Update: Emery

After 2 consecutive days of weight loss, Emery has gained a little today. She is up to 4 lbs 13 oz. The doctor told Dan and I that 95% of preemies lose as much as 10% of their birth weight. Well Emery went down to 4lbs 11oz which was a loss of 7.4%. Hopefully with this new weight gain Emery has turned that inevitable corner and will be able to take a bottle. She is still jaundice which is normal for infants but it has not gotten worse. The doctor doesnt think she will need to go under the bililight.

On a side note NICU can be a place of joy but also heartache. We are so fortunate that Emery is as healthy as she is. We have met several families whose babies have a long road ahead of them. One particular family's situation tugged at our hearts. I cant remember the name but the baby girl is Grace. She was born Nov 3 at 24 weeks. Due to complications her mother passed away shortly after delivery. She is survived by her husband and a seven year old son. We met Grace's paternal grandfather and he shared their story. We expressed our condolences and told him that we would be praying for the family.

I am doing well. I have been sleeping a lot and just trying to get my strength back so that I can be ready to care for Emery when she comes home. I plan to visit her every day and spend that wonderful quality time with her as she gets stronger too. My main complaint is my very swollen feet and legs. It is uncomfortable and honestly kinda creepy looking. Abdominal pain is minimal, thank God. Dan is being a wonderful helper with everything. He wont let me lift a finger! He is handling my uncontrollable mood swings with grace. I think the Hep C treatment prepared him for this.

We are doing well and appreciate all the well wishes and prayers from all of you. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. May God bless you this year.

JD