Lines of a Story

Having just had a baby, this post was super encouraging and has changed how I view this sticky-out belly, disgusting purple spider veins, and two scars across my lower abdomen:

Lines of a Story

I am thankful that God used this body of mine to bring two of His children into the world (even if it will never be the same again!).

Let's Go Home

Last Friday, the neonatologist switched Lucy from all tube feedings to one bottle per shift.  However, with her daddy visiting and feeding her, Lucy was a champ and downed every bottle fairly quickly.  Doctors then switched her to bottle "as tolerated" and Lucy basically eliminated the need for her tube feedings within two days.

 It's been so wonderful to watch her grow.  She began with 7 mL of milk and now averages 50 mL from her bottles.  This excellence in bottling is what enables us to go home today!  It's been 38 days of grace; I'm elated at the thought of being reunited with Brian & Aidan.

 My parents came for a visit earlier in the week.  We went to Target - my very first outing since April 30.

 Today's home-going brings lots of goodbyes.  This nurse, Tara, was one of Lucy's primaries and she was absolutely wonderful.  I'll miss her and our daily chats.

This is Lucy's night nurse, Debbie.  She, too, is just excellent.  Because of her expertise and attentive eye, I felt comfortable sleeping through the midnight & 3 am feedings to get some much needed extra sleep.  Thanks, Debbie!

I ventured up to the antepartum unit to say goodbye to my bedrest nurses.  Everyone here at Abbott has been simply amazing - they make a difficult situation endurable.

Yesterday, my sewing favorites and my in-laws swarmed our house.  Brian says it's cleaner than it's ever been.  They even set up the crib, dresser, and picked up the chair for Lucy's room.  That is a true gift; I just can't believe how wonderful my Garner friends have been throughout this ordeal.  And our parents - we couldn't have managed without their help with Aidan and Leo.  So so thankful. 

Here's a quick preview of her room:

 I can't wait to paint, put up Roman Shades & curtains, and purchase things for the walls - Hobby Lobby, here I come!

Lucy Update

Lucy Jane is two weeks old today!

A lot has taken place in her first weeks of life:

-She is now receiving all of her nutrition from breastmilk so she no longer needs the IV fluids.

-Her bili levels went down so she is no longer under the lights.

-She is able to regulate her own body temperature; therefore, she graduated to a bassinet.

-She is taking most of her feedings (39 mL) from a bottle.

-Her neonatologist mentioned the word "HOME" today; he's hoping Lucy can be discharged by the weekend, but it all depends on how well she continues to bottle.

We are so thankful; we continue to see the LORD's gracious hand at work in her sweet little life.  She is just so strong; my heart sometimes aches as I watch her fight to drink down the milk from her bottle.  She'll choke and then sound nasally.  It's so easy (and peaceful for her) to have it go in through her tube, but I know it's best for her to drink it - that's what will enable us to go home! Lucy is such a trooper - I am so proud of her.  Doctors normally say preemies go home around 36 weeks.  If Lucy is released this weekend, she will be barely 35 weeks.  A true testament to the hundreds of people we have praying for her!  Thank you!

 

Today she weights 4 lbs, 8 oz.  

Brian & Aidan were here this weekend.  I can't get over how much Aidan has grown in the last month.  He says such wonderfully hilarious things and is just so grown up!  We had a grand time of riding in the wheelchair, playing in the Sibling Playroom, running in the tunnel to find the "ice cream factory" (aka McDonald's), and cuddling on my bed watching Mickey Mouse Playhouse.  I'm hoping that last Saturday night was the last teary one - maybe this Saturday we will be home together!?

The doctors have also said that it's best to avoid "enclosed public places" with Lucy for the next 2-3 months.  There are so many things to learn about having a preemie - our summer will look dramatically different than I had anticipated.  But God is always faithful and He will continue to carry us even when we are discharged.  And on the upside - Brian's sermons are now recorded so I won't miss the much anticipated Titus series.

Thanks for your continued prayers - we'll keep you updated.

Last, but not least, Happy Birthday to our Leo!  He is two today.  Grammie gave him ice cream and lots of outside playtime.