitter and angry that their child had to be born so early. I look at it, and I do wonder why, but I know that God had a reason and that it fits perfectly into his plan for our family. Our eyes have been opened to the true miracle that life is, and what it has to hold for our future.
I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
When Bree was born, she could not breathe on her own, could not eat at all, and in fact her heart had stopped beating at her birth and she had to have CPR right after she was born. She has had milestones that not many children have. The fact that she is alive right now is the biggest milestone of all. Her milestones as of today are as follows:
- Came off of Oscillating Ventilator (went to a Jet Ventilator)
- Her brain bleeds stopped growing and stayed at Stage Three
- Came off of Jet Ventilator (went to a Conventional Ventilator)
- Started on feeds slowly but surely
- Came off of Conventional Ventilator (went to CPAP) (HUGE MILESTONE!)
- Came off of CPAP (went to humidified high flow oxygen)
- Bree is big enough to be stolen, and she gets her Baby Lo-Jack
- Bree is big enough to have a real bath, instead of a sponge bath
- She gets up to full feeds and is tolerating them well
- Came off of humidified high flow oxygen (went to regular oxygen)
- Started nippling one feed a day
- Bree's brain bleeds have gone down to a stage 2
Look at all of that! It just amazes me when I stop and think about it. It has been a hard road, and one that I never thought that I would take. However, we love Bree more than anything, as we do with Riley as well. We are thankful to God for his goodness, his mercy and his amazing healing power. He does more than we realize...and it is through the power of prayer that Bree is here and doing as well as she is.
We will not ever take one milestone for granted for either of our girls, but especially for Bree. She is already making noises (little grunts and normal newborn noises), but her first giggle will be such a sweet sound. Her first steps will be a huge celebration for her, and we will all dance with joy when those occur. Just the thought of watching her grow up with her older sister through the next few years brings tears to my eyes.
This whole experience has made me more appreciative of what we have. Some people would take this experience as ask "why me?" and feel bitter and angry that their child had to be born so early. I look at it, and I do wonder why, but I know that God had a reason and that it fits perfectly into his plan for our family. Our eyes have been opened to the true miracle that life is, and what it has to hold for our future.
I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
November 16, 2008
Good afternoon,
We have little updates on both of our girls today! Yersterday I noticed a little bit more white in Riley's mouth., she's getting another tooth! After two to three weeks to teething, I can see the beginnings of her upper left front tooth coming through...yee haw! That brings her teeth count up to a total of five...she's just like her mama. I was a little on the late side of getting teeth when I was young.
Speaking of myself, I am being hit hard by this cold. I keep hoping that when I wake up in the morning I will feel a little bit better, but for the past two mornings that has not been the case. I hope that I start feeling and getting better soon! I cannot go see Bree until I feel super 100% better. I was so out of it this morning I didn't do anything but lay on the couch and blow my nose. (it seemed like I was blowing it every 30 seconds!!)
We are finaling out of our house on base tomorrow so we did have to make a trip out there today. After much cold medicine, I went to clean the appliances, Adam painted Riley's old room, and Riley ran around screaming and crawling in and out of the closets. I didn't last too long there so we are home (new home) and Adam is running out later tonight to clean up the rest. As of tomorrow we will be officially out of our old house!
EXCITING NEWS ALERT! I just got off the phone with Bree's nurse and she nippled her WHOLE feeding!!! What a big girl! I am so proud of her...it does take a lot of energy out of her to do that, but the fact that she can is a huge thing. It is just a manner of her gaining weight and getting stronger so that she can start nippling feeds more and more and more. All of these little milestones are bringing her closer and closer to coming home with us!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
We have little updates on both of our girls today! Yersterday I noticed a little bit more white in Riley's mouth., she's getting another tooth! After two to three weeks to teething, I can see the beginnings of her upper left front tooth coming through...yee haw! That brings her teeth count up to a total of five...she's just like her mama. I was a little on the late side of getting teeth when I was young.
