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!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
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!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
November 1, 2008
Good Evening!
We are all beat and tired, but we have all of our big furniture and 90% of our stuff is moved into the new house! Big thanks to Mark, Megan, Scott, Joel and Kristina! Our friend Mark was able to borrow a trailer for us to move all our stuff with and it only took two trips....(wow!)
Riley has adjusted well to the new house. She has not had any crying issues with naps today and she went down to bed rather easily. I know the next few days will be the true test, however so far so good.
Bree had a little bit of an eventful night last night. She was in an open crib (which I was excited about), however, she wasn't gaining weight fast enough. The nurse explained that she was using her energy to maintain her tempature in the open air bed instead of using it to "pack on the ounces". So they have switched her back to the isolette to help her conserve her energy a bit more. It is the "two steps forward, one step back" dance that we were warned about when she first went into the NICU. I know it is best for her to be back in the isolette, but I cannot help but feel a little disappointed. We did buy a mobile for her crib today (okay, Mama bought it...I picked it out!)
On the plus side, she is up to 2 lbs, 10 oz and her feeds have been increased to 22 cc's every three hours. She is still recieving the breat milk, but it is being "enhanced" with calories. Each feeding is 26 calories total. She is also recieving a liquid multivitamin, and few other meds. (like sodium...etc) Well, I have to go help move the futon into the house so Mama has somewhere to sleep!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
We are all beat and tired, but we have all of our big furniture and 90% of our stuff is moved into the new house! Big thanks to Mark, Megan, Scott, Joel and Kristina! Our friend Mark was able to borrow a trailer for us to move all our stuff with and it only took two trips....(wow!)
Riley has adjusted well to the new house. She has not had any crying issues with naps today and she went down to bed rather easily. I know the next few days will be the true test, however so far so good.
Bree had a little bit of an eventful night last night. She was in an open crib (which I was excited about), however, she wasn't gaining weight fast enough. The nurse explained that she was using her energy to maintain her tempature in the open air bed instead of using it to "pack on the ounces". So they have switched her back to the isolette to help her conserve her energy a bit more. It is the "two steps forward, one step back" dance that we were warned about when she first went into the NICU. I know it is best for her to be back in the isolette, but I cannot help but feel a little disappointed. We did buy a mobile for her crib today (okay, Mama bought it...I picked it out!)
On the plus side, she is up to 2 lbs, 10 oz and her feeds have been increased to 22 cc's every three hours. She is still recieving the breat milk, but it is being "enhanced" with calories. Each feeding is 26 calories total. She is also recieving a liquid multivitamin, and few other meds. (like sodium...etc) Well, I have to go help move the futon into the house so Mama has somewhere to sleep!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Friday, October 31, 2008
October 31, 2008
BOO!
I am sure that that did not scare many of you, but I had to throw it in there! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Bree is a bumblebee for halloween, you've seen her cutie little outfit I made for her. It is a picture from Carrie Fay (it's a few posts back!) Riley is being a nurse (in training of course). We thought it would be rather appropriate considering that more than half of our time is spent at the hospital. Tonight we are not doing too much...I am spending the day packing and doing 
schoolwork. This evening we are going to our church's "Festival in the Park"...it will be loads of fun I am sure! Then it is back to our house to pack some more. We are moving tomorrow morning, so it will be a little crazy tomorrow and I may not get a post up.
schoolwork. This evening we are going to our church's "Festival in the Park"...it will be loads of fun I am sure! Then it is back to our house to pack some more. We are moving tomorrow morning, so it will be a little crazy tomorrow and I may not get a post up.Bree is a healthy 2 pounds 9 ounces today (which is 1160 grams). She is down to 2 liters and 28% oxygen on her nasal cannula and is doing well with it. There is not much else going on with her....we're back to no news is good news! Woo hoo!
Hope this finds you happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
October 30, 2008
NO MORE ISOLETTE!! Yay! Bree did so well with being an an open air bed that she is now in a big girl crib with a mobile and everything! WOO HOO! Riley and I are about to head down there in our halloween costumes to show off to Courtnee. Both Riley and I are being nurses. Okay, I am really just wearing scrubs from my CNA days, but Adam thought it would be cool if I wore scrubs with Riley.
Bree is now 2 lbs 9 oz, so she is slowly growing...six more ounces and we'll be in the three pound arena! Woo hoo....
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Bree is now 2 lbs 9 oz, so she is slowly growing...six more ounces and we'll be in the three pound arena! Woo hoo....
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
October 29, 2008
Good morning!
I am up bright and early this morning so that I can go clean the rental house for a bit while Adam is home with Riley. Okay, I am actually up so early that it is not even bright out...still dark outside. Adam doesn't have to go to work until 11 today so I am going to go clean the new house from 7-9 in the morning, come home and pump, take Riley to Aleasha's and then go to a dr appt at noon. It is my six week well checkup so it's not really a kid friendly appt.
This week must be a week of milestones and events for our family! Let's see first bath for Bree yesterday, Friday is halloween, and Saturday we are moving into our new house. Why I say this is because Bree is now such a big little girl (there's an oxymoron for ya!) that she is now in an open air bed!!! YAY! This means that she is not closed in her 'box' anymore and they have lifted the lid of it. If she continues to do well with maintaining her tempature on her own she gets to move to a real little baby crib. WOO HOO! I can't wait to go and see her in her big girl bed!
