pray for coy...& cydney, too!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:22:00 +0000

Just wanted to make a quick post and wish a Merry Christmas to all of you! We are so thankful for all of our blessings this Christmas and are really cherishing this time together. We hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas full of love, peace, and joy!

Happy 2nd Birthday Baby Boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:27:00 +0000

We can not believe our baby boy is now a toddler. A two year old. A happy and whole little man.

Two years ago today, we were told he would not be born alive. At only 23 weeks, he would not survive. It's hard to fathom the miracle that we have. A little boy so full of life, it's hard to keep up with him.

What a joy he is to so many. A loving son, grandson, big brother, nephew, cousin, and friend.  With always a smile on his face and kisses ready to give, he brightens the room wherever he is.

We celebrate today with happiness and tears.  We are so thankful for the past two years. He is more perfect than we could have ever dreamed. A miracle among us, or so it seems.

We thank you all for your part in our lives.  The support and prayer, love and care. You are part of this story and we will never forget. Humbled to the core that you love our little boy.

Forever we will know that our God is good. That miracles exist and angels live. What a reminder we have looking at Coy.

A two year old today, but forever and always our baby boy.

Happy Birthday Coy! We love you so much baby boy!

a new smile.

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:16:00 +0000

He went from being a camera hog, to his no smile face, to now this....

...Of course, he's still more precious the words. =)

Four Months

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:35:00 +0000

Happy 4 month Birthday baby girl!

Popsicle Bliss

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +0000

We had a busy morning and the afternoon quickly came around. I looked at the clock and realized it was 2pm...and that Coy hadn't eaten lunch. I said, "Oh my gosh, Momma is a bad Momma, I forgot your lunch Buddy." He cracked up like I had never seen before.

So, after lunch we went outside to have a popsicle. I was trying to take pictures, but of course, I was getting the 'no smile' face. I wondered if he was really laughing at me earlier...so I said it again, "Momma is a bad Momma." Sure enough, the following laughing fit ensued.

Oh, boy.

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:53:00 +0000

Hello, hello! We're still here, I promise!

We have been doing awesome and seem as busy as ever. I had no idea two kids was so much more busy than one. Cydney really is such a good baby though...she loves to eat, loves to sleep, and loves to smile. She is still struggling with some reflux, but really is such an easy baby (knock on wood). For the past few weeks, I've been trying to keep her on a schedule which seems to be working out. She started sleeping through *most* of the night a week or so ago, which makes life so much easier. She is about 12.5 lbs now and growing everyday.

Coy is starting to say more and more and his comprehension level has gone way up. He absolutely loves to read books...he brings them to me all day long. Just a few months ago, he wouldn't even sit still long enough to finish a book. Now, when I finish one he says "more". My limit is 3 times through---then I make him pick out a new story.

We are so blessed with our two little ones. I wish time would slow down some...they are both growing up so fast.

Now, some pics from Halloween...

We had a SUPERMAN!!!

And, a smiley pumpkin!!!

isn't she cute??

He refuses to look at the camera for pictures....so, I have so many of these kind of photos now....he use to be such a good picture taker... Before Trick or Treating, he fell asleep in his high chair...

playing outside a few days ago...i was trying to do everything to get him to smile...

nope, not gonna do it...
this is all you're getting lady... okay, here's a smile, but only because you promised a lollipop...

pictures and such

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:47:00 +0000

Chris gave me a Nikon D60 for Christmas last year and I've been slowly trying to figure the thing out. I took a class last February, but obviously, didn't practice at all while in the hospital. But lately, I've had this obsession with taking good pictures. I love photography and looking at great pics. I'm fascinated and in awe of those amazing photographers who capture things so wonderfully on camera.

My poor kids are my test subjects. What better things to take pictures of though, right? And, the great part about digital photography is it doesn't cost anything to mess up (which I do a lot of)! I know it takes practice to get good at anything, so I've been really trying to make an effort at it. Anyway---here are some of the pictures I took of Coy & Cydney this past week.