Speaking of myself, I am being hit hard by this cold. I keep hoping that when I wake up in the morning I will feel a little bit better, but for the past two mornings that has not been the case. I hope that I start feeling and getting better soon! I cannot go see Bree until I feel super 100% better. I was so out of it this morning I didn't do anything but lay on the couch and blow my nose. (it seemed like I was blowing it every 30 seconds!!)
We are finaling out of our house on base tomorrow so we did have to make a trip out there today. After much cold medicine, I went to clean the appliances, Adam painted Riley's old room, and Riley ran around screaming and crawling in and out of the closets. I didn't last too long there so we are home (new home) and Adam is running out later tonight to clean up the rest. As of tomorrow we will be officially out of our old house!
EXCITING NEWS ALERT! I just got off the phone with Bree's nurse and she nippled her WHOLE feeding!!! What a big girl! I am so proud of her...it does take a lot of energy out of her to do that, but the fact that she can is a huge thing. It is just a manner of her gaining weight and getting stronger so that she can start nippling feeds more and more and more. All of these little milestones are bringing her closer and closer to coming home with us!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
November 15, 2008
Today is a better day...Bree seems to be recovering well from whatever it was that had brought her down. She received a total of two blood transfusions overall. Supposedly her hematocrit level had been really really low, and that can cause poor digestion and difficulty in breathing because there are not enough red blood cells to carry the oxygen around the body. The poor digestion could have been what caused her belly to measure one centimeter larger because after they gave her a glycerin chip (suppository) and she pooped, her belly measured a-okay.
We had one unhappy kiddo last night though. She hadn't been given any food by mouth for over 24 hours, and even though she was given sustenance (TPN) through her IV, it did not sustain her hunger feeling. In her anger (and fits), she pulled out her NG tube (her feeding tube), and she also pulled out her IV that was in her right arm. It was even all splinted up to help prevent that! The only way to keep her happy was to give her a paci, or to hold her. (That's what Jolynn said!)
She was restarted on feeds today, and even got to nipple one of them. She got 7 cc's, then 7 cc's, then 14 cc's, 14 cc's again and this next feeding they are bumping it up to 21 cc's. She'll have two feedings of 21cc's, then she will be up to 28 cc's (which is full feeds for her). One of the 7 cc feedings was the one she got to nipple feed on and she did great! She ate it all, and even paced herself all on her own! She is such an amazing little girl.
Thank you for your prayers and let's all continue to pray for her continued rocovery and strength!
We had one unhappy kiddo last night though. She hadn't been given any food by mouth for over 24 hours, and even though she was given sustenance (TPN) through her IV, it did not sustain her hunger feeling. In her anger (and fits), she pulled out her NG tube (her feeding tube), and she also pulled out her IV that was in her right arm. It was even all splinted up to help prevent that! The only way to keep her happy was to give her a paci, or to hold her. (That's what Jolynn said!)
She was restarted on feeds today, and even got to nipple one of them. She got 7 cc's, then 7 cc's, then 14 cc's, 14 cc's again and this next feeding they are bumping it up to 21 cc's. She'll have two feedings of 21cc's, then she will be up to 28 cc's (which is full feeds for her). One of the 7 cc feedings was the one she got to nipple feed on and she did great! She ate it all, and even paced herself all on her own! She is such an amazing little girl.
Thank you for your prayers and let's all continue to pray for her continued rocovery and strength!
Friday, November 14, 2008
November 14, 2008
So last night we got some not so super news. Bree had been agitated and tired all day long and it started to affect her breathing. They raised her oxygen, (she is now on 2 liters instead of the previous .4 and she is on 30% oxygen). Her 'girth' (the measure around her belly) showed a centimeter bigger, but when they did an xray it just showed extra gas in her belly. They also stopped her feeds just in case of an infection of the intestine. They did put in an IV to continue to give her fluids. They have done a million tests and blood draws and so far everything has come back okay. So hopefully they will start giving her her feeds again. Jolynn said that she has been a cranky butt all night! (I would be too!)
