Day 12 in the nicu

This afternoon my parents came in town for a quick weekend visit. So, our family decided to make a fun little outing to a favorite ice cream shop in Egdewood. Graham loved getting a little treat with everyone. He was so excited mommy and daddy were there- he kept pointing to us saying. "mommy, daddy." It broke my heart since last week I was in the hospital recovery from my c-section and he was only seeing us when he came up to visit with us. But, this week we've able to have some good quality time together. He has been so amazing at all these transitions, but we aren't sure he really knows he has a little sister quite yet. We talk about her and show him pictures of her- but it's hard for him to comprehend since she's not here in our home. We will rejoice and be so excited when she comes home and meets her big brother.
This is Mike today with Ellie- she was just about to take her 2nd bottle of the day-yes, she is completely worn out from taking 55cc's, but thankfully she took 4 bottles today. Our goal is this week for her to take all of her feedings by mouth and none in her feeding tube. As of today we can't thank you all enough for your prayers- she is taking her bottles better than ever and has truly just gotten it over night- a miracle. The nicu doctors are really amazed at her over night change. That's the kind of God we serve! I tell you what, this entire experience for me has been a true walk of faith. There are days that I say, God I am really trying so hard to believe that she will take a bottle- but then after seeing her try the first few times, turn blue, stop breathing, and choke on the milk, my heart would want to completely burst with emotions and give up. But, then....the next time she took her entire bottle. Miracles do happen! I am learning how to believe when nothings seems possible or real. My little Ellie has already touched many nurses hearts in the nicu and most of all her mom's heart- she is already teaching me more about faith- thank you sweet baby!




Ha ha! So this hat has a huge flower on it- and yes i love it! A sweet friend of ours gave Ellie this hat so today after a huge diaper change daddy and I had a chance to change her clothes so even as sleepy as she was- we had to try the hat on her. Look how cute! ha!

This is Ellie today! She is weighing 5 lbs 15.6 oz! She is gaining weight- took 4 bottles today and I got to feed her for the first time today! The best nurses have been working with her to eat and today they wanted to train me some in knowing how to feed her, it was for sure different from just putting a bottle in a babies mouth- but she did good! Mike gets to try his first bottle tomorrow!

We are more than thankful for you all praying for us, our family, and Ellie. I am not sure when our "homecoming" will be but the fact that she's taking a bottle now is huge- there is light at the end of the tunnel! We can't wait for all to meet her, and see what a little joy she is, she loves to cuddle up in your arms!