Cousin Colby doing his "o" face

A little update on the kiddos...Coy is doing great. We are so proud and thankful of all the things he's doing these days. He's attempting new words all the time and has such a personality. He is still the sweetest big brother and would love (kisses & hugs) his sissy all day if I let him.

Cydney is now 3 months old and 11 lbs 8 oz. She is a girl who loves her milk and becoming more precious by the minute. I love, love, love the little rolls on her arms and legs. She is now smiling and started cooing too! It is so adorable. She also discovered how much fun the bouncy chair can be. I cracked up the first time I saw her so fixated on the flashing lights and kicking her legs all about. What a blessing she is to our family--she is such an answered prayer and we couldn't be more thankful.

We are doing our best at keeping everyone as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, that means staying away from some things and being aware of the health of those we're around. I hate that we can't bring them everywhere right now, but I know our efforts will be worth it. One day, I know we'll be able to let our guard down, but right now we feel its best to stay home as much as possible. We do make an occasional exception at times...like today we had a blast at the pumpkin patch. I'll post those pictures another day.

Thanks for your continued love to our family. We are so beyond blessed.

happy and home

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:14:00 +0000

I should have updated this sooner...sorry for my tardiness. Sara (my SIL) is home and doing good. Babies are still cookin. She is taking it easy and hopefully will stay pregnant many more weeks. Please continue to pray for her! We are so appreciative!

prayer request & new photos

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:16:00 +0000

I have yet to make this announcement on our blog: my brother & his wife are expecting twins in January. That's right, it'll be their SECOND set of twins. The first two, Thomas & Macey, will turn 2 this coming January. 4 kids in 2 years, crazy! And, NO, they were NOT using any sort of fertility drugs/treatment. It was actually a HUGE surprise both times they found out they were expecting. What are the odds, huh?

Anyway--please keep my sister in law in your prayers. She is currently 25w4d and was admitted into the hospital (the same one I spent 14 weeks in) after a fFN came back positive today at her routine appointment. She has been having more contractions than usual and will be monitored for the next few days. I cannot believe she is having to do the same thing I did. Please pray for her!

We are keeping the twins with us here tonight. We had three 2 year olds and a 2 month old. Whew. It was sorta like an assembly line during dinner & bath time.

I'll keep you updated when I know more information. I am praying she can make it to at LEAST 28 weeks. She carried Macey & Thomas to a few days shy of 36 weeks.

Here are a few pictures from our past week. We have been doing awesome. Cydney is now 10lbs 1oz. Coy has been talking more and more. His new words this week are bear and Grandma 'memaaw'. We are working hard at his speech and I hope one day he just 'explodes' with language!

brotherly kisses...

i get so excited to dress her everyday...it's so much fun to be a girl!

this was a few minutes after he woke up so happy from his nap...

prayer request

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Please keep our friends, Christen & Bill in your prayers; they lost beautiful twin girls last week at 21 weeks. Our hearts are broken for them.

Please also keep Baby Benjamin and Baby Chloe in your prayers. We have been so blessed to receive so much love through our blog; we wish that same support for all those who go through the NICU roller coaster. Benjamin's and Chloe's blogs are linked on the left side of the page.

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 19-20

still here!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:04:00 +0000

I can't believe Cydney is already over 2 months old. She is growing like a weed and is up to 9lb 5oz! She is such a joy and we're so thankful for her. She looks so much like Coy, but does have some of me in her too. =) She is starting to stay awake for longer periods of time and loves to look around.

Coy is loving his baby sister these days. He loves to give her kisses and loves to touch her. We were in the car the other day and I looked back to find him smiling at her and holding her hand. It was the sweetest thing ever.

Don't get me wrong, he still does stuff like this...

But I guess that's just part of being a big brother. =) >

He's so curious, loves to explore and figure things out, and has become quite the comedian lately. Everyday we find ourselves laughing at something he's done. I wish I could just freeze time some days and take it all in. I know he's going to be a 'big' boy one day and I will miss these moments so much. He's had an awesome week in OT, ST, & PT and I think he will be discharged from some of these soon.

