Day 7

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Oh, I was SO tired I could not fathom blogging when I got home last night. But, Blair is doing AMAZING! Prayers are being answered. She is completely off her oxygen now and just has a feeding tube going down her nose. Feedings with a bottle have been a little tricky. The nurses say she may be used to sucking on her binky and is therefore surprised when she sucks on the nipple of a bottle and her mouth gets full of milk. 

Needless to say breast feeding is going to be a huge hurdle for us to get over. She didn't breast feed yesterday because they have to make sure she is getting enough food. Sometimes she just gets plain MAD when she's hungry (just like her mama) and so then it makes latching very difficult. Also, she poops around the clock and if her diaper is dirty then there is no turning back. I desperately want to breast feed and everyone says that it WILL happen as long as I don't give up. However, it is so stressful to know that she is hungry and that I have milk for her but she's just not understanding how to get it. Please pray for this next challenge. As if having a baby in NICU hasn't shaken my confidence already... Also, please pray that I remain strong in my faith during these next few days and trust the Lord. I know that He will get me through this but it's going to take a good attitude on my part! I have a feeling Blair is going to be coming home soon and while this elates me, it also terrifies me. Pray that I have confidence and am not easily frustrated. Pray that I don't take any of my frustration out on Matt (he has enough going on at work).

feeding with daddy

snuggling

snoozin. she always sleeps with her mouth in an "O". it makes me laugh because she looks like an old man!

lovin on my little girl

kisses

cupcakes that were dropped off from our old neighbors. So sweet! literally. :) I wolfed the cinnamon sugar one down and matt had the chocolate. yummy!
I'm off to go see miss Blair. Then afterwards I'm going to buy a car seat that can be taken out of the car. Our current one doesn't do that and the hospital won't let her out the doors unless she is in a car seat.

6 comments:

  1. I just started following your blog when Natasha at schue love had mentioned you and your baby girl!! I'm so halogen hear that God has given you all strength especially Blair through this tough time. Having breastfed my daughter for a year, I know it can seem challenging in the beginning. But you have to believe in both yourself and baby girl... Right now you're both so stressed that it's definitely going to put a strain on breastfeeding, but I promise once you're all home together it will come so natural for the both of you!!! Your motherly instincts will guide you... Just remember to relax and find a comfortable position!!! Good luck and I look forward to reading more about your journey in motherhood!! It truly is the most amazing job in the world!!!

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  2. So glad she's progressing and I know you still have a lot ahead but it's all in good time. One day at a time. Stay strong Natalie...she'll be home soon! :)

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  3. I've been reading your updates about your little girl - she is so precious, and I am so glad she is doing so much better! Will be praying for you guys!

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  4. She is SO beautiful!!! I'm so excited for her progress! She is always in our prayers... Hang in there with the breastfeeding. Everyone is advising you spot on. It gets SO much easier (especially once you both have it down pat and you can just pull her into bed with you guys and pop her on!) Caydon got thrush, had a horrible latch (we had to use a nipple shield because he destroyed me) and I got mastitis. All right after my ex dumped us in the hospital. I was always SO close to giving up due to the circumstances... wondered if it was meant to be, and I'm glad I stuck it out. I ended up doing it for 17 months. Caydon was always insanely healthy from it (and once he was weened, he got sick all of the time. He has a weak immune system.) and I'd be lying to say that I didn't love what it did to my body. Helped me drop the pounds! I'll be praying for you with the next hurdle. I can only imagine how it must be, but I give you major kudos for hanging in there.

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  5. Congratulations to you and Matt on your beautiful, precious baby girl. I've been following your blog
    since Letty called and told me Miss Blair had arrived a bit early. It sounds as though she is
    making excellent progress. I love all the pictures! Of course we all know the miracle of prayers
    being answered. Nine years ago our nephew's wife delivered at six months. Little Jude weighed
    only a pound and a half. But thanks be to God and a wonderful NICU, he is totally normal in
    every way. I will continue to pray for your patience, as there are always ups and downs during this
    time. Hang in there. My best to all of you. Jeannine (from Pachappa)

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  6. happy one week birthday to baby blair!

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