Well, I can't believe it's been 4 months since Ellie was born! How time flies, but then again, not fast enough because Mom and Dad are sure tired! We're still feeding her every 2 hours during the day and 3 at night, and we're sure getting worn out! That probably has a little to do with why Mom couldn't fight off the cold germs any longer. My symptoms are pretty sporatic. Sometimes I'm feeling pretty good, then other times my throat hurts and then my nose starts getting congested again. I am sure praying for a speedy recovery. I'm wearing a mask anytime I'm holding Ellie, feeding Ellie or touching any of her things, washing my hands all the time - like I did before! - and trying to keep our place disinfected! I just sure don't want Ellie to get this blasted cold! Prayers for me as I'm getting a bit stressed. I'm doing the best I can, but am easily parinoid with her punky eating, and coughing. She has reflux, so she does that after feedings anyways, but I just pray that I'll be able to really tell if she's truly getting sick.
Well, great news yesterday - we went to meet with Melanie to try the breastfeeding again. I have noticed that Ellie has been nursing better, but was curious to see how much she's been transferring. Yesterday's 3 pm feeding she took 46 from the breast! I was so happy! We've still been practicing with other feedings and she's getting better. But like I said before, we're still practicing! Mom likes to sing to her while she eats. That seems to calm her down especially during her 1-2 feedings during the day when she's arch backing, batting at the bottle, and fussy. I think it's reflux related. The other night Ben and I were both singing over and over to her when she had a really fussy feeding. We'll see if that trick continues to work or not.
She's done pretty well at Lori's for the most part, so that's good. Ellie gets to watch Bridget run all over, so I'm sure she's pretty entertained there! Again, we're so blessed to have such a wonderful mom taking care of Ellie.
Prayers for us as we are still trying to finish up homework and our deadline (Jan 15 when school starts back up) is quickly approaching. I've been sick latley, so Ben's been a great dad in caring for Ellie, but in turn isn't getting homework done. I'm getting closer to being done with my practicum. Also next week training at Jardine starts for where I work and so that will be a time-intensive time as well. I'm also back to work now, so there will be more responsibilities I'll need to figure out how to juggle. I just pray I'm back in full health before all that madness starts!
Ellie's been awake a lot more now, and we caught her on some videos in her bouncy chair. Yes, if you hear me in the background - I'm fully aware that I sound like Elmo! :) :)
Praying you all are having a blessed new year!
Well, obviously you can tell by the number of days that we haven't posted, that we've been BUSY! I have started mid-year training back at Jardine, finish up practicum, and Ben has been trying to finish up classes and then of course watch Ellie while I've been gone! Our little Ellie sure is growing. Her eating is still sporatic, but just today she at 60 and 70 mL pretty consistently. Hopefully she's telling us she'd like to be fed every 3 hours instead of two! :) Anyways, she's been more attentive to the things she's looking at and we have a big picture frame on the white wall that she's always looking at when in her bouncy seat and close enough! We had Kim from Parents as Teachers come and teach us some more things we can be doing with Ellie to help in her development. She's the one who pointed out that Ellie probably loves staring at that picture frame because of the contrast! I've got to get some homemade black and white toys made...oh where is the time!
We didn't have to go this week for a weight check, but I'm of course curious! We'll have to wait until Jan. 15 at our next Doctor's appointment (4 mo). Ellie will get some more shots! No fun! Thanks for all your prayers for Ellie and my health. So far so good...as Ellie hasn't shown signs of being sick. Also, breastfeeding is still going well - now it's been more of the time issue - being available to feed her! I'm looking forward to school starting and establishing more of a routine. Ellie has gone to Lori's and been a good girl! Although we joke because it seems like Ellie likes to poop more often at Lori's than at home! She's really paying closer attention to watching Bridget run around and I think likes the entertainment! Today she ate 70 mL for Lori which was a first for the babysitter! Wahoo! I have also been able to go to Lori's and feed Ellie over lunch which has been nice!
My birthday came and went - on Jan.5 I turned 26 and Ben and Ellie serenaded me right at midnight - yes we were still up! I also got the book, Multiple Blessings as a gift from Ben and am looking forward to reading it! (It's the John and Kate Plus 8 TV show on TLC John and Kate's book about their preemie experiences). Ellie was at Lori's all day so we decided to go out to eat for lunch. It was nice to have some Mandy/Ben time!
Prayers for the upcoming week - Ellie's due again for her synagis shot. There has been some more insurance confusion so please pray that it gets settled before she needs it on the 13th. Prayers also for school is starting on the 15th and Ben will still be trying to finish up last semester's classes.
