Thankful 1/16/13
Melissa
Hattie is such a blessing! She had a fairly uneventful day; which is excellent news in the NICU. Her bilirubin level crept back up to 5.2 but thankfully it wasn't high enough to put her back under the light. It will be checked again on Friday. Hattie continues to tolerate her feedings well. She will increase to 8 cc of milk every three hours at 2 a.m.
Hattie's caffeine was increased today because she had two episodes of apnea last night. Apnea is extremely common in preemies. Dr. Alexander said Hattie self corrected very quickly and he isn't worried unless the apnea continues, increases in severity or she cannot self correct. I think it's comical that I practically avoided caffeine while I was pregnant and now Hattie is receiving her "cup of coffee" daily via her PICC line.
I kangarooed Hattie for three hours today. I am so thankful for the quality time Hattie and I get to spend together. Words cannot express how amazing it is to hold her. I am in complete awe of our baby girl.
Chris and I went to small group and then went to the hospital to say goodnight to Hattie. She had another bath tonight because she had an explosive diaper. She weighs 890 grams, or 1 pound 15 ounces. Hattie is gaining weight!
Please pray Hattie continues to do well in the NICU; that she will continue to grow and no other complications will arise. Chris and I continue to be worried about the "honeymoon phase" and are praying hard that Hattie continues on the up and up!
As we settle into our new normal, please pray Chris and I get rest. It is so hard to leave Hattie at night. Pray we remember we need to take care our ourselves so that we can be good parents for our sweet Hattie.