I am really freaked out by all the rampant flu this year. I know that the flu kills people every year, but when I heard a 3 year old with CLD (chronic lung disease) passed away from H1N1 flu recently, it scared me half to death. I love how the media tries to reassure the public by saying, "The toddler had pre-existing health conditions"...that doesn't help the parents of those that actually have kids with 'pre-existing health conditions'. It is so important that we keep Coy as healthy as possible this winter. If I sound paranoid and slightly overprotective....it's because I am and I am unapologetic about that. We are waiting to see if he is approved for Synagis again...if not, will be appealing to our insurance company.

We so thankful for all your continued love, support, and prayers. I am VERY behind on Thank You notes...but I promise, I will get them all done! Sorry it has been so long since I updated....when I get a free second, I chose sleep over blogging! =)

Love to you all.

I love to dress Cydney up and take pictures of her...here are a few of my attempts of a 'photo shoot'. =)

I love this one...wishing I would have taken that pacifier out of her mouth...

cutest.baby.in.the.world.

Chris put his Ipod on him...he LOVED it. Just stood there and danced. It was hilarious.
our beauty.

life as a baby is so tiring...=)

new pics

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:02:00 +0000

another tardy update

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:15:00 +0000

I am going to make an attempt at a quick update while Chris, Coy, and Cydney are all asleep!

Coy is now made himself a permanent resident in our bed. I really love to snuggle with him,I'm not gonna lie, but I know he needs to make the move into his big boy bed soon. We are going to do it, but haven't yet. I gave up on the crib. It. Was. Not. Gonna. Happen. In the meantime, he's with us because he sleeps and therefore, we sleep. Praise Jesus and Hallelujah.

He has a few new tricks up his sleeve these days. He's learned how to turn on & off the water to our bathtub and turn on & off the TV in our living room. He loves to turn on the water in the bathtub, go into my closet, take the clothes off the shelf, and throw them into the tub. When I realized what he was doing, I put a stop to that very quickly, but then found him hunting other things to throw into the water. I really can't take my eyes off him for a second!

I was sitting on the couch feeding Cydney yesterday and Coy marched up to TV, reached up and pushed the power button. Oh my, did he like to push the button. About 15 times. He also loves to clap for himself after doing things...so he'd turn the TV on, clap, turn to look at me, turn the TV off, clap, turn to look at me. He does understand when I tell him 'No', although, he was way too into his new power to listen. Chris and I love to watch him learn and discover. He also blows kisses now...melts my heart.

Cydney is becoming a great eater and weighs 7lbs 12 oz. She is still nursing, but I do 'let' Chris give her a bottle at 3 am some nights so I can get some extra sleep. She is so adorable and we're loving her more and more everyday. She has the cutest little pouty cry and sticks her bottom lip out when she is demanding milk. She is our angel girl. Coy still has his moments where he's not fond of her, but for the most part, he is loving his little sissy too. Yesterday morning he woke up and the first thing he wanted to do was give her a kiss. It was so sweet.

Sorry that's all I got for now. I'm tired so I'm sure I'm leaving a lot out.
Here are a few pictures from this week.

giving sister a kiss..

playing with Cousin Thomas in the sandbox..

playing in his ball tent...

bubble bath!

he LOVES to read books...
sissy in her swing (again)..
he loves popsicles...he stole daddy's (the green one)...Instead of popsicles, I freeze the yogurt in the tube (the purple one) and he doesn't know the difference! =)

tardy update

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Wow, we've been busy...and I've had no time to blog! Sorry, sorry, sorry!

