Big sisters Emma and Mary visited Claire along with Alan and I today.  She was sleeping and gave an occasional smile during their visit.  The doctor continues to report that Claire is thriving and is "mature".  She is tolerating her feeds and they have been increased to 11cc.  She will continue to be monitored and will remain in the isolette until shortly before discharge. 

As Claire begins to gain weight and shows consistency, we will start nippling to see how she tolerates the breast or bottle.  We are hopeful that she will continue her amazing progress and be able to come home sooner rather than later.  It is still anticipated that she will be in the hospital for at least a month.  We hope that she will be home in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  The timing is all up to Claire and her schedule.  The present goal is to gradually increase her feeds and calories to allow weight gain and growth.  As she grows stronger, she will then increase her activity which will include nipple feedings.  She does like her binky and I know she will continue practicing until we can graduate to the next step.

I was able to hold Claire today and have learned the power of a Mother's love.  It was so hard to leave her today - she was bright-eyed and trying to focus on her doll rattle that we left for her in the isolette.  She is so incredibly sweet and cute - of course I am a bit biased but I have fallen in love with our tiny daughter.

There are currently five babies in the NICU.  Two little boys have been roommates since Claire was admitted, one little girl will go home tomorrow, and there is a new baby boy as of today.  The little girl's mommy gave Claire a premie outfit as her daughter is too big for it to fit her.  It is a little big for Claire right now but it will fit her when she is ready to wear clothes.   She is a little Island girl right now and is snug and content in her isolette wearing just a diaper and a hat on occasion. 

We were also given a knitted baby blanket that was made by one of the hospital volunteers - all of these generous gestures and the fact I am hormonal reduced me to tears when it came time to leave Claire today.  The doctor and nurses were all supportive of me and I remain confident that they are providing her the best care possible.

Claire was practicing sucking today and she is a real trooper.  Alan gave her a taste of breast milk while she was getting her lunch today and she really liked it.  He also changed her diaper and helped put her back into the isolette.  He did a great job and while it has been a long time since he last changed a diaper, he has the technique down.

I am doing okay - today was a bit of a challenge as yesterday was a busy day running errands.  I pay a price if I am too busy and right now my focus is on daily visits with Claire, breast pumping, and rest.  Alan has been wonderful and very attentive to tasks that need to be done around home allowing me to rest.

We are happy and pleased with Claire's progress.  She is considered a "boring" patient which is perfect.  She just needs time to grow and gain weight.  Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers.  Our little Claire continues to thrive.  More soon.

xoxox,
D