Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Adventure Continues
As promised, we will try to continue some posts, at least until we collapse from exhaustion. Ella arrived home safely and did ok for her 5 pm and 9:30 pm feedings, although the 9:30 pm produced a nice projectile spit-up. It was mostly all over Dad, but I would warn visitors to choose the couch verse the recliner in our family room the next time they are over. We finally got her tucked in and sleeping by 11 pm. We thought it would be best to put her in her room, although we do have a bassinet in our bedroom. Mom was on call for the 1:30 am feeding. Dad did not wake for it. Ella only did moderately well at 75cc. We are hoping for 100cc each feeding now. At 3:30, we awoke to the piercing blast of our heart monitor. Mom was first to her room, Dad was slowed down by the bassinet in our bedroom. It looked like it was a false alarm, as Ella was resting perfectly. The monitor strap has to fit around her torso just right, or we are susceptible to false alarms. After fussing with the wires and Ella, we went back to sleep. Dad was up at 4:50 am to do the next feeding. Again, Ella struggled to take 75 cc. We are thinking the new environement, plus her shot and virus she recieved yesterday might be playing into it. Dad went back to bed at 6am. Mom was the trooper who got up at 8:15 to start the day and give the next feeding. Dad dragged out at 9am. The pot of coffee is brewing right now.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Beautiful baby photos
Here's the web link to the most beautiful baby photos ever! Be sure to turn on the sound on your computer.
www.bellababyphotography.com
Click on View Photos
Password: 1103ellajerry
Before you rush off to buy any prints, we will be purchasing the CD and you can tell us what you want ordered for a more affordable price.
www.bellababyphotography.com
Click on View Photos
Password: 1103ellajerry
Before you rush off to buy any prints, we will be purchasing the CD and you can tell us what you want ordered for a more affordable price.
Ella's home!
After a long journey at St. John's NICU, Ella Marie Jerry is finally home! We couldn't be happier.
First, let's recap the past 3 1/2 months:
- Ella spent 112 days in the NICU.
- Ella more than quadrupled her weight and grew almost 7 inches in length (now 8 lbs, 10 oz and 20 1/2 inches long)
- Mom and Dad made over 112 trips to the hospital (and although we were often exhausted, it was worth every minute)
- Mom and Dad will never miss the St. John's cafeteria again (even though on week 1 Dad was quoted saying, "this cafeteria food is so good, I might bring my co-workers here for lunch!" Needless to say, this is no longer a desire of his.)
So here we are. Today was long and eventful. We started off by having the hospital photographer take Ella's photos. They turned out absolutely amazing!
We also had our car seat fitting for Ella where the physical therapist properly sized the straps to fit her and ensured our car seat bases were properly installed in our vehicles. (Good thing too because apparently we didn't do it correctly).
Then came the waiting game. We sat around for a few hours waiting on the doctor to make his rounds to see her. There were 7 babies being discharged from the NICU today and ours was the most unexpected since Ella was such a superstar with her feedings over the weekend, but unfortunately this put us at the bottom of the list. We really weren't sure if the doctor would give the green light or not. We thought he would have liked to see more weight gain, so we had to try our best to keep anxiety levels low. Around 3pm, the doctor visited and indicated he was comfortable with us going home. It was an emotional time, although Tim and I both withheld any tears (which is pretty impressive for me these days). So many of the other doctors, nurses and therapists stopped in throughout the day to say hello/goodbye. It made me realize what great friendships I had made during our stay. It really was a happy, yet sad moment.
Before we headed out, we filled a few prescriptions, and Ella got another dose of the RSV immunization and a GI virus immunization. The shot did not please her (good way to make Mom and Dad look like the heroes on the way out the door.)
We finally arrived home around 5pm (Tim drove in the "slow lane" on Hwy 270). We've settled in nicely and Ella is sound asleep. Of course, the cats were curious as to what this strange new thing was that made noise, so they sniffed around her car seat and are now sleeping with one eye open.
For the short term, it's best that we keep visiting rules similar to that of the NICU - a few people at a time for a short visit, wash your hands, no cold symptoms, etc. Ella's immunity is still more susceptible than a full term baby. Just let us know when you are interested and we'll work with you to find a good visiting time.
We will continue to periodically post on the blog, although it will be less frequent as we'll have our hands full at home.
