6 lb 3 oz - with clothes on

Today we had our follow up appointment with the surgeon.  Abby Gayle got an A+ check up!  He was very pleased with how much weight she has gained and that she is eating so well.  He said that he wouldn't change a thing!  So, we continue to feed 2-3 oz every 3 hours.  She is also taking Reglan (for motility) & Zantac (for acid reflux).   We are so thankful that she is doing so well in spite of what she went through her first few weeks of life!  God's hand has truly been on her little body!

Big brother is adjusting very well with his baby sister!  It was a tough couple of days in the beginning, but he realizes that she is "in addition to" not "to replace" him!  He has been very helpful around the house with feeding the dog, putting things in the trash or placing dirty bottles in the sink.  It has been wonderful to see him step up as the "big brother"!
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving & this year have a lot to be thankful for!  Thank you, Lord!

5 lb 6 oz

Today we weighed in at the doctor's office at a whopping 5 lb 6 oz! 

She is doing well with eating.  She still only takes in about 2 oz every 3 hours.  But, boy does she know when that three hours is up & she's ready to eat again!  I can hardly keep up with her feeding schedule!  She is doing very well at night.  She sleeps in her carseat, as you can see by the picture!  I guess it's more comfortable for her tummy and any reflux that she might be experiencing.  

Canon is doing very well with the transition.  We've had our moments, but overall, he is adapting very well with his baby sister taking his center stage!  He still gets lots of attention, so don't let him fool you!  We are having a blast & enjoying every burp, spit up & diaper change! 

I just had to get a picture of her in her AU hat!  Even though Auburn hasn't had a great season, War Eagle anyway! 

We're Home!

After 3 weeks & 5 days in the NICU, we are finally home!  Abby Gayle came home on Thursday, November 12th.  It has been so good adjusting to her and her to home!  But, big brother has had the biggest adjustment to make - no longer getting all the attention!  He has done really good with her and has been very gentle with her.  But, he just can't understand why he can't jump on the couch with her on it!  And why she can't play cars with him!  We are waiting for him to tell us to take her back! 
As for our nights, the first two nights were pretty sleepless.  She just could not get comfortable in any place except our arms.  The bassinett just wasn't cutting it!  Last night (night #3), she slept in my arms all night!  Whatever it takes to get some sleep!  Then, at 5:30 AM, big brother wants to come in and get the same treatment!  Oh well!  No complaints here!
Overall, the adjustment has been wonderful!  She is doing very well on formula with minimal spit ups.  Her tummy still bothers her and she grunts and groans most of the time.  But, she hardly cries & is so laid back.  She's gonna fit right into this family! 
Pictures to come soon!  It is true when they say, the second child doesn't get photographed as much as the first!  Now I understand why!

5 lb 4 oz

Abby Gayle is doing wonderful!  She is eating 43 ml every 3 hours and is tolerating that very well!  She has a spit up every now and again, some big, some small!  That's to be expected with all that she has been through! She is no longer on IV nutritional support and her central line should be discontinued tomorrow (wednesday).  And, it is our plan & hopes to take her home Thursday afternoon!  WOW!  We can't believe that time has come!  We are so excited to bring her home & introduce her to her big brother, Canon!  We're not really sure what his reaction is going to be, but will be sure to get the video camara out. 

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, words of encouragement, those who have brought us food during the week, and just being there for us! You have brought us to where we are & we can't thank you enough!  She is evidence of the power of prayer & we are most greatful for that! 

All our love to you!

Getting stronger

Abby Gayle is doing wonderful!  She has continued to progress with her feedings and is now taking 25 ml every 3 hours.  She has kept it down like a champ!  You can tell that her tummy is working and is trying to figure out what to do with the formula, because she is doing a lot of grunting.  Her tummy gives her some pain, but she hardly every cries. She is such a strong little girl!  The nurses are very encouraged by her progress, and feel it possible for her to go home by the end of the week! Oh what an answer to prayer that would be!  This little one is an answer to prayer & God has been with her every step of the way!  Praise our good God! 
Today, I worked on her room to get it ready for her homecoming.  It is ready for her to occupy her room! 
We will keep you updated as to when she is coming home!  Thank you for all your prayers!

No tube!

Today, the tube came out!  Her tummy is figuring out what it is supposed to do!  She has done so well with the Pedialyte. She takes about 10 cc every 3 hours.  Thus far she has not spit any of it back out!  That's a great sign.  Now if we could only get a bowel movement!  We are on the upward swing towards going home!  it will still be a while, but each step forward means closer to bringing her home. 

Today, the drainage has been clear for over 24 hours! So her tube has been put, once again, to gravity. We will see how she tolerates it not being to suction. As I said before, now it is up to her little tummy to start working and doing it's thing! but, at least... no more green drainage!

Small step back

Although it is to be expected, Abby Gayle's drainage went back to green last night & her tube had to be put back to suction for her comfort. we have been told that this is to be expected and not to get discouraged. We are just taking it day by day. She is still a happy & easy going baby! We enjoyed smiling at each other this morning & rocking! the nurses have been phenominal with her! Please continue prayers for an uneventful recovery!

One Step Forward

Today the drainage in her nasal gastric tube was a "spit color" which is what we have been looking for! & it stayed that way all day! So the doctor decided to have the tube placed to gravity, instead of suction. This forces her little tummy to do its thing & try to figure out how it's supposed to work. They also started her on a medicine to help motility through the stomach & the intestines. They all have to figure out how to work together. We are continuing to give her small amounts of Pedialyte, which she is keeping down. The goal is for her to continue taking it without spitting up. Over the next couple of days, the pedialyte will increase and then eventually change over to formula. That will be the key to getting her out of the hospital! Again, this will still be a lengthy process. Our goal is that she will be home by Thanksgiving. However, the nurse said that it is quite possible for her to be home by my birthday, November 19th. What an awesome birthday present that would be!!!

By the way, her weight today was 6 lbs 8 oz! up from her birth weight of 6 lbs 4 oz.

Abby Gayle has done well with the Pedialyte. She has a great suck, breath & swallow - which is what we are trying to maintain with giving the Pedialyle. It is not for a nutritional purpose, just to maintain the suck, breath & swallow for when it's time to feed. They tried to put the drainage tube to gravity on Sunday, but she had too much drainage. So, it's back to suction for now. It is going to be a back & forth kind of thing and watch & wait! It's all up to her little body right now! We are still on track with her progress & the nurses comment on what a great baby she is! She hardly cries! Well, except when mommy is giving her a cat bath! She loved getting her hair washed, so I have a feeling she will enjoy pampering when she gets older. She is our little princess!
Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers & support! We appreciate it more than you'll ever know! You are a part of this little one's life & watching her progress & get stronger! Thank you & we love you with all our hearts!