13lbs

It's been a while since Audrey's last status update. She's had so many appointments these last few months, but thankfully she is healthy and growing. She now weighs 13lbs and is 22 inches long. She's starting to smile so much and tries to roll. Here are some pictures recently taken.

Audrey has been doing well so far. She's gaining some weight and is over 8lbs. She's starting to pick her head up much more and moves it from side to side. A therapist will be making some home visits pretty soon and work on her muscles and motor skills. I'll keep everyone updated on her status and continue to post more pictures.

Finally home

It's been a while since I have kept up with the blog. We've had a busy two weeks. Audrey was released from the hospital on New Year's Eve. What a way to kick of the new year!!! We were all so tired and fell asleep just before midnight. We stayed at the hospital the night before Audrey was released and probably slept two full hours.

The first two nights were absolutely exhausting. Audrey cried all night and slept most of the day. We tried playing the radio, turning on some lights, rocking her, and nothing helped. Finally, I realized I wasn't feeding her enough. She left the hospital eating 75 ml and within two days she ate 100 to 115 ml. She slept like an angel after. The unfortunate thing is she takes 7 different meds and we have to interrupt her sleep to take them.

Audrey was born with a hemangioma. These are common in preemie girls and can appear anywhere on their little bodies. Hers just happens to sit on her shoulder touching her neck. It constantly bleeds and, in fact, her platelets were very low. The first week we were home Audrey saw the hematologist, pediatrician, and the dermatologist. Hopefully, laser surgery can be performed next month and we will done with it.

I would love to thank everyone for their support, thoughts, and prayers. I beleive it got us through the 3 1/2 months in the NICU. Our family and friends were amazing and hope everyone can soon meet Audrey.

Finally, thank you to every special nurse and doctor we had the previlage to meet. Each of you provided so much comfort to our family during this stressful time. Thank you!!!

So close to going home

Good morning! I'm happy to share some good news! On what was supposed to be Audrey's birthday (Dec. 19th), she restarted her bottle feeding and did amazing. Last week, she was taking about an hour to finish 30 ml of milk with choking and breathing events. Saturday, Audrey had a full bottle(45ml) in about 15 minutes and was still hungry after. She didn't have any episodes and let out great big burps afterward. She did the same thing Saturday night, Sunday morning, and Sunday night.

This morning I spoke to Audrey's therapist and she said Audrey did an excellent job and they are hoping she'll be bumped up to two bottle feedings per shift. If she keeps up the momentum for about a week, we may be looking at going home next week or the week after.

I'm so happy, but very nervous. I'll be on pins and needles these next two weeks. I can't wait to share news of us going home. I will be sure to keep everyone posted.

P.S. Audrey weighs 5lb 4oz!

A small step back

Good morning! Hope everyone is well and getting ready for Christmas.

Audrey is 4lbs 11oz and 16 1/2 in. long. She recently had a hearing test and passed with flying colors. Her biggest challenge is bottle feedings. She was only allowed to bottle feed once a shift, and finally advanced to twice a shift. Since then, her brady and choking episodes have increased. She was ordered back to one bottle feeding per shift. Her doctor is trying different thickeners and consistencies for her milk so that she can eat without choking. It's a little difficult as this is the last obstacle she needs to overcome before coming home.

I don't think we'll have her home for Christmas, but we want her healthy whenever she's ready.

Audrey is 3 months old today

I'm so proud to say Audrey is exactly 3 months old today! She had a very successful weight gain last night...4lbs 10oz. She's doing excellent in her bottle feedings, too.

These past few months have seemed like an eternity, yet it's amazing how much she has grown. She's so active and alert and loves to smile.

Full Feedings

Good morning! Audrey had a wonderful weekend. She began taking full feedings with very minimal choking and bradys. She's drinking 36 mm per feeding. Audrey currently weighs 4lbs 5oz. Her little preemie onseies are fitting perfect, so I think she may may wear newborn clothes in a couple of weeks. I can't wait!

She was a little under the weather last night as she had a hearing exam, three immunization shots, and a bunch of labs. Poor baby...

Hopefully, this week goes well for her and we can finally get some kind of idea on when she'll be able to come home.