Stella says hi and thanks all of you for checking in on her so often. SHE LOVES THE ATTENTION!
Things seem to be much calmer now that we have begun to believe what the doctors are telling us, that Stella is doing great. She sleeps most of the time waking up now and then and opening her big dark eyes. She does not like them jostling her around and she lets them know it with a very robust cry. Because she no longer has access lines to her blood through tubes, they are taking blood samples a couple times a day from her very tiny little heel. As with most babies, Stella has lost a few ounces. She is down to 2.2 today but the staff says that is just fine. Her little system is tolerating food so far which is awesome.
I didn't go to the hospital until after 7:00 pm tonight. I knew that Jason and Tawni would be there to do another skin to skin visit with their beautiful daughter so I didn't do too much touching myself and limited the photos. I didn't want her to become overly stimulated before her Mom got there.
One of Stellas nurses in the NICU is a friend of Jason and Tawni's. She came in tonight after having been involved with the delivery of a premie who didn't make it. There are two other babies in the unit, both of which were much larger than Stella who both have severe problems. We just keep pinching ourselves that she is doing so well. Even if your not someone who believes in miracles or divine intervention, this little peanut may change your mind and your beliefs. I am much more emotional today as I think everything is settling in. I took a video tonight of us hanging in Stella's room. Tawni went home today and all things considered is doing well.
Love to all of you,