We are still doing awesome and I'm still enjoying my freedom. Coy is being a great big brother and loves to help mommy take care of Cydney. Yesterday he helped give her a bath (well, sort of) and he loves to go into her room. Of course, he takes all her blankets out of the drawer and throws them into the hallway, but hey, he still likes to go in there. =)

Coy is doing great in therapy and really developing. He is making more sounds and learning signs. His absolute favorite DVD is Signing Time---I think we watch it 15 times per day. He stands and dances to the songs; it's so precious. We are working hard at getting him to finish a 'task' (reading a book, playing with a toy, doing a puzzle) before moving on to another. We're also working on building his confidence and independence in therapy. He's been running over to me and wanting me to hold him during his sessions. For the past week, the therapists have me sit in a corner of the room and tell him to "go play" but I'm not suppose to say or do anything else. They say this gives him the 'okay' to go play and I'll be waiting for him when he's done. He's doing better and he actually went back to the playroom with the therapist all by himself last week---and I didn't hear any crying for about 15 minutes. Whoohoo, go Coy!

Our biggest challenge with him still remains the sleep issue. He has decided that he no longer wants to take a nap during the day and has mastered the skill of climbing out of the crib (twice). The therapist told me to change him to a toddler bed, however, he Pedi told me to buy a crib tent. Any advice? Anyone know how to get a 21 month old to sleep in their crib that they hate? Coy doesn't sleep all day and Cydney doesn't sleep at night---y'all I'm at the point that I think I will NEVER sleep again.

Cydney is still our little nocturnal baby. Although, she has been staying awake more during the day and looking around at her surroundings. She was started on Prevacid because her spit-up was hurting her---stiffness, screaming, then out would come the spit up. It's not much, but it was definitely hurting her. I've been nursing her since last week (with a few bottles here & there). I had just about given up on it because I was so use to just pumping and giving her a bottle, but my mom really pushed me to try it again. She's done great---latches on and eats for 20-30 minutes. It is hard for me to not know how much she's actually getting---but I guess she's getting enough because she falls asleep and wakes up 2-3 hours later to eat again. Also, she weighed 6lbs 12.5 oz yesterday---so she's gaining weight.

That's all I can think of for now. Here are a few pictures from the past week...

Thanks for all your love & prayers. We wouldn't be here without you.

Coy and his adorable friend and our neighbor, Chase...

Will, Chase, Chris, and Coy went to get there hunting licenses together... (Their shirts say "Daddy's Little Hunting Buddy")
Unloading my Tupperware drawer...

Cyd getting her bath...

First time to hold his sister...

Brotherly love...
giving kisses....after this picture was taken, he decided he had enough of her...=)

Wearing her first bow...

Snuggling with Great Grandpa

...and with Grandpa on his birthday...

pictures from the week

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:43:00 +0000

We are still doing awesome. Cydney is up to 6lbs 7oz and becoming more precious by the day. Coy is still a wild man who keeps me on my toes. He's our big boy and we're so proud of him.

I promise a more thorough update soon, but here are a few pictures from our week...

Miss Cydney in her car seat
At a birthday party with daddy...he was a little chef and made a pizza

Before an afternoon swim, they took a nap...
Me with Cydney... I'm so white I actually blend in with the couch...I need some Vitamin D! =)
Playing with daddy...
When I see this face, I know something is up...Mr. Mischievous...
proud of himself and whatever it is he just did...=)
okay, please ignore me...just look at my two beautiful babies in their diapers...=)

One month

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:44:00 +0000

Today Cydney is one month old! Here is my attempt at cute pictures. I absolutely can not get a good one for the life of me. =)

Life lately has been BUSY. Even when we stay home all day, I am constantly on the go chasing after Coy. He is one energetic little dude...I have no idea where it comes from. He has been having a few more "jealous" days where he does not want me to hold or feed his sister. Our biggest challenge with Coy right now is getting him to sleep at a decent hour in his own bed. We 'sleep trained' him once before earlier this year and he did awesome. He slept all night and liked being in his crib. But since his world was rocked with me going into the hospital, he's not been sleeping consistently in his own bed. And since we've been home, we've given in and let him sleep in our bed out of exhaustion. But, that has made for VERY long days for us since he's been going to sleep late and restless nights for everyone. We can not keep up that pace any longer. I know consistency is the key; I'm hopeful that he'll be sleeping better soon.

