Day 2 Bella Update

Just a quick update. Bella is doing about the same...maybe a bit improved. Until just recently, she was still intubated and getting a little help with her breathing patterns. A few hours ago, she was extubated and is now back on a CPAP machine. She's doing pretty well with that, although she likes to breath a little faster than they'd like with the CPAP. They put her on her belly, to stimulate the fetal position, to calm her a bit and to encourage her breathing to slow. But, she's being monitored and things seem to be stable.

This morning, I was able to get up and walk around for the first time since my surgery yesterday. Things are going pretty smoothly for me. My pain level is very bearable (much more so than post c-section with Ava)! So, I was able to go to the NICU and stand next to Bella and get a good, long look at her sweet, beautiful, perfect face.

I'm still not able to hold her yet, so she held my pinky instead and we talked for a while. I told her what Ava's favorite songs were- You are my Sunshine and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. She wanted to hear them, so I sang to her. She was mostly sleeping, but attempted to open her eyes and look at me a few times. She was just to darn tired to really hold them open. But, it was the first time I got a glimpse at her eyes...even if it was just for a second. They are beautiful eyes. :) Very dark in color- I think dark blue.

They had her laying on a little quilt today. She looked pretty cozy. Here we are having some much needed mommy-daughter time. I may have shed a few tears...I'm sure they wont be the last.

All hooked up...

Couldn't keep my eyes off her...


Ava got to meet Bella today for the first time. We have a video of her bringing her a little pink bear and touching and kissing her, but no real pictures yet. She was very sweet and told her, "I love you, Bella" as it was time for her to leave. Ava will be coming back again tonight, so I'll try to get some pictures. But, she already completely loves her baby sister and was incredibly gentle with her. Such a sweet little thing.

So, that's just a quick update for everyone. Patrick and I will probably be visiting her again soon so we can see her NOT intubated. I'll keep you posted on her progress. In the meantime, please continue to keep her in your prayers.