She has also been weaned down to 2.5 liters on her nasal cannula. She is also needing less and less oxygen support. The nurse tonight informed me that when she is on her tummy she does perfectly fine with room air (21% oxygen). When she is not on her tummy she is requiring 30% oxygen....I think my little heart will burst from being so proud of her!
I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
I am up bright and early this morning so that I can go clean the rental house for a bit while Adam is home with Riley. Okay, I am actually up so early that it is not even bright out...still dark outside. Adam doesn't have to go to work until 11 today so I am going to go clean the new house from 7-9 in the morning, come home and pump, take Riley to Aleasha's and then go to a dr appt at noon. It is my six week well checkup so it's not really a kid friendly appt.
This week must be a week of milestones and events for our family! Let's see first bath for Bree yesterday, Friday is halloween, and Saturday we are moving into our new house. Why I say this is because Bree is now such a big little girl (there's an oxymoron for ya!) that she is now in an open air bed!!! YAY! This means that she is not closed in her 'box' anymore and they have lifted the lid of it. If she continues to do well with maintaining her tempature on her own she gets to move to a real little baby crib. WOO HOO! I can't wait to go and see her in her big girl bed!
She has also been weaned down to 2.5 liters on her nasal cannula. She is also needing less and less oxygen support. The nurse tonight informed me that when she is on her tummy she does perfectly fine with room air (21% oxygen). When she is not on her tummy she is requiring 30% oxygen....I think my little heart will burst from being so proud of her!
I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and in love with life!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
October 28, 2008
Woo hoo! Three milestones have been reached! Okay, really only two of them are milestones to most people, but as I have mentioned before we are bit on the odd side. First, (the "real" one), Bree had her first bath in a baby bath tub! Up until now she has been getting sponge baths. Courtnee was able to assist me in all my bath-giving glory (quickly wiping her with a washrag), so now Bree has soft fuzzy clean hair, and a smell good little body!
The second milestone happened right before her bath. We had stripped her down and I was holding her as Courtnee was bringing the bath over to us. Just as I was lowering her into the bath, she peed on me! Woo hoo! I have finally been christened! Ha ha!
Thirdly, and lastly, Bree is officially a member of the United States of America! After much worrying and waiting, her social security card came in the mail today! It only took like seven weeks! Whew! That's one less thing to worry about....
Since they have taken her PCVC out, Bree now has no more IV lines! So all that is on her is her nasal cannula for oxygen, her feeding tube, and her "leads". (The leads are for vital signs: oxygen saturation, heartrate and breathing). Each time there are less and less "things" on her so it means that we are on the right track!
Riley also had an exciting day. My good friend, Aleasha, watched Riley for me while I was up with Bree this morning. Aleasha's son, Ethan (aka Riley's boyfriend!) gave Riley her first kiss from him. Up until this point it has been Riley laying on the smooches. When we were leaving Aleasha asked Ethan to give Riley hugs and kisses and he very slowly (and 'gentlemany') gave her a sweet kiss on the forehead. Okay, all together now, let's say "Awww!". :)
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
Monday, October 27, 2008
October 27, 2008
Good morning!
We have had a rather successful morning so far. Riley had a WONDERFUL photo shoot with Carrie Fay, and of course I was there too. She played, ran around and acted just like a antsy little toddler. I think we got some really good shots in there. Ironically, this photo shoot is EXACTLY one year from her first photo shoot with Carrie Fay. The only reason I know that is because we did it on my birthday last year...and so we did it today on my birthday this year.
I am the big 2-3...okay, so it's not that big, but it's still something fun to celebrate. We aren't doing anything special that I know of, and Adam isn't known for surprising me with things so I am sure we will just have a lazy night at home. He won't even get home from work until 7 ish, so I will have already eaten dinner. (Speaking of which I need to take something out for dinner).
While at Carrie Fay's house this morning, I picked up the pictures from when she went with me to see Bree in the NICU. Bree had just turned one month old and we wanted to get some pictures since we had done Riley's at one month. The pictures turned out beautiful!
These were eight of my favorites! A huge thank you to Carrie Fay for taking these beautiful pictures! I will upload all the others to my flickr account tomorrow (busy day today!).In case you don't know, my flickr account is at www.flickr.com/photos/gonce .
We have had a rather successful morning so far. Riley had a WONDERFUL photo shoot with Carrie Fay, and of course I was there too. She played, ran around and acted just like a antsy little toddler. I think we got some really good shots in there. Ironically, this photo shoot is EXACTLY one year from her first photo shoot with Carrie Fay. The only reason I know that is because we did it on my birthday last year...and so we did it today on my birthday this year.
I am the big 2-3...okay, so it's not that big, but it's still something fun to celebrate. We aren't doing anything special that I know of, and Adam isn't known for surprising me with things so I am sure we will just have a lazy night at home. He won't even get home from work until 7 ish, so I will have already eaten dinner. (Speaking of which I need to take something out for dinner).
While at Carrie Fay's house this morning, I picked up the pictures from when she went with me to see Bree in the NICU. Bree had just turned one month old and we wanted to get some pictures since we had done Riley's at one month. The pictures turned out beautiful!
These were eight of my favorites! A huge thank you to Carrie Fay for taking these beautiful pictures! I will upload all the others to my flickr account tomorrow (busy day today!).In case you don't know, my flickr account is at www.flickr.com/photos/gonce .
Bree is up to 2 lbs, 8 oz as of this morning! She had gone down to 2 lbs, 5 oz but she gained three ounces in one day! Big girl! We hope she starts packing on the ounces!
Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and in love with life!
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