We want to say, THANK YOU, to all of her faithful followers. We appreciate your support!!
Here are a couple of cute picture of her in the car seat.
First, let's recap the past 3 1/2 months:
- Ella spent 112 days in the NICU.
- Ella more than quadrupled her weight and grew almost 7 inches in length (now 8 lbs, 10 oz and 20 1/2 inches long)
- Mom and Dad made over 112 trips to the hospital (and although we were often exhausted, it was worth every minute)
- Mom and Dad will never miss the St. John's cafeteria again (even though on week 1 Dad was quoted saying, "this cafeteria food is so good, I might bring my co-workers here for lunch!" Needless to say, this is no longer a desire of his.)
So here we are. Today was long and eventful. We started off by having the hospital photographer take Ella's photos. They turned out absolutely amazing!
We also had our car seat fitting for Ella where the physical therapist properly sized the straps to fit her and ensured our car seat bases were properly installed in our vehicles. (Good thing too because apparently we didn't do it correctly).
Then came the waiting game. We sat around for a few hours waiting on the doctor to make his rounds to see her. There were 7 babies being discharged from the NICU today and ours was the most unexpected since Ella was such a superstar with her feedings over the weekend, but unfortunately this put us at the bottom of the list. We really weren't sure if the doctor would give the green light or not. We thought he would have liked to see more weight gain, so we had to try our best to keep anxiety levels low. Around 3pm, the doctor visited and indicated he was comfortable with us going home. It was an emotional time, although Tim and I both withheld any tears (which is pretty impressive for me these days). So many of the other doctors, nurses and therapists stopped in throughout the day to say hello/goodbye. It made me realize what great friendships I had made during our stay. It really was a happy, yet sad moment.
Before we headed out, we filled a few prescriptions, and Ella got another dose of the RSV immunization and a GI virus immunization. The shot did not please her (good way to make Mom and Dad look like the heroes on the way out the door.)
We finally arrived home around 5pm (Tim drove in the "slow lane" on Hwy 270). We've settled in nicely and Ella is sound asleep. Of course, the cats were curious as to what this strange new thing was that made noise, so they sniffed around her car seat and are now sleeping with one eye open.
For the short term, it's best that we keep visiting rules similar to that of the NICU - a few people at a time for a short visit, wash your hands, no cold symptoms, etc. Ella's immunity is still more susceptible than a full term baby. Just let us know when you are interested and we'll work with you to find a good visiting time.
We will continue to periodically post on the blog, although it will be less frequent as we'll have our hands full at home.
We want to say, THANK YOU, to all of her faithful followers. We appreciate your support!!
Here are a couple of cute picture of her in the car seat.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The 'h' word
We've made it a rule that we can't say the 'h' word in Ella's hospital room. However, it's getting harder and harder to not say that word when all signs indicate that Ella will get to meet Tiger and Shiloh very soon!
Ella has rocked on her feedings and has shown the staff that she can wake up for feedings every 4 hours and take large enough volumes to continue gaining weight. The nurse practitioner today gathered a to-go pack for her which included a heart monitor just as an extra precaution, and a bed sling since Ella is still sleeping a bit upright due to her reflux. Once in Affton, Ella's pediatrician will determine how long she needs the heart monitor (honestly, I think it will be short-lived).
It's really an amazing moment to think about her being outside of the hospital. And despite the lack of sleep, I am so glad I was able to have a slumber party with Ella over the last couple of nights, it was a very neat experience in motherhood.
Ella has rocked on her feedings and has shown the staff that she can wake up for feedings every 4 hours and take large enough volumes to continue gaining weight. The nurse practitioner today gathered a to-go pack for her which included a heart monitor just as an extra precaution, and a bed sling since Ella is still sleeping a bit upright due to her reflux. Once in Affton, Ella's pediatrician will determine how long she needs the heart monitor (honestly, I think it will be short-lived).
It's really an amazing moment to think about her being outside of the hospital. And despite the lack of sleep, I am so glad I was able to have a slumber party with Ella over the last couple of nights, it was a very neat experience in motherhood.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
On Demand Feeding
The stress levels have built over the last several days as everyone tries to figure out the best feeding method for Ella. Today everything sort of came to a head and the doctors have decided to put her on an 'on demand' schedule for the next 48 hours, whereby Ella shows us when she is ready to eat and how much. This 48-hour trial period is very important to see if our little girl is actually a big girl who can continue to gain weight without a feeding tube. To help with this trial, mom will be spending the next 48 hrs with Ella to make sure there is consistency and availability for ad hoc feedings.