Jolynn also mentioned that Bree looks pale so they did a CBC last night and one this morning. Because of the results of these, she will more than likely be getting a blood transfusion this morning. This will help out tremendously with her breathing as she will have more red blood cells to carry oxygen around her body.
Overall, Jolynn thinks that Bree has caught a cold. She's been suctioning green snot out of her nose all night long, and it has been runny as well. :( Poor kiddo. I even feel ten times worse because I woke up this morning with a sore throat, sneezing and a stuffy nose. I didn't have any of this yesterday or when I went to bed! So I am probably the one, despite handwashing and being super careful, that got her sick. I feel absolutely horrible.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life.
Jolynn also mentioned that Bree looks pale so they did a CBC last night and one this morning. Because of the results of these, she will more than likely be getting a blood transfusion this morning. This will help out tremendously with her breathing as she will have more red blood cells to carry oxygen around her body.
Overall, Jolynn thinks that Bree has caught a cold. She's been suctioning green snot out of her nose all night long, and it has been runny as well. :( Poor kiddo. I even feel ten times worse because I woke up this morning with a sore throat, sneezing and a stuffy nose. I didn't have any of this yesterday or when I went to bed! So I am probably the one, despite handwashing and being super careful, that got her sick. I feel absolutely horrible.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
November 13, 2008
Good afternoon,
I got to go visit Bree early this morning...she is doing pretty good. I got to feed her again today and she only 5 cc's this time. That was no fault of hers though! She got the hiccups and wasn't able to continue trying to nipple feed due to the risk of aspiration. Bree got pretty worn out today, she had to have a clothes change due to her pajamas giving her a little rash. The collar on her pj's were rubbing on her neck and she had a little area of rash so I changed her.
Other than that nothing too new going on today. I have unpacking to do, and I am waiting for the dishwasher repairman to come fix our dishwasher. This is the third time we have tried to have someone come out and fix it....Rrr!
I got to go visit Bree early this morning...she is doing pretty good. I got to feed her again today and she only 5 cc's this time. That was no fault of hers though! She got the hiccups and wasn't able to continue trying to nipple feed due to the risk of aspiration. Bree got pretty worn out today, she had to have a clothes change due to her pajamas giving her a little rash. The collar on her pj's were rubbing on her neck and she had a little area of rash so I changed her.
Other than that nothing too new going on today. I have unpacking to do, and I am waiting for the dishwasher repairman to come fix our dishwasher. This is the third time we have tried to have someone come out and fix it....Rrr!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
November 12, 2008
Good night...
It's not technically evening anymore....I think this is the latest I have ever posted! Adam just called for an update and her combined weight gain for the last two days is 60 grams. That is two ounces! Woo hoo! So she is now 3 lbs, 5 ounces. I got to spend a good part of the day with her and I enjoyed holding her, feeding her and snuggling with her. I got her to take 12 cc's of breastmilk through the bottle, however only 10 cc's "counted" because she spits out little bits of milk here and there.
For some reason, both Adam and I have been dead tired the past few days. I think everything is starting to catch up with us from the past two months. Oh well, we will try and get as much sleep as possible before Bree comes home. Speaking of which, I better get off of here because it is 10 at night...
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
November 11, 2008
Good afternoon all!
This morning my mom and I went up to see Bree while Riley and Adam had some Daddy Daughter bonding time. Bree is doing well and gained 15 grams yesterday (half of an ounce). She is being a good little girl and doing everything she's suppose to be doin. She ate her usual 5 cc's out of her bottle this morning. However, we did get some bad news today. Bree has early ROP. This is something that happens often with preemies, however it can result in eye damage and possible blindness. Please let's all pray for the healing of her eyes, and for the precision and dedication of the doctors that are caring for her. There are a wonderufl bunch of doctors that workthe hospital with Bree. We trust all of them with our heart and know that God helps them with all that they do.
