Almost 4lbs

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! It was nice to take some time with family and break away from the hospital just for a little while. Audrey had a great first Thanksgiving and gained a ton of weight.

As of last night, Audrey weighed 3lbs 12oz! She's gained 12 ounces in 9 days. She is taking a full feeding from her bottle. Her little personality is starting to come through and she becomes frustrated if she's in her incubator for a long while. Last night, her daddy held her for about two hours and she loved it.

The hospital says it may be one more month, but we will be pleasantly surprised if it's sooner. I really hope we have her home in time for Christmas.

Thank God For Nurses

Good morning, everyone! Audrey is doing very well this week. She weighs 3lbs 6oz and is about 15 1/2in. long.

Audrey had quite a few visits yesterday from some of her favorite nurses. I have to say, again, NICU nurses are very special. They not only care for sick babies, but they are a comfort to parents as well. They have become instant friends and people I can look to for guidance. They have comforted me through the roughest times in the last few months and have been there to share in the joys of Audrey's progress. They have sat with me when I needed to cry, motivated me when I was exhausted, and made me laugh when I needed it most. When we leave the NICU, hopefully in the near future, a part of me will be so sad to leave these wonderful people.

Audrey will always know how much these nurses and doctor's cared for her day after day, month after month.

Thank you again...for everything!

3lbs!!!

Finally! Audrey reached 3lbs! I was so happy when I saw her new weight written on her dry erase board. I think 2lbs are all in her cheeks, but I'll take it.

Thank you all again for all of your thought and prayers. It's obviously worked wonders.

Good morning! Audrey is having a good week so far. She's eating more, and weighing 2lbs 15.7oz. She's working with an occupational therapist and speech therapist trying to stregthen her muscles.

Her bottle feeding has improved, although there is room for improvement. She's more alert and starting to like her pacifier more and more. Crossing our fingers she'll hit the 3lb mark tonight.

Chunky Monkey

Good morning! Audrey is creeping at 3lbs. She's right around the corner at about 2lbs 14oz. She's developed some rolls in her arms and legs and her double chin is pretty obvious. I have never been so excited to see a double chin. Cesar and I have nicknamed her "chunky monkey."

Audrey is continuing to practice breast feeding. She's trying to understand how to swallow and breath at the same time. It's a huge task for her, but she's getting better. After we practice she gets so tired and falls right to sleep.

We are crossing our fingers hoping to get some type of time frame on when we can bring her home. Until then, we will wait patiently and continue to watch her grow.

Almost there...

I'm sorry it's been a while since I've updated everyone. I was feeling under the weather and had to restrict my visits for fear of getting Audrey sick.

Audrey is doing beautifully. She's 2lb 12oz and 14.5in long. She has been gaining about an ounce every night. Her face is getting fuller and starting to get little rolls on her legs and arms. She's very alert during the day and loves to look around the room. She began to breastfeed and is doing very well with it. She'll begin bottle feed in about a week or two.

We are now playing the waiting game and hoping she gains weight quickly, but not too quick. Once she gains the weight, does full bottle feedings, and can sit in a car seat for an hour she'll be ready to come home. Crossing our fingers for December 19th!

Baby Shower

What a weekend! Audrey is doing so well. She's 2lbs 10oz! Cesar held her Friday and Saturday and she was so happy in her daddy's arms. Her cheeks have grown and her little belly is plumping. I think she's ready walk out of her little isolate and go home.

My wonderful friends and family hosted a baby shower for me on Saturday. Audrey received so many beautiful gifts and I think her closet has more clothes than my closet. We were so thankful for everyone's kindness and support for her. I hope everyone will be able to meet her soon.