Day 74 in NICU

December 3rd 2015

35 weeks and 6 days

Abby looks amazing today. She nursed for 3 times and has gained some weight. I love spending such quality time with my baby girl. Abby weighs 4lbs and 10oz today, looks like the increased calories from her formula has helped. The formula added to my breastmilk during bottle feedings seems to be giving Abby a lot of gas pain. This is pretty common when switching formulas on babies but sad to see her have belly pains. Abby got to visit with speech again today and she says she is doing really well.

(I broke my phone so I don't have any pictures from today)

Day 73 in NICU

December 2nd, 2015

I was feeling better today but wore a mask to be extra careful around Abby. Abby has gained a little more weight after losing some yesterday. They have changed her fortifier to a formula called neasure and we are just trying to get the right amount of calories so she will continue to gain weight. Doctors have also increased her feedings to 6 times a day.

Santa landed at CTMC today by helicopter. The kids were so excited to see him land but to shy to talk to him.

No more pictures mom!

Day 72 in NICU

December 1st 2015

I can not believe it's December already. I'm usually done with christmas shopping, family pictures have been taken and christmas cards in the mail. Not this year but that's okay-there will be many more to come.

I was sick again today and didn't get to see Abby. Her primary nurse was there today so I knew she was in good hands.

Day 71 in NICU-10 Week Old Today

November 30th, 2015

10 Weeks old Today

Abby is doing well. She has gained a little weight, 12 grams. Doctor has increased her feedings to 4 times by mouth today, the other 4 feedings will go down her feeding tube still. They have stopped everything but Abby's caffeine, vitamins and iron. She will go home on the vitamins and iron most likely and I will have to mix the in a bottle. Abby nursed twice today and took two good bottles. She is doing so well. We are so proud of our beautiful girl.

Day 70 in NICU

November 29th, 2015

I wasn't feeling well still so Bill went up to see Abby today. He had a special day with Abby and she ate really well. She took 40ml from the bottle. Dad is a pro at feeding miss Abby. Abby had gained her weight back weighing in at 4 lbs 9.1 oz today.  

It's hard to believe we have been in the NICU for 70 days. It's been a long road but I'm so thankful for  my wonderful husband and family. 

Day 69 in NICU

November 28th 2015

Abby had a good first night being off of oxygen. I really was worrying about this as she still has some breathing episodes but she did wonderful. It was like the oxygen was bothering her and she just needed it off. It's been amazing to see her little face without the oxygen on and it has really helped her nurse better. It seemed to be getting in the way. As Abby has become stronger she is getting the chance to nurse more. On the flip side of that, she isn't getting as many calories with my breastmilk when she nurses because it isn't being fortified. Abby lost 38 grams last night.

Abby had another eye exam again today and she looked good. He will follow-up in two weeks. 

When I got home I built the kids a movie theater but I soon became sick...The stomach flu had finally gotten to me.

Day 68 in NICU

November 27th 2015

Oxygen is Off at 35 Weeks!

We heard you Abby! Abby has been telling us for days she was ready to take off the oxygen and it was just a matter of time before the doctors thought so too. Its such a special day when we get to celebrate another milestone for miss Abby. Abby has been working hard to get her oxygen off and good thing because after 36 weeks if she still had oxygen needs she would be worked up for chronic lung problems. 

Milk drunk smiles..

The day after thanksgiving is traditionally the day we get our christmas tree and we didn't want to disappoint. No rain was going to stop us either. Kids were so excited to decorate until Emma started to get the stomach flu/bug. We didn't want to decorate without her so we just got the tree set up.