We got the girls their new stroller yesterday. It is the Graco Quattro Duo, and it is so nice! A friend of ours, Danielle, has the same one for her kiddos and it was on her recommendation taht we decided to go with this one. So far Riley loves it...she tries to climb up on it and sit down. We will try it out in two weeks when we take Riley to the zoo with her "Gamma", Auntie Danielle and Uncle A-buh (caleb).
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Monday, November 10, 2008
November 9, 2008
Good afternoon!
Bree is a whopping 3 lbs, 3 ounces today! She is taking in 27 cc's a feeding (which is every three hours) and she is lovin it! Her feeding tube was switched from her mouth to her nose so as to avoid her gagging herself on it. She is sitting at 40 percent oxygen and is able to maintain her oxygen at 90 to 98 percent saturations. She does still have some desaturations with her oxygen, bu that is to be expected with a baby as small as she is.
Other than that nothing new to report. We are all dead tired....Adam just got home and went and laid down for a nap. I am about to go join him. Now now, don't get too concerned! My mom is here helping us out and will get Riley when she gets up from her nap. :)
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Bree is a whopping 3 lbs, 3 ounces today! She is taking in 27 cc's a feeding (which is every three hours) and she is lovin it! Her feeding tube was switched from her mouth to her nose so as to avoid her gagging herself on it. She is sitting at 40 percent oxygen and is able to maintain her oxygen at 90 to 98 percent saturations. She does still have some desaturations with her oxygen, bu that is to be expected with a baby as small as she is.
Other than that nothing new to report. We are all dead tired....Adam just got home and went and laid down for a nap. I am about to go join him. Now now, don't get too concerned! My mom is here helping us out and will get Riley when she gets up from her nap. :)
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
November 8, 2008
Good evening!
Well, we had a VERY late night last night. You know how everyone tells you not to pull on your kids arm, whether it be by swiming them in a circle, or helping them to "jump"? Well, I was helping Riley to jump by going "Oooonnnneee....ttwwwwwoooo....three!!!!" On three she would jump and I would lift her up by her hands to help her make a super duper giant jump. Mind you, this was the first time I had played this game with her. I am always telling Adam to not lift her by her hands because he might dislocate something. Of all the times, me, who NEVER plays with her or lifts her by her arms, dislocated her elbow last night by playing 1,2,3 jump! We had to go into the ER, and after some x rays and moving and rotating of her arm, it popped right back into place! I felt (and still do) so bad!! She was in so much pain and wouldn't move her arm at all. Poor kiddo. Together with her rash and everything else, it was a rough day for her.
Miss Bree took 5 cc's in a bottle today for her nurse Becky. Good girl! She is down to .4 liters of flow and on about 40% oxygen. SUPER DUPER EXCITING NEWS! As of her last brain ultrasound, her brain bleeds are now at a stage two!! We were told it is rare for them to go back down. God is an amazing miracle maker! Let's all thank him for his goodness...woo hoo!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Well, we had a VERY late night last night. You know how everyone tells you not to pull on your kids arm, whether it be by swiming them in a circle, or helping them to "jump"? Well, I was helping Riley to jump by going "Oooonnnneee....ttwwwwwoooo....three!!!!" On three she would jump and I would lift her up by her hands to help her make a super duper giant jump. Mind you, this was the first time I had played this game with her. I am always telling Adam to not lift her by her hands because he might dislocate something. Of all the times, me, who NEVER plays with her or lifts her by her arms, dislocated her elbow last night by playing 1,2,3 jump! We had to go into the ER, and after some x rays and moving and rotating of her arm, it popped right back into place! I felt (and still do) so bad!! She was in so much pain and wouldn't move her arm at all. Poor kiddo. Together with her rash and everything else, it was a rough day for her.
Miss Bree took 5 cc's in a bottle today for her nurse Becky. Good girl! She is down to .4 liters of flow and on about 40% oxygen. SUPER DUPER EXCITING NEWS! As of her last brain ultrasound, her brain bleeds are now at a stage two!! We were told it is rare for them to go back down. God is an amazing miracle maker! Let's all thank him for his goodness...woo hoo!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
November 8, 2008
Good afternoon!
