Lovely Annie

Gran Report

Yesterday Gran got to visit Annie (along with Annie's Mom, of course) and it was wonderful. I think we all regard hospitals, especially CCUs as busy, intrusive places, but you would be amazed at how peaceful and calming it can be to sit beside a new, little granddaughter and watch her sleep -- even with a few tubes in the way. Annie was having a much improved day and that made everyone happy. After a bit, she even woke up so Mom could hold her and Gran could admire those wonderful blue eyes. We also had wonderful reassuring talks with the neonatologist and the nurses. It is so good to meet the amazing, caring angels God has sent for our little girl.

And now for the small world, you won't believe this bit -- as Gran talked with the two nurses in Annie's area, she discovered that both of them had ridden and competed in their earlier days. One nurse even showed us pictures of her first horse. If Gran needed a personal omen, that "all will be well", it was finding that horse people are truly everywhere, even caring for her precious Granddaughter.

Curve balls

Annie was struggling a bit this morning and forgetting to breathe which caused her heart rate to drop. Fortunately, Elly was on her way to the hospital when they called and was able to talk to the doctor right away. As always, the staff there was incredible and explained that they are giving her a antibiotic cocktail to fight any possible infection (preliminary blood tests have come back ok). This may also be the result of reflux. So Annie is off food for a little while but still having her energy drink and fat. Elly came back to check on her this evening and found her all cuddled up in her shoe. She continues to breathe without assistance and we pray we overcome this little bump soon!

Latest pictures - Annie in a shoe

Elly took more pictures last night. This is Annie in what looks like a shoe; its to make her more comfortable and she does seem to like it.

Non-emergent

Annie was supposed to have her head sono today (they routinely check for bleeding) but it was postponed bc she is "non-emergent". How happy we were to hear that our daughter is becoming increasingly uneventful for the NICU staff! She is eating more -2ccs every 3 hours. Part of her 'diet' includes a large portion of fat that comes through her feeding tube. Poor Annie -all the fat and none of the taste! If only we could give her ice cream and french fries. She has lost weight (5 grams) which is to be expected so we are eager to see her gain weight soon. Pics coming tomorrow (someone with photo savvy needs to help!).

Daily gifts

Annie is eating more (every 3 hours) which continues to be a good sign. She is scheduled for a sono of her brain tomorrow and we pray that her second one is as uneventful as the first. Her lights are back on to ward off jaundice and she seems to love basking in the 'sun'. I came to see her this afternoon and she was just so peaceful resting under the lights. I held her hand for ages and just marveled at how much peace and love exists during such a simple moment. Later, I got to hold her kangaroo style for a while. It allows her to hear my heart beating and clearly was very relaxing for her (not to mention me). It is these moments that are so special -a gift- and a reminder of what a blessing this feisty little one is. Love to everyone, Elly

More pictures soon -promise!

Oceans of blue!

Annie is doing well and they have added an additional feeding to her day (she now eats a very small amount of breast milk 3x a day). Today Elly was able to hold her for a while and she kept trying to open her eyes. One of the nurses figured out that she was bother by all the lights. We dimmed them and she spent quite a while open and closing her eyes and staring at her momma! Her sight is very poor at this stage in her developement but to see those beautiful blue eyes was so deeply touching. She's tiny but she's got spirit and spunk! Love to everyone, keep those prayers coming!