Over the weekend we will be finishing up the last of her discharge requirements involving the car seat tests and ensuring the seat is properly installed in the car. The car seat test itself is standard for preemies leaving the hospital to make sure they can sit at a 45-degree angle for a certain length of time while maintaining their vitals.
'IF' the 48-hr feeding challenge goes well there is a chance Ella could be home as early as Monday night. We are cautiously optimistic. Certainly want to get through at least 24 hrs before we start celebrating.
Over the weekend we will be finishing up the last of her discharge requirements involving the car seat tests and ensuring the seat is properly installed in the car. The car seat test itself is standard for preemies leaving the hospital to make sure they can sit at a 45-degree angle for a certain length of time while maintaining their vitals.
'IF' the 48-hr feeding challenge goes well there is a chance Ella could be home as early as Monday night. We are cautiously optimistic. Certainly want to get through at least 24 hrs before we start celebrating.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Ella's Funhouse
Ella celebrated Valentine's Day being showered with lots of love, guests and playtime. She continues to grow and entertain us more everyday. Sometimes I wonder who has more fun - Ella or her parents.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It's been a while
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We'll try to get more frequent updates posted after life slows down a bit.
As many of you have figured out, Ella had her oxygen removed in the wee hours Saturday morning, Feb 6. We were ecstatic to see the tubes gone so we could more clearly see her beautiful face. She has maintained her O2 levels very well since then.
The bottle feeding is the only thing keeping her in the NICU, and we're getting more anxious everyday to bring her home. The doctors have manipulated her feeding frequency and volume quite a bit lately to figure out the right combination for Ella to maximize awake/alert times and caloric intake. We're currently at 4 hour feeds with large volumes per feed (80ml). Frankly, I think the volume is too much for her to take but I have to trust that doctors know best.
Here are some new cute pics from the paparazzi.
As many of you have figured out, Ella had her oxygen removed in the wee hours Saturday morning, Feb 6. We were ecstatic to see the tubes gone so we could more clearly see her beautiful face. She has maintained her O2 levels very well since then.
The bottle feeding is the only thing keeping her in the NICU, and we're getting more anxious everyday to bring her home. The doctors have manipulated her feeding frequency and volume quite a bit lately to figure out the right combination for Ella to maximize awake/alert times and caloric intake. We're currently at 4 hour feeds with large volumes per feed (80ml). Frankly, I think the volume is too much for her to take but I have to trust that doctors know best.
Here are some new cute pics from the paparazzi.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Glimpse of Hope
Yesterday, the nurses adjusted the plan of action for Ella's feedings. She moved to a 4-hour feeding schedule instead of 3. This allows Ella to be more awake and alert for her bottles and so far (knock on wood), it's been going great! She has taken 5 of her last 6 feedings by bottle safely. Her new feedings are a little bit lower in volume, but allows her to still maintain her weight. No more thanksgiving dinner for Ella every 3 hours. We really think this might be what it takes for her to come home.
I need to pinch myself...
I need to pinch myself...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Ella's 'birth'day!
Today Ella turned 3 months old and became a full term baby!
Had she been full term:
1. Ella would have had a birth weight of 7 lbs, 8.4 oz and been 19 1/2 inches long (and probably wouldn't have been enjoying her bouncey seat).
2. This could have been our first family photo.
3. Dad's wedding ring would have only fit her big toe (versus her foot and ankle).
4. We wouldn't have had the pleasure of seeing her grow on the outside for the past 93 days.
5. Mom would have been in labor today (and we're very thankful that wasn't the case!)
Happy 'birth'day, Peanut!
Had she been full term:
1. Ella would have had a birth weight of 7 lbs, 8.4 oz and been 19 1/2 inches long (and probably wouldn't have been enjoying her bouncey seat).
2. This could have been our first family photo.
3. Dad's wedding ring would have only fit her big toe (versus her foot and ankle).
4. We wouldn't have had the pleasure of seeing her grow on the outside for the past 93 days.
5. Mom would have been in labor today (and we're very thankful that wasn't the case!)
Happy 'birth'day, Peanut!
Monday, February 1, 2010
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