Cydney just eats and sleeps most of the day away. She is so sweet. The poor thing has reflux though---ugh, I hate it. She seems to be okay; she doesn't spit up a ton. And I am watching her closely to make sure she isn't hurting at all. I think the Gripe water helped some, but not much. I am praying she doesn't need medication and is a "happy spitter".

Chris and I are enjoying our time together and with our babies more than ever. We are so happy to be on to the next chapter of our lives. It feels so great to be home. I keep saying that because it's so true. After over 100 days straight in the hospital, home feels alittle bit like heaven on Earth. I love the weekends when we can go do things...we took both babies out to eat Friday night and went swimming at my parents house yesteday. Those are the things I dreamed about when lying in the hospital bed for so long. God is so good.

A few pictures from yesterday...Coy LOVED swimming...here he is with Grandpa C...
...and the water hose...
...Cydney ready for some milk...

new pics

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:42:00 +0000

Here's our baby girl. We're doing good...just hanging out, enjoying life, and sleeping when we can! =)

this & that

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:49:00 +0000

Score for Team Mommy---both babies are sleeping right now---time for a quick update!

We've been home for over a week now, and I'm happy to report that I'm still sane! It has definitely been an adjustment going from one kiddo to two, but it's not been too hard, really. I'm tired from feeding a newborn every few hours round the clock and chasing a 20 month old who never slows down, but all in all, it's been great.

Coy is having some jealousy/regression while he is getting use to his new sister in the house. But he's been very sweet with her as well. He loves to go over to her cradle and watch her sleep. He points to her and says "baby". When I'm holding and feeding Cydney, he is wanting me to hold him too. He looks at me and says "baba", meaning he wants a bottle too. Cousin Colby was over this week and Coy went right up to him, and pulled the pacifier out of his mouth and started sucking on it. I can't even tell you the last time he took a pacifier---over a year ago.

Because he's such a big boy now, Coy has his very own play room (aka our breakfast area). When Chris & I built our house a few years ago, we didn't think about a "room for all the toys that your children will accumulate in their first years of life." So, we decided to remove our kitchen table, and just let Coy take over that area. He loves it. I love it too because I can clean the kitchen and keep my eye on him as well.

Coy is talking all the time these days. He says baseball, baby, grandma, mommy, more, uh oh, lollipop, ball, bubbles, etc. He is such an adventurous and independent child. He will go in the backyard and explore, play in the sandbox, and dirt. I love that he's developing and growing up, although it makes me sad that he's no longer a baby.

Cydney had another Pediatrician appt today. She is 5lb 50z. Her doctor said her weight gain is okay, but wished she had gained an oz/day. Cydney is having some issues with reflux already. She has been spitting up more than I'd like and her tummy is distended at times. She is VERY gassy--I feel so bad for her sometimes. We are going to try Nursing Mom's Tea and Gripe Water to see if that will help at all. If not, the doctor said she could possibly need medications---which I don't want to do unless absolutely necessary.

She is such a good baby so far, although, she does have her days and nights mixed up. She is up eating every 2 hours at night, but I think she'd sleep all day if I let her. I have been nursing her about twice per day and she is doing better. She will latch on and suck for about 10 minutes before passing out again. I wake her back up, but she will usually not latch on again. So, we supplement with a bottle afterwards. I think she'll get the hang of it eventually! Chris really hopes so! =)

Speaking of Chris, he's been such a great help with both kids. He gets up at night to feed Cydney, bathes Coy, runs errands I need done, etc. He's been amazing and we're so blessed to have such a supportive husband/father!

That's all I can think of for now...we are so overwhelmed by all your love & support. God is so good and we are so grateful. Please continue to pray for our little miracles...

Here are a few new pictures and two videos...

No pictures of Cydney this time....she doesn't like the flash on the camera...

