Growing

Despite a small set back (stupid infections) and going back to only IV fluids, Sarah gained a little weight and grew 1/2 inch. Her feedings resume today, so we're hoping for some continued weight gain. 18 days in the NICU, and she hasn't slowed down the fight.

1/22/12

Weight is up to 3 lbs 12 oz!!!  If weight gain keeps at this pace, they will start weening  her from inside the incubator full time.  That's very exciting for us.   She was in a great mood tonight and very alert.

Joy

Our nieces and nephew were excited to hear that Sarah and mom are doing great the last few days.

Smiles

All smiles. Actually, it's probably just gas...but what's the difference.

Bright Eyes

Sarah was alert today. We may have another skeptical kid on our hands.

Small baby...Gigantic feet!

1/20/12

Another great day. Sarah stepped up her feedings to 24 mL and the doctors removed her pcvc line (long term IV that ran through her body). That means no more IV fluids, just milk. They did remove her nasal cannula (oxygen thing sitting I. Her nostrils) but she didn't like that, so they put it back in place. A very small sidestep (not even considered a step back). They'll try to remove the cannula again in a few days and see how her breathing is without it.

On a very high note, I (Paul) was able to hold Sarah yesterday for the first time. It's crazy how much of a tough guy I try to act like, but once my newborn daughter was asleep on my chest for the first time ever...no such thing as tough guys anymore. I was crying like Rudy was on tv.

Today, again, was a good day.

The Monster

Of course, we haven't forgotten about #1.  Finally over his sickness, he's back in daycare and loving his routine of friends and eating foods he won't touch at home.  Although he obviously doesn't understand what's going on and he won't be able to meet Sarah until she comes home...Evan was a bit out of sorts while his mom was in the hospital and his dad was running back and forth.  He's glad things are calming down (a little).

1/18/12 - Day 6

Besides getting a fancy new hat today, Sarah was given the order to step down her oxygen flow rate to level 2 today.  Her feedings have increased (5 mL on day 2,  now 20 mL) and she has responded incredibly.  Now that the bilirubin lights are gone, she's sleeping better and doesn't have to wear the special goggles any longer.  I changed her diaper for the second time today and was able to help with her feedings (still via her feeding tube, but she's making progress...that's all we want at this point).  She even squeaked a little today while Jen was holding her.  I'm sure one day we'll roll our eyes and cover our ears when she cries, however today, we both melted and reached for the tissues.

1/17/12 - Day 5

Another good day.  Jen was able to hold Sarah for the first time.  Since she's a preemie, they emphasize skin to skin contact as this is very soothing and relaxing for the baby.  Even through it was only for a few short minutes, it was well worth the wait.  Sarah loved the time with her mom, she was so comfortable and slept soundly.  Jen was glowing with excitement.

A few additional positives on the day were the elimination of the bilirubin lights and the decrease in the flow rate of her supplemental oxygen.  There are essentially 4 levels of oxygen flow (4 being the highest, or strongest flow)...she has responded great, so they stepped her down to level 3 today.

1/16/12 - Day 4

Breathing tube came out today, and Sarah is responding great.  I was able to snap a picture of her right after the tube came out...and I swear she was smiling for the camera.  Great...we already have a DIVA in the family.  We've found out in just a few short hours that she LOVES sleeping on her belly, which wasn't possible with the breathing tube.  Maybe that's all she needed...a little tummy time.

1/15/12 - Day 3

Our little peanut was born on Thursday the 12th, and Jen and I couldn't be more proud. Despite joining us 10 weeks early, she's shown nothing but strength and determination.  Determination and strength that can only be matched by her amazing mother.

Sarah is constantly described by the doctors and nurses as "feisty", which makes us swell with pride. In four short days she's overcome a traumatic birth and a collapsed lung and has already had her breathing tube/ventilator removed, chest tube removed (which helped fix the lung), started feedings (via tube, but that's okay) with almost no problems, and has gained an ounce. Unfortunately, we have previous experience in the NICU, but that didn't prepare us for another much longer trip. We're told Sarah will be in the NICU for around 4-8 weeks (Evan was only there for 5 days and we took him home the day Jen was discharged) but the level of care she's getting is unmatched anywhere and really makes us comfortable with her extended stay.  The doctors and nurses love her, and they all swing by and call just to see how she's doing. One of the nurses made her a bow for her hat and another made a cute sign with her name.

We're told the NICU ride will be full of ups and downs, so we're doing our best to measure each day so far with at least one positive. Its very early in this experience, but we have to stay positive and really hold onto the positives. Today, the breathing tube was removed and that's a very special positive. Assuming she's breathing okay throughout the day, tonight we'll be able to hold her for the first time. That's a very special positive as well.

It's been an emotional and trying 18 months, in which we've experienced Evan's unforgettable birth and NICU stay, my father's death which is still hard for me to even talk about, and now Sarah's story. The level of support and prayer we've received through each of these events from friends and family has helped us survive and given us both greater perspective. Sarah needs those continued prayers.  My sister described my fathers death as sort of like coming out of a fog, and many days with all that's been going on, that's exactly how I feel. The past months really have felt surreal, and are sometimes hard to wrap my arms around. It sounds cheesy, but taking everyday one step at a time is the only option and those steps right now revolve around Sarah's care and health. She truly is a blessing.

35 degrees outside

Videos

We put a few new videos up on the You Tube channel.

Evan cracking up while I tickle him:
TICKLING

A classic meltdown before bedtime:
MELTDOWN

Finally, cooking at the new kitchen (it's a manly kitchen) in nothing but the diaper.  The smile at the end of the video is classic.  Also, he won't put that ukulele down EVER.
COOKING

Baby Sister

Evan can't wait to meet his baby sister Sarah.

Ramp Racer

Playing with new Christmas presents.

 http://youtu.be/OuP6EPLA_VM

Merry Christmas

Today is actually the New Year, but it's a good time for a Christmas blog.  And by blog, I really mean just throwing up a few random pictures from the holiday.  Oh, and a fantastic dance party video of SUK (Dance, Dance, Dance)

A picture with Grammi and Grandpa:

Evan and his Mom (sans makeup):

In a good mood after opening more presents.

 2 seconds later after not picking him up.

Meanwhile, the view from the backporch in Charleston (my post-Christmas trip to see family):

Our adorable niece Elise, posing with a craft she made for Aunt Jen.