Ava is doing great. She came home on Friday, February 2. That is actually the day I was supposed to start my maternity leave. I thought I would have a couple of weeks to get everything ready before our little one arrived. Of course, Ava had different plans. She has definitely let us know that she runs the show. Anyway, we took Ava for her first appointment with the pediatrician last Tuesday. She had gained one ounce making her 4 lbs. 11 oz. We go back on Tuesday, so we are hoping she has gained this week.
The pediatrician didn't like the feeding plan we were on from the NICU, so he changed it once again. He said that her breastfeeding for full feedings is like her running a marathon at this point. He is now only letting me nurse her for 20 minutes and then we give her a bottle of breastmilk supplemented with neosure. We also have to feed her every three hours. That makes nights very long. I have to get up, change her diaper, breastfeed her for 20 minutes, warm up a bottle, give her the bottle which usually takes her 30-45 minutes to finish, put her back in bed, and pump for 20 minutes. That usually gives me an hour to an hour and a half of sleep before it is time to do it all over again.
I really shouldn't complain though. Ava is a great baby. The only time she cries is when she is hungry and that isn't very often. She definitely warns us that she is hungry before she begins to cry. She loves to get a bath which makes our job very easy.
Well, it's almost time for her to eat again, so I better finish up. I will try to post more often now that we are getting into a routine. I will definitely try to post again after her appointment on Tuesday.
Everyone has been asking me for pictures, so here are just a few. These pictures are a little over a week old, so I will try to post more current pictures soon. She is changing every day.
Ava's original coming home outfit. Of course, it was huge on her.
Ava's new coming home outfit.
Ava and Daddy coming home from the hospital.
Ava with Poppa and Grandma (my parents)
Ava with Gigi (Kurt's mom), Uncle David (Kurt's uncle), Pops (Kurt's dad), and Aunt Olivette (Kurt's aunt is holding Ava)
Ava with Aunt Jennifer and Caleb
5 comments:
so glad she is home and all is well. ahh the breastfeeding days. it will get easier I promise. I remember feeding every 3 hrs and pumping and just pure exhaustion--although kg never really took to the bottle. She is absolutely beautiful--enjoy these moments!!
I am SO glad to hear that Ava is home and doing well. I loved the new pictures!! =) Here's to praying that she continues to gain weight and grow stronger!!
Thank you for the update and the pictures, Kimberly! I am so excited to see your adorable little girl looking healthy. :-)
I can't even begin to imagine the schedule you're on right now! I continue to pray that the Lord will give you His strength and endurance, and also that Ava will continue to grow stronger and gain weight.
We love you guys!
We contiue to pray for each of you! What a blessing you hold each day. May you find the strength to go on until AVA is strong and healthy. While you are pumping sing Dory's song from Nemo..."JUST KEEP PUMPING, PUMPInG,PUMPING!" Maybe it will help relieve some stress!
Ava is SO precious and you are doing an awesome job being her mommy!
Before you know it, she'll be running up and down the stairs and you'll be chasing her! :-)
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