Coy's new "play room"...

just a few pics

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:03:00 +0000

I'm too tired to make a real update, but here are a few new pictures. Everyone is doing great! Thanks for your continued prayers, love, & support!

before her bath...
loves the swing...
precious princess...
big brother is 'regressing' a bit--- a paci? he hasn't wanted one of those in over a year...
playing in his sandbox...

new favorite toy---any kitchen utensils he can find!

bath time---with leftover spaghetti sauce on his face!

so happy...

home sweet home

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:46:00 +0000

I can't even explain how nice it is to finally be home....with both our babies! We are tired, but doing great. Everyone seems to be adjusting to life with our family of four.

Coy is very curious about his "sissy"--he has to help change her diapers, and every time Cydney gets a baba, he wants one too. He his very sweet with her, but tends to get rough at times. Remember his favorite toy--the baseball bat---not such a good idea now.

Cydney is doing fantastic as well. She had her first pediatrician appt yesterday. She weighed in at a hefty 5lbs even. The little piglet gained 4 oz in 2 days. She's been a great eater at home. She does have her days and nights confused, but hopefully, we'll break that habit soon. She tends to wake up every 2 hours at night to eat, but will go 3 hours during the day. We go back to the doctor next Friday for another weight check.

Life with two kiddos is definitely busy. For all those moms who have more than that---God bless you! Thank goodness I've had lots of great help! My mom came along to the doctor yesterday (we had Coy too!) and I don't think I could have done it without her. Coy was all over the place! At this point, Cydney is a piece of cake. Eat, sleep, repeat. Coy on the other hand--he'll give anyone a run for their money!

Thanks again for all your love, support, and prayers. To say being at home feels surreal is an understatement. On the car ride from the hospital, I couldn't stop sobbing. It was like a flood gate opened and I just let it all out. All the worry, stress, fatigue, and relief--I was so thankful that a new chapter of our lives was beginning.

Here are some pics from the past few days....

After running through the sprinklers, we wanted to play in the baby playmat..

He loves golf clubs and baseball bats...oh boy!

We are so blessed! Love to you all.

Surprise....

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:23:00 +0000

....we're home!!!

More details later, but here are a few pics of our little angel busting out of the NICU today!

We can not express how thankful we are to all of you for your continued love, support, and prayer for our family during these past two years. We are so blessed. We are home, doing great, and just enjoying our family of four. God is so good!

pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:16:00 +0000

Here's our angel tube & tape free! Whoohoo! If she keeps it up, we'll be out of here soon! Please pray for Cydney to continue to eat well and gain weight!

update

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Isn't she pretty? I can't wait to get that tube out of her nose and tape off her face! I keep telling her that if she eats, the tube comes out and we go home! =)
So, we're still here in the NICU. I would be lying if I said I'm not sick of this hospital already. I've spent almost 16 weeks here now. I think it's time to go when half of the hospital staff knows your family and story. =)

Cydney is trucking right along. She has been nursing well the past two days and today finished two bottles off. I am experimenting with which feeding method will get us out of here fastest. Right now, I'm thinking the bottles are the better option for discharge. She can breastfeed and does well with it, but tires out faster and therefore, doesn't take as much. Good news is she's gaining weight and back at her birth weight *almost*. As soon as she can prove to take all 8 feedings by mouth and continue to gain weight, we'll be outta here!

She has labs ordered for the morning---I am praying her glucose and bilirubin levels are still stable. She looks jaundice to me, but I think it's because I'm comparing her to my ghostly white, hasn't seen sun in 4.5 months skin. Next to everyone else, she looks normal. =)

Not much else to report...just hoping to be outta here by the weekend. Please pray for continued progress and discharge soon! Can you tell that I'm ready to go home already?

fatigued but thankful

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:39:00 +0000

First, here are some pictures of our princess...

(This was the first time I really saw her open her eyes...)

I think she looks like Coy...

Sleeping sweetly....
These are the best I can do for now (from my iphone)...since my computer here is cheap and I don't have the photo program I need to get the pictures off my camera.

