Miss Fuzz

We're on day 19 in the NICU.

Today, I looked at her and a few quiet tears rolled down my face. I love her so much, and I miss her. And I'm so ready for her to be home. I want her to be with me. Only problem is...she's not quite ready. She's getting there, though.

She ate her very first full feeding this morning before I got there. That's a big step. Her doctor up'ed the two/day bottle feedings to three/day. She's been doing better with not spitting up- and she's up in weight to 4lbs 5.5oz! We'll see how she does over the next few days.

She's been having some more bradycardias lately (decreased heart rate). They (the nurses/doctor) say it's still something that's expected for a preemie and is still in the normal range....something she'll eventually grow out of. She's still on a daily dose of caffeine since she's been having these episodes and will likely continue until they resolve.

She's been placed on her right side a lot, and therefore, the right side of her head is getting a little flat (see first picture). Before I left, I asked the nurse to please lay her on her left side for a while. She may think I'm crazy, bu the right side of her skull needs room to stretch! Her nurse was very nice, of course, and said that wouldn't be a problem.

For a few days, I was thinking that maybe she was heading toward having blonde hair like her daddy. But today, her hair looked golden...or strawberry, maybe? Not red like Ava's, but not blonde like Patrick's. It'll be interesting to see what it ends up being. They must have washed her hair last night, cause it was SO fluffy and fuzzy this morning! LOOK at it! So freakin' cute. :)

She was making faces when I took this picture just before I left. But, I see a little of Ava here...just a few of her features. I think Bella may end up being a mini Patrick, though. We'll see!
Her doctor still says we're looking at about another week or so...so long as her feedings improve to the point where she's eating all feedings (nursing or bottle) by mouth. Keep the prayers coming!