Monday, June 9, 2008

Growing



It's hard to believe that Sadie has been home almost three weeks. She has passed the 7 lb mark and weighs about 7-5. I was so excited last week with her weight gain. I'm never as excited with my own weight gain. :) Also last week I made an "executive mom decision" on a couple of things. First, the three hour feeding schedule at night just wasn't working-for either of us. It was so hard to arouse her, and then she wouldn't always eat well. So, I began to stretch her to 3.5-4 hours between feedings. Not only does she eat better, but I get three hours of sleep between feedings. It doesn't sound like much but it feels better than the two I was getting. I also got to thinking (and after talking with other moms of preemies) that I was going to give her all breast milk with the Neosure formula added to that to boost the calories. I had been alternating bottles with breast milk and formula. The good news is after making these decisions, I got the doctor's okay with everything. :) To see her weight gain with these changes was very encouraging.
She is beginning to give us some smiles. Analise was the first one to earn a smile. I almost didn't believe it at first, but we've seen some more. She's also beginning to lift her hear some and gaining strength there.
We went to Lincoln today to see the pediatric pulmunologist. He showed me the x-rays showing her lungs are a little small, but it's nothing to worry about. They will grow. We will continue to have her on the oxygen, but he wants me to turn it off while she's awake to see how she does. We go back in six weeks for a follow up. We keep praying for those lungs to grow and catch up with her body.
After seeing the doctor, we went up to the NICU to see nurses/friends. It was so fun! I miss both my nurses and the ones who took care of Sadie. They all have a special place in my heart. Sadie was a great traveler and slept the entire time.
Anyway, that's the latest with Sadie. Thanks for tuning in!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear you're getting a little more sleep. Every little bit helps, right? I am also thankful your doctor agreed with your "mom instincts" on the feeding issues. Sounds like you made some smart changes. Sadie and Gracelyn are the same size! Oh, I would love to see them together...wouldn't that be neat? Praising God for more answered prayers...that Sadie is growing and smiling. Will keep praying for the lungs. Keep up the great work Pam--you're such a dedicated mommy and a true inspiration. Lots of love,
Jenner