Second, Cydney is doing great and we're making progress to get home everyday. The only thing keeping us here as of now is feeding. She needs to either be breastfeeding or bottle feeding 8 times per day. Right now, we can try either/or 3 times daily. Yesterday, she nursed like a champ (at one feeding) and didn't need any more milk put down her tube (the ugly thing that is sticking out of her mouth/nose).

Today, however, she was not at all interested in the boob. They say that's typical preemie behavior---to be inconsistent. She took 1/2 of the bottle twice today--which isn't great, but it's better than nothing. I was wanting to exclusively nurse her, but if bottle feeding gets us out the door faster, I will work on the nursing at home! She has one more try tonight and I think I'll offer the bottle first to see how she does. Hopefully, she'll finish it! The good news is she's getting breast milk either way.

She was taken off her pulse oximeter today---awesome! I tend to have 'monitor psychosis' where I find myself staring at her numbers all day (and night). She was perfect with her oxygen sats and I loved seeing that (she stopped having those desat spells she was having the first few days). But, it's even better to know her doctor thinks she doesn't even need to be monitored anymore! Whoohoo--that's one less thing for me to analyze and obsess over.

Also, her glucose levels were stable two nights ago, so we were able to discontinue the IV and fluids. I was so happy about that. Her bilirubin levels have been stable as well.

Needless to say with a newborn, I am growing weary and tired. I don't think I've had over 2 hours consistent sleep in the past week. I love that I can stay here with her, but it's not the most comfortable place to sleep. It also doesn't help my energy level that I was laying down for 4 months straight. But, I am adjusting and waiting patiently on the Lord's timing for Cydney to come home. I am missing Coy so much and can't wait to be back at home with him too. I was able to see him today and we laughed and laughed. He is so much fun and I can't wait to see how great of a big brother he is going to be.

Please pray for Cydney to eat like a champ, for no bradycardic episodes, for her glucose levels to remain stable, for our strength and endurance during this last leg of our 'hospital life', for Cydney to grow and get strong, and for Coy to be well adjusted when everything turns back to normal for us.

We are so blessed to have your continued love and support.

Update on Cydney

noreply@blogger.com (Chris & AnnMarie) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:18:00 +0000

On Tuesday, Cydney was moved to Level 2 NICU. This was such an answered prayer because I was being discharged from my room and was going to have to leave her here in the hospital. The great thing about where we're at now is that they have private rooms (although tiny) and there is a small bed I can sleep in next to her. I remember that heart ache I felt when I had to leave Coy in the hospital and I just could not imagine having to do that again.

So, we're settled into our new room and working towards getting her home. She is still breathing all on her own and doing great. Her IV fluids were just stopped and if her glucose levels are stable, she will remain IV free. She was under the bili lights yesterday due to jaundice, but today that was stopped too. She does look a bit jaundiced to me tonight, so we'll see what her level is at this morning when they check it.

We also were able to try nursing today for the first time. She did great for her first attempt according to the Lactation specialist. Right now, her order is for once a day breast/bottle feeding, but that should be increased as Cydney gets the hang of it. The doctor said tonight that she was looking fantastic and to get her out of here, we just need her eating. She said she estimates a week or so before we are on our way home. She has a great suck and absolutely loves her pacifier, wakes up screaming and rooting---so hopefully she picks up nursing quickly!

For the first time in 15 weeks, I went home today for a few hours. It was surreal to ride in a car again, be in the free world, walk into my house, lay in my bed, and use my shower, etc. I've missed all the little things so much. Grandma K was at the hospital cuddling with Cydney, so I felt comfortable being away from her for a few hours. I also was able to spend time with Coy and I've missed my precious boy to pieces. He had the biggest smile on his face on the ride home and held my hand. I can not wait to get Cydney home so I can be with them both under one roof.

Thanks for all your continued prayers! Pray for Cydney's glucose levels to stabilize, for her to remain free of IVs, free of infections, for her to nurse like a pro, and for us to get out of here ASAP! I'll keep you updated!