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.