Olivia and I with our new looks. Me with my new hair cut and Olivia without her nasal cannula.
Daddy, you're kind of silly!
Here I am breathing completely on my own. . .just like all of you!
Daddy - I love you.Thank you all for your words of encouragement. It made me realize that one of the reasons that Olivia has been so healthy is because of our diligence and caution. This morning I got my haircut and realized that I was in dire need of a pick-me-up. My hairdresser asked me about what Olivia was eating and she couldn’t believe that I had been pumping for over 3 months. I thought, “You know, that IS pretty amazing and I should be proud of myself. Of course, I wish Olivia would take more of my milk by bottle. We’re still struggling with the inconsistencies of her bottle feeds, but I truly believe one day it will get better. Some doctors will send babies home with a feeding tube, but we’ve been pretty adamant to give her time to learn how to bottle. While she’s learning to do that, her need for oxygen is getting less and less. She had her nasal cannula off for most of the day and it was only needed for her feedings. Olivia has done wonderful today. Ryan spoke with a doctor at our pediatrician’s office today and she believes it will probably still be a few weeks before Olivia comes home. It’s really up to Olivia, however. They are just giving her time to decrease her need for oxygen and learn how to bottle consistently. Ryan got her to take 20 ccs today by giving her a pacifier and letting her suck on that for awhile and then switching it to her bottle. She’d suck on the bottle for awhile until she realized it was the bottle and not the pacifier. . .so, he’d put the pacifier back in and it went on like this for awhile. Please continue to pray for her success as I don’t want her to have to go home with a feeding tube. She is still not ‘full term’ yet, however, so she may just need a little more time. Ryan and I want to give her all the time she needs.
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11 comments:
Hang in there! As others have commented, the home stretch can be the most difficult. I don't blame you one bit about not using cuddlers for Olivia. Our NICU didn't have that program, but I know I would not have wanted a volunteer holding my girls. Your mommy instincts are the most important thing to pay attention to. I think it is great that you recognize that you need to take care of yourself also by taking a few hours away once in awhile (and getting a cute new haircut is a great way to do it!)
Hooray for Olivia breathing without the cannula. What an awesome accomplishment. With the progress she has been making, I know she'll get the hang of bottle feeding soon.
Keep going on that pumping!! It can be tedious, but it is so worth it (not to mention the $ you save by not having to get a ton of formula!). My daughter would not latch on well, and I did not have the patience for getting thru those first few weeks of trying to get her to nurse, so I pumped and bottle fed for a year. Trust me, if my impatient self can do it- anyone can! Keep it up. Olivia is looking great, and making great progress. Hooray!
What an adorable little girl. She is getting so big!
Jodi you look wonderful! Kudos to you for taking time to pamper yourself a little! Olivia you look amazing! You are such a beautiful girl! Keep up the good work! I can't wait to see her you in more Christmas outfits! I bet mommy and daddy have a few for you :)
Ryan, Jodi, and Olivia: You all 3 will be a family at home before you know it! I pray that day comes soon, but that everyone is ready. eat up little one, while mommy and daddy get your house all ready for you sweet little girl!
love, the wardens :)
Jodi, what a cute new haircut. I can tell you are trusting God for the right time for Olivia to come home. He knows and He is the only one that does. Keep trusting no matter what the time or what anyone else tells you (including me! :) However, Rebekah and I did get the mint mold to be ready when the time does come. I know how much you like them. At least, I hope you still do in your post pregnancy non-craving days. I can't wait to see you Sunday.
That's such great news!
Jodi, what a lovely haircut! It suits you well. You look right at home with Olivia in your arms.
It's so good to hear that her nasual cannula is getting to be less and less of an issue. The pictures are absolutely adorable. She definately looks like a happy baby! I hope she will be coming home soon!
Love you ooddles and gobs!!
Stay Strong,
Shea
Ryan and Jodi, you are definately living the quote,
'Love is patient.'
♥
Jodi, You and Ryan are doing great! I can't believe you're getting flack from folks on what you should and should not do and how much you should or should not do it. That's up to you as you weigh options, seek counsel from the docs, and pray!!! I pray that you have peace and assurance as you make so many decisions. I know the Lord is holding all three of you in His care and will guide your steps. You have a gorgeous daughter!!!!
I love the new haircut!!! You both look adorable!!! It was great to see you the other night and I am really looking forward to Sunday!
Marilee
Notice, Olivia with mommy: Asleep
Olivia with daddy: Wide awake
Jodi
Wow! I haven't checked in a few days, and so much has happened! Olivia seems to be working her way closer and closer to home, way to go little girl!!!
Hang in there, the last few weeks in the NICU seem to draaaaaagggg on. Don't worry, once you have your sweet little girl home it will all seem like a distant memory!
Olivia is doing amazing! and it sounds as if you guys are already learning little tricks with the soother and bottle. Us preemie parents will do anything to get them to eat.
We were like you, we didn't want any feeding tubes coming home with us. They just need time to get the full hang of it, and by the sounds of it Olivia is on her way!
Congrats to both of you and Olivia. I'll be thinking positive thoughts over the next few weeks.
She just keeps getting more beautiful! You both are so blessed.
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