I had to take Riley to urgent care this morning because she broke out in a rash all over her little body. :( After an hour spent there, they determined that she has a viral rash. After urgent care, Riley and I went to the hospital where I went in to see Bree with Uncle Rick, Grandma Minard, and Andrew. Aunt Shrrene was awesome enough to hang out in the waiting room with Riley because she couldn't go in because of her rash.
Lots of big news! Bree ate 8 cc's out of a bottle yesterday for Courtnee! What a big girl..woo hoo! They will try to give her a bottle every shift. When they tried to give her a bottle last night, she was too sleepy and didn't want anything to do with it. However, when we were there today I got to give her a bottle. She ate a whole 6 cc's for me, which is a lot for such a little girl! It takes a lot of work for her to eat from a bottle. Every little bit that she drinks is good stuff... :)
They no longer have to weigh her diapers to measure her output. She does such a good job of peeing and pooping that they no longer have to chart exactly how much is coming out. They just have to chart that she had 2 wet and 1 poopy (or whatever the amount is).
She does seem to have a bit of acid reflux (which is SUPER common with preemies), so they have put her feedings onto a pump. This means that she still gets her 24 cc's every three hours, but it is on a pump that delivers it over a period of a half an hour. Before this, it was given to her in a time period of five minutes. The extra 25 minutes allows for her tummy to not get so full so fast and it helps to reduce her 'attacks' of acid relux.
Today is a really busy day for me today...so I feel a bit overwhelmed and overworked. However, I am sure it will pass. No matter if I feel this way or not things still need to get done and there is no one else to do them but me.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life.
I had to take Riley to urgent care this morning because she broke out in a rash all over her little body. :( After an hour spent there, they determined that she has a viral rash. After urgent care, Riley and I went to the hospital where I went in to see Bree with Uncle Rick, Grandma Minard, and Andrew. Aunt Shrrene was awesome enough to hang out in the waiting room with Riley because she couldn't go in because of her rash.
Lots of big news! Bree ate 8 cc's out of a bottle yesterday for Courtnee! What a big girl..woo hoo! They will try to give her a bottle every shift. When they tried to give her a bottle last night, she was too sleepy and didn't want anything to do with it. However, when we were there today I got to give her a bottle. She ate a whole 6 cc's for me, which is a lot for such a little girl! It takes a lot of work for her to eat from a bottle. Every little bit that she drinks is good stuff... :)
They no longer have to weigh her diapers to measure her output. She does such a good job of peeing and pooping that they no longer have to chart exactly how much is coming out. They just have to chart that she had 2 wet and 1 poopy (or whatever the amount is).
She does seem to have a bit of acid reflux (which is SUPER common with preemies), so they have put her feedings onto a pump. This means that she still gets her 24 cc's every three hours, but it is on a pump that delivers it over a period of a half an hour. Before this, it was given to her in a time period of five minutes. The extra 25 minutes allows for her tummy to not get so full so fast and it helps to reduce her 'attacks' of acid relux.
Today is a really busy day for me today...so I feel a bit overwhelmed and overworked. However, I am sure it will pass. No matter if I feel this way or not things still need to get done and there is no one else to do them but me.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life.
Friday, November 7, 2008
November 7, 2008
Hey hey hey! We are all having a wonderful day today! Riley got to have a playdate with Chelsea and Cheri while I went and saw Bree this morning. Cheri took the girls on a bike ride (she has one of those awesome little buggies that go on the back of your bike) to a local park and they both played for 45 minutes! After they got back Riley took a two and half hour nap!
Miss Bree is now three pounds, two ounces! They switched her from the high humidity nasal cannula, to just regular oxygen. So she no longer has any poles by her bed. The oxygen she uses is the one that they have in the wall....here's a picture:
The less equipment on her bed and on her, the better. It is plain proof to us of the power of God's healing upon her little body!
