Friday, February 13, 2009

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Anna Claire! We are so in love with her!

She continues to improve everyday. She has been taken off of the oxygen and is breathing on her own at this point. They have also started to give her small amounts of formula through her belly button IV and she is pooping! A big milestone for such a little girl. Her weight is stable but the goal, obviously, is for her to digest the food they are giving her in order for there to be a weight gain. Until yesterday, she was on fluids and her tummy had not yet experienced "digestion." The doctors have reassured us that it might take a few times for her body to recognize that her tummy is full and to go ahead and start the digestion process.


As soon as I can provide it, they will be able to put breast milk through the IV as well. I am working on it, but we have been told that it can take a bit longer for mothers of preemies to get their milk. I am trying to not get discouraged and am seeing bits of progress everyday.


Before being discharged yesterday, we found out that we were going to be able to start holding her for 20 minutes a day. Can I just tell you that it was the most amazing thing I have experienced, other than holding her when she was born. My arms have ached for her for the past several days and to get to hold her, even if just for a few minutes, melted this Mommy's heart. I couldn't stop looking at her and telling her beautiful she is and how much we love her.

Mike has started calling her "Small Pants" and tells her about all of the dates he has planned for them...opening day of the 2009 Baseball season, the PGA tournament, trips to Lowes. It's so sweet. He is a Daddy and I love it!






We are trying to spend as much time as we can with her at the hospital and are so thankful for the nurses and doctors who are there to take care of her. They love her as much as we do!
Your prayers mean so much and they are working!
Some of you have asked through email and the blog about our registry. We are registered at Target--you are sweet to ask and want to give. We appreciate it!



25 comments:

Megan {The Brick Bungalow} said...

It must feel so nice to hold her, even if it for such a short time! And I bet you're the one of few new moms who looks forward to pooping! :) I had to smile at that, as that is one part of being a new mom I am NOT looking for! Take care and good luck!

Smelling Coffee said...

Oh, she is just precious! I am praying often for you, Mike, and Anna Claire! So glad you let us know how we can pray specifically - her digestion, your milk, and that the two of you will SOON be together all the time!!! Hang in there - what a wonderful God story is being formed.

Praying...
Jennifer

Christy said...

The pictures made our day!!!

We love you all!

Beth Herring said...

Oh, how beautiful! I am so happy that she is doing so well! I will be in much prayer for all of you.

Congratulations!

In Him,
Beth

Kimberly said...

Sarah,
She is so perfect and precious! We are all sharing in your joy!

Carolina Mama said...

She is beautiful! We are praying for you much. Thank you for sharing. The Lord's hand is surely upon you all! Love and prayers!

Amber B. said...

Yay! So glad for the continued progress. She'll be crawling around and getting into everything in no time! I'm still praying for y'all.

Shell in your Pocket said...

She is so precious! Oh..breathe her in...she will only be small for such a short time!
-sany toe

CMB said...

What a beautiful sight...continued prayers coming your way!

Kristen said...

Oh Sarah...She is just too gorgeous for words! I am so happy you have been able to hold her! What pure joy that has to be. I love how Mike is talking to her about all the adventures they will have.

I will be praying for her to start gaining that weight so she can come home!!!

Much Love,
K

Becky said...

Sarah, I'm just ecstatic for you and Mike. She is a gorgeous baby! I will keep praying for her...especially that she puts on some pounds (probably the one time in her life that she'll appreciate that prayer, ha-ha!).

Joanna said...

She is beautiful! That little bow...it's just so sweet amongst what little bit of hair she has. *smiles*

Shannon said...

She is adorable!! I can see how you can't get enough because I check everyday for more pictures! :) Praise the Lord she is doing so well!

The Writer Chic said...

I love these pictures! Sarah, I am so happy for you. And I'm SO glad she is doing so well. Keep up the good work, momma. And I'll be praying for your supply. I remember how frustrating that first week with trying to nurse for a preemie is, but it WILL get better. Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

I figured Mike would have a nickname for her. I am guessing that will change before long. He gave every other young lady in his life a nickname. I am guessing AC might be the next one.
Praying for your alllllll.
God Bless
AA's dad

Sarah Mae said...

Oh Sarah, she is just beautiful and perfect! And...YOU BEAT ME! I am so happy that she is progressing well...love the bow! I so wished we lived near each other!

Anonymous said...

Oh...she's absolutely perfect!

12 years ago my nephew was born with some complications...we actually had a little party, accompanied by some "dancing" when he finally pooped. So I understand the rejoicing that is going on! Yeah Anna Claire...you go girl! :)

You're in our prayers!
Addie
(Bob, Sophia, Wyatt and Jed)

Angie said...

She is so beautiful! I will pray for her continued improvement in the days and weeks to come!

Lana said...

Oh what a pretty baby! I am so glad you are able to hold her! I will be praying for her!

Anonymous said...

She is just BEAUTIFUL!!! I still can't even believe that she is here!!! I am praying for her every single day:) please tell her I LOVE her so so much and I can't wait to meet her!!! love you!

Dawn said...

So glad to hear that Anna Claire is doing well. She's so adorable!

Congratulations!

-Dawn

The Busy Blaine's said...

She is BEAUTIFUL! God bless you all.

Amber said...

Congratulations on the arrival of Anna Claire! I'm a little late on the news because I haven't been blog reading this week, but I still wanted to say how thankful I am that she is doing well despite her early entrance to the world. ;) She is absolutely precious! I can only imagine how wonderful it was to hold her in your arms and snuggle her today! Thanks for sharing your fun news!!! Such a sweet blessing from the Lord!

Anonymous said...

Sarah, your daughter is so beautiful. It's such a joy to see pictures. I'm praying for you all. Hugs, Kim

Anonymous said...

small pants... hahahaha