Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Update

Yesterday was a good day. We found out that Anna Claire will be moved from the incubator and into a regular crib, hopefully today or tomorrow. The only stipulation for her to stay in the crib is that she has to be able to keep her body temperature up on her own. Up until now, the incubator has helped her do that. I talked to the nurse this morning and she had a "spell" last night (apnea) which means she wasn't able to revive herself on her own. As I mentioned before, she has to be able to go at least 7 days straight without a spell to come home. So...we start counting down the days.


She also attempted to drink from a bottle yesterday. It was so much fun holding her and feeding her and not just holding a syringe at the tube that is down her throat. She got the bottle in her mouth and fell right to sleep. It's hard work being as cute as she is!!! She managed to get a little bit out though and we are proud of her. Babies don't learn the suck, swallow reflex until week 34 (gestationally) and since yesterday was the 34 week mark, the doctors said it was okay to try. Hopefully now that she has had a taste of the good life, she will want more. That is what we are praying. Being bottle fed is another milestone that will get her home sooner! Please pray that this reflex will kick in quickly. One of the nurses said that once she gets it she will just take off with it.




Oh how cute!



Please pray also for the swelling in my feet, legs and hands to go down. I would take a picture of it and show you how funny they look, but I value your friendship and don't want to gross anyone out. My doctor said it is just a side effect of the epidural and the IV's from when Anna Claire was born and that the only thing to do to help it is to keep your feet up. That's hard when you are traveling back and forth to visit with your daughter. I am drinking tons of water but it just doesn't seem to be getting any better. My emotions have been up and down too, which is totally normal given our situation and our story but I am taking it a day at a time, thanking
God for the beautiful blessing of Anna Claire and her life--that overall she is strong and healthy.
Thank you friends.

14 comments:

Kimberly said...

Praying for you Sarah and Anna Claire! I love,love,love the picture of her with her hands on her face. She is just beautiful!

CMB said...

She is so beautiful...I will be praying for all of you. Just remember slow and steady wins the race...in a few weeks all these little things will add up and she will be home! Don't forget to take care of yourself too! :)

Beth Herring said...

Praise God for new life! Prayers are going up continually for little Anna Claire.

In Him,
Beth

The Busy Blaine's said...

We are still praying for your whole family. The swelling in your feet will go away eventually. Drinking water is the best thing for sure.

Becky said...

Hang in there, Sarah. I was wondering how you were doing emotionally, since the adrenaline has to wear off at some point. Anna Claire is making steps in the right direction, and she'll get there! We're all rooting for her and praying that God will speed up this process of getting her home! Lots of hugs!

The Writer Chic said...

We are praying fervently for you and Mike both. You're going great, momma. And keep these scrumptious pictures coming -- they're great!

Shannon said...

That is the absolute cutest picture I have ever seen! She is adorable! Still praying!

Amy said...

that photo of the hands on her face is TOO much! she's a beautiful girlie--praying she'll get to come home soon and that God will sustain you and Mike.

Unknown said...

What a cute picture of her sleeping, it's hard work laying around being adorable! I've loved reading your blog posts and 'virtually' sharing your journey with sweet Anna Claire. Motherhood is an emotional journey for sure and you've certainly begun with a bang! Praying for you all.

Smelling Coffee said...

Dearest Sarah~ What a miracle Anna Claire is - I'm praying for her right now - and for you - feet, emotions, fear vs. faith... rest, marriage, time alone with the Lord... all that is pulling on you! Press in to the Lord, dear sister! Press in, and He'll sustain you with His Strength.

Love, Jennifer

Amber B. said...

Thanks for the update! I am still praying for y'all.

Anonymous said...

What a little precious darling! I came over from your sister's blog! Just wanted to give you some encouragement! I was born at 28 weeks and weighed 3 lbs 2 oz! I stayed in the NICU for a month till I was heavy enough to go home, but have never had a problem since! and I'm 27 now!!! Oh and when I was in the NICU my mom and 2 grandma's would go visit me everyday, and the nurses said that it helps so much for your baby to know you are there! Anna Claire is so beautiful! and I am totally in love with the name!!! God bless you and your family! I will be praying for your little girl! and for your swelling to go down!
~Abigail

Carolina Mama said...

Sarah, These are darling pictures. We are praying for all of you and for your swelling to disappear. Blessings. Hugs, M

Amanda said...

What a precious picture of Anna Claire! Praying that she will continue to make progress.