I got to give her a bath this morning. Afterwards Courtnee and I dressed her 
in her new pj's and wrapped her in her new blanket. My grandma's friend Stacy made Bree this adorable blanket with a little bee on it, and it is so precious!
in her new pj's and wrapped her in her new blanket. My grandma's friend Stacy made Bree this adorable blanket with a little bee on it, and it is so precious!Because of her bath, Bree was very tired and needed time to rest. Later this afternoon, she gets to try nippling! This means that they are going to try and feed her out of a bottle! SO exciting!! Tomorrow Riley, Uncle Rick, Aunt Shrenne, Andrew, Grandma Minard and myself are going up to see her and Courtnee said that if Bree does well today with nippling that I may get to feed her a little bit...now, learning to eat that way burns way more energy than the way she is fed now so she will only eat 5 cc's of so out of a bottle. She gets 23 cc's per feeding so what she doesn't nipple will be put down her feeding tube. This is a huge step forward for her...
I feel like I am missing something I had wanted to tell everyone, but I am sure I will remember later! Riley is cutting her top teeth so we have had a few days of excessively grumpy, yucky diapers, sleepy kid syndrome. Right now she is resting her head on my lap as I am typing!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
November 6, 2008
THREE POUNDS!!! Yup, that's right, she has hit the three pound mark! She is actually exactly three pounds even. Slow and steady weight gain is what we want to see. She is down to 1/2 liter and 30 to 40 percent oxygen. Bree's favorite nurse, Courtnee, is working today so I am giving them some bonding time. (Actually, I have a TON of stuff to do today!!) However, tomorrow I am going to see Bree in the morning while Cheri watches Riley for me. Our new house is exactly 6 minutes away from Steve and Cheri's house. (I timed it today on my way over..hee hee!)
I have something to confess! (Okay, really Riley does but she doesn't know how to type). Riley gave kisses to Daniel last night during their playdate/my girl night with Carrie Fay last night! It was actually very sweet and nice, and of course adorable to see. I bet I won't be saying that in thirteen years though...
Adam and I were able to pick up Bree's furniture today (big thanks to Cheri for letting us use her van). It looks great! I will take pictures tomorrow if I can get the time.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
I have something to confess! (Okay, really Riley does but she doesn't know how to type). Riley gave kisses to Daniel last night during their playdate/my girl night with Carrie Fay last night! It was actually very sweet and nice, and of course adorable to see. I bet I won't be saying that in thirteen years though...
Adam and I were able to pick up Bree's furniture today (big thanks to Cheri for letting us use her van). It looks great! I will take pictures tomorrow if I can get the time.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November 5, 2008
Good afternoon!
Riley is down for her afternoon nap so I am getting in some computer and school time while eating lunch. (The life of a mom...multi-tasking everything!) I was able to go up to the hospital today. I went very early in the morning to meet up with Kate to see how Annika was doing. She seems to be doing a little better each day. They may have a diagnosis for her as well. She is 90% likely to have Celiac's disease. Here is a link that helps to explain it: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/
They are starting Annika on a gluten free diet, and hope to see her getting better soon.
Our little miracle girl is doing great today! She is up to 2 pounds 15 ounces. So she is hanging onto that two pound mark...let's hope she bumps up to three pounds tomorrow! I got to hold her
for a bit, and after about fifteen minutes of grunting, squirming and a bit of fussing, she fell right asleep! I took some pictures and I will put one or two up here after I get them downloaded to the computer.
Riley and I went shopping this afternoon and we got Bree her first frame for her room. It says "The moment we saw you, we fell in love". It is pink with white polka dots and has three places for pictures. I am going to put one picture of Adam holding her, a picture of Riley touching the isolette, and then one of myself holding her. I can't wait to hang it all up in her room!
We are going to be picking up Bree's furniture from Babies R Us tomorrow so maybe we'll have it put together by this weekend and we can put some pictures up!
