12/8 NICU Day 107

Olivia has been slowly improving over the last three days & taking anywhere between 51-58% of her feeds by mouth. I’ve been very encouraged by the increase in numbers. I’m not entirely sure why, other than it’s 2 days before her ‘due’ date…but the team of doctors are pulling out all the stops to optimize feeds. Sort of wondering why they didn’t do this earlier, but that’s neither here nor there at this point. The doctor during rounds today alluded to going home with a feeding tube if we start getting to the 43 week mark. With the changes to her feeding mixture to help decrease reflux and the continued oxygen, hopefully she will reach 100% of her feeds orally and we won’t have to have this conversation! Oh and I know people enjoy hearing her weight gain…she’s up to 7 lbs 4 ounces and 18.1 inches. Growing so quickly! Packing up and putting away her preemie clothes hit me hard last night. Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond thankful she is growing…just wasn’t fully prepared for how quickly it happens and will continue to happen!



Olivia was happy to have extra visits from Kevin and I this week since for both of us, it was projected to be a pretty busy work week. She finished a whole bottle for Kevin on Tuesday when he visited. Today we’ve spent the day cuddling and reading books while I was able to be off work. I can’t wait to be able to spend the day doing this at home! 





I have to constantly be reminded and remind myself that the same God who parted the sea, rose Jesus from the grave, healed blind men , etc…is the same God and the same power that is present today. I have hope in who God is. That even though my prayers may not be answered in my time and in the way I demand, that God works for the good of those who love Him. Some days I have been completed deflated. But if I put my trust in God and not in man, or medicine, or the doctors…that is where I find peace and joy and hope. Continuing to pray for God’s divine intervention in Olivia’s health. That the doctors and medicines are purposefully chosen to benefit our baby. That His wisdom will guide the doctors and Kevin and my decisions in Olivia’s care. And that ultimately God allows us to take home our sweet baby as soon as possible-healthy and happy! 

Popular posts from this blog

Last Days of Summer

Image
Being in North Carolina provides some decently warm days well into the end of September and even part of October. We have been lucky enough to soak in a ton of sun during these last summer days. We started September off with an impromptu trip to the beach-just the three of us. It was so much fun being able to just pick up and leave. It wasn't long ago that we were tethered to oxygen lines and equipment.    We also spent many days at the local "water park" beating the heat and hanging out with her older cousin, Branson. Both babies love the outdoors. Olivia has gotten to a point that she knows when shoes are going on her feet-we are going outside. It's been a blessing to have such nice weather and so many nice parks close by. We will have to get really creative with activities once the weather starts to cool off! Disclaimer-no she cannot reach the peddles, but she likes to climb on the bike and be pushed around the yard. She's getting big but not that big yet!    M...
Read more

12/28 DISCHARGE DAY!

Image
  I think I’m still in shock that we are actually in the car…driving Olivia home! Of course I’m not driving-I’m just snapping all the pictures.  This is a huge appreciation post to all the staff at the NICU, friends, family, strangers, coworkers…people who prayed for us, advocated with us, listened, cried,  and laughed with us, held our hands through the difficult times, and celebrated the wins.   As we were wheeling through the halls…back tracking the way Kevin and I came speeding up over four months ago…so many emotions. When we arrived…Olivia was given  60% survival chance.  The day she was born that percent had jumped to 80%.  And here we are today…a living breathing miracle and proof of the power of God. This is not the birth story I hoped for, or the first four months of motherhood I envisioned-but I would never ever take back what I’ve gained. We are so thankful for Olivia!  Thank you to everyone again for support and prayer, kind words and...
Read more

8/23 Baby Girl's arrival

Image
 8:12 AM on Monday August 23 baby Olivia made her unexpected arrival into the world. She came into the world in a fury of fists and kicks and attempt at loud cries that surprised all the doctors being that she was only 24 weeks and 3 days gestation. Let me briefly begin with how we got here... August 19, Thursday, I started to notice very mild cramps midday. Being a first time momma I have my OB on speed dial. They scheduled an appointment for Friday and suggested I take it easy but continue to monitor everything. Nothing was intense or constant. No bleeding or abnormalities. I had been on my feet all day and very busy at work, I didn't think much of it either. I got home, pounded water, rested on the couch and everything subsided. The next morning while in the waiting room of the office my cramping came back out of no where. The midwife who evaluated me figured maybe I had an infection and had me prepped to check. Within minutes though, she had me get dressed and was preparin...
Read more