Hope this finds you happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Riley is down for her afternoon nap so I am getting in some computer and school time while eating lunch. (The life of a mom...multi-tasking everything!) I was able to go up to the hospital today. I went very early in the morning to meet up with Kate to see how Annika was doing. She seems to be doing a little better each day. They may have a diagnosis for her as well. She is 90% likely to have Celiac's disease. Here is a link that helps to explain it: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/
They are starting Annika on a gluten free diet, and hope to see her getting better soon.
Our little miracle girl is doing great today! She is up to 2 pounds 15 ounces. So she is hanging onto that two pound mark...let's hope she bumps up to three pounds tomorrow! I got to hold her
for a bit, and after about fifteen minutes of grunting, squirming and a bit of fussing, she fell right asleep! I took some pictures and I will put one or two up here after I get them downloaded to the computer.Riley and I went shopping this afternoon and we got Bree her first frame for her room. It says "The moment we saw you, we fell in love". It is pink with white polka dots and has three places for pictures. I am going to put one picture of Adam holding her, a picture of Riley touching the isolette, and then one of myself holding her. I can't wait to hang it all up in her room!
We are going to be picking up Bree's furniture from Babies R Us tomorrow so maybe we'll have it put together by this weekend and we can put some pictures up!
Hope this finds you happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
November 4, 2008
Mornin mornin!
Bree is doin well today...no weight gain yesterday, but due to the bath and being moved around a lot it was expected. As long as she doesn't lose weight they are a-okay. :) No news is good news, pretty much! Nothing else to report on her. Adam went in to see her on his way back from dropping Mama off at the hospital and he happened to see our friend Kate there...her daughter, Annika is in the PICU at Phoenix Childrens. Can everyone please pray for Annika and her family? Here's an update that Nick (Annika's Dad) posted on myspace a few days ago:
soo Annika was admitted to the hospital last night. we noticed that she had a bruise on her back that ran along her spine. She also developed a bruise on her feet from having shoes on. She has also started to regress developmentally. She wont walk or try to that much any more... she wont play with her toys anymore... she is tired all the time ... and she wont talk anymore. the doctors at urgent care said that she needs to go to phoenix childrens hospital immediately. so that is where she has been since saturday night. they are currently running tests for everything they can think of. also she has lost five pounds..down to 19 pounds and you can see it from the extra skin on her arms :(. the doctors do not no what it is... at least that is what they are telling us. the earlest she will be home is tuesday. it takes 48 hours for most of the results to get back :-/. there testing for everything... rsv...valley fever...infections...cystic fibrosis...cylacs desease... etc.keep our daughter in your prayers :(
-nick
Lord,
We thank you for today and we look forward to what tomorrow has to bring. We lift up Annika to you. You know that she is hurting, and we ask that you heal her of the bruises, energize her and restore her to the loving, snuggly Annika that we know is within her. She is just so tired, and does not feel well at all. We know that you are a good God, and one of miracles and healing. Bree is a testament to your goodness! We ask that you lay your healing hands over Annika. Surround her in your love and your goodness.
We also ask that you be with her parents (and little brother) during this hard time. It is a stressful and mentally draining situation to be in. Please give them the clarity and peace of mind to be at their best for their kids. We love you and we thank you for all that you do...
In Jesus' name we pray...
Amen
Bree is doin well today...no weight gain yesterday, but due to the bath and being moved around a lot it was expected. As long as she doesn't lose weight they are a-okay. :) No news is good news, pretty much! Nothing else to report on her. Adam went in to see her on his way back from dropping Mama off at the hospital and he happened to see our friend Kate there...her daughter, Annika is in the PICU at Phoenix Childrens. Can everyone please pray for Annika and her family? Here's an update that Nick (Annika's Dad) posted on myspace a few days ago:
soo Annika was admitted to the hospital last night. we noticed that she had a bruise on her back that ran along her spine. She also developed a bruise on her feet from having shoes on. She has also started to regress developmentally. She wont walk or try to that much any more... she wont play with her toys anymore... she is tired all the time ... and she wont talk anymore. the doctors at urgent care said that she needs to go to phoenix childrens hospital immediately. so that is where she has been since saturday night. they are currently running tests for everything they can think of. also she has lost five pounds..down to 19 pounds and you can see it from the extra skin on her arms :(. the doctors do not no what it is... at least that is what they are telling us. the earlest she will be home is tuesday. it takes 48 hours for most of the results to get back :-/. there testing for everything... rsv...valley fever...infections...cystic fibrosis...cylacs desease... etc.keep our daughter in your prayers :(
-nick
Lord,
We thank you for today and we look forward to what tomorrow has to bring. We lift up Annika to you. You know that she is hurting, and we ask that you heal her of the bruises, energize her and restore her to the loving, snuggly Annika that we know is within her. She is just so tired, and does not feel well at all. We know that you are a good God, and one of miracles and healing. Bree is a testament to your goodness! We ask that you lay your healing hands over Annika. Surround her in your love and your goodness.
We also ask that you be with her parents (and little brother) during this hard time. It is a stressful and mentally draining situation to be in. Please give them the clarity and peace of mind to be at their best for their kids. We love you and we thank you for all that you do...
In Jesus' name we pray...
Amen
Monday, November 3, 2008
As you can tell from the picture at left, (taken with Mama's phone) she was able to give Bree a bath today! Bree did remarkably well and even got to wear some real clothes. The outfit was a bit big, but it is the first 'preemie' clothes that she can wear. We got her all snuggled in and happy and then Mama got to hold her for a bit. Bree is now 14 and 1/2 icnhes long so she is just a little growing machine!
Riley is chillin in her high chair and is eating up her lunch. We are leaving within the next ten minutes (EE! type faster!) for her twelve month check up. We were suppose to have it last week, but due to parking issues we were 13 minutes late and they can't see you after 10 minutes of being late (Stupid rules!). So, we are trying again today! Wish us luck....
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
November 2, 2008
Good Evening...
After much fiddling and setting up, Adam was able to get our internet hooked up in the house! (I used Mama's laptop and internet card last night). So now I am officially typing on our computer at our house, at our new desk! Woo Hoo!
Today has been a busy, shopping, unpacking and organizing day. I am sure that the next week or so is going to be the same way (minus the shopping). The only other thing I know of that we need to pick up might be a new house phone. The one we have rings when someone calls, but we can't answer it when it rings. You push the button and nothing happens. :( It is as though the phone is frozen...
Miss Bree is having a great day! The isolette is doing her wonders for the gaining weight aspect. She is now 2 lbs, 14 oz!! We are almost in the three pound arena!! Yee Haw! Pack on those ounces girl! With the weight increase she is up to 23 cc's every three hours. Mama and I are headed off to see her tomorrow morning really really early...we are going to leave the house at 630 in the mornin. We have to be back at least by 1130 because we need to pick up Riley for her twelve month check up.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
After much fiddling and setting up, Adam was able to get our internet hooked up in the house! (I used Mama's laptop and internet card last night). So now I am officially typing on our computer at our house, at our new desk! Woo Hoo!
Today has been a busy, shopping, unpacking and organizing day. I am sure that the next week or so is going to be the same way (minus the shopping). The only other thing I know of that we need to pick up might be a new house phone. The one we have rings when someone calls, but we can't answer it when it rings. You push the button and nothing happens. :( It is as though the phone is frozen...
Miss Bree is having a great day! The isolette is doing her wonders for the gaining weight aspect. She is now 2 lbs, 14 oz!! We are almost in the three pound arena!! Yee Haw! Pack on those ounces girl! With the weight increase she is up to 23 cc's every three hours. Mama and I are headed off to see her tomorrow morning really really early...we are going to leave the house at 630 in the mornin. We have to be back at least by 1130 because we need to pick up Riley for her twelve month check up.
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
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