Well, another week has passed with the Gramkows. Phew. Although I was really looking forward to a restful weekend. It's turning into a rest-filled weekend, but because we seem to be all sick! :( Well, Ben's officially been sleeping with some major congestion since last night. So, I've been hanging out with Ellie, but my throat's not feeling the greatest either. I thought Ellie was getting sick a couple days ago - just had more runny nose than normal - but it was a one day thing and she's not showing any other symptoms of being sick. He eating patterns have been low and REALLY frustrating for me! But we're tugging along. I think single parents are amazing! I don't know how they do it! It's been a challenge not having my partner in crime helping out. Prayers for a speedy recovery for him. He's also still working on classes from last semester. AND the Engineering Career Fair is on Tuesday. Please pray that God would open up some job leads for Ben.
Jeanette, our occupational therapist, came on Tuesday and evaluated Ellie. She said Ellie's favoring "turning her head to the right" has evened out more. We've been pretty intentional about changing her diaper changing table direction, the way her head faces when she sleeps, etc. She's also loving her boppy pillow and will look both ways quite a bit. She'll come back in another two weeks.
We're also having the home monitor RT come on Monday actually because they have to download all of Ellie's data off the monitor - the memory is full! I think that's pretty good lasting this long after we've been home. It usually fills up faster with the more episodes.
Good news on the synagis - there are supposedly no problems this month and it's supposed to ship out on Monday, be here Tuesday. The home health nurse will come Tuesday afternoon.
We'll head back to the Doctor this week for a weight check. So I'm really curious to see how much she weighs this time!
Crazy that it's only one more month until our NICU follow up appointment - March 3. The time is going by so fast. Although with all my life roles right now, I'm not to disappointed with how fast it's going. Prayers for me there too. It's a lot. Some days are better than others, but I just find that I am absolutely exhausted at the end of the week! Please pray for strength for both Ben and I.
Blessings and hope the rest of you Kansas Folk are enjoying this beautiful weather while Team Gramkow is snoozing and resting inside. Go away cold and flu season!
I never thought I would ever find myself saying this, but I'm just so glad that Ellie's pooping patterns are improving. Now I think I am starting to know how the rest of you moms out there feel changing stinky diapers! I thought I would also update you that Ellie still does have her princess calendar....and she got a gold sticker the other day because she ate 100 mLs...yes, I know I need to start talking in ounces these days! So a little over 3 ounces! We're so proud and today, she impressed us again. Two records in one day: 3 stools and 680mL (for the day, so that would be around 22 ounces) !!! Wahoo! She's gotta be 10 pounds by now!
ALSO .... HAPPY FIVE MONTH BIRTHDAY ELLIE! I seriously can't believe it's been that long! Happy Birthday to Uncle Greg and Uncle Wade too!
Still smiling these days! Too fun...so sorry I haven't kept up with posting. Have a test coming up this week, so you might not hear from us again for a little while. For those of you who periodically check, I've decided I'm going to post every Saturday. :) Others during the week might just be extra surprises! :)
We'll go back to the doctor next week, and believe it or not, but next week is when Ellie's due to get her next synagis shot. We got changed back to the first insurance, so hopefully THIS time, it'll be ok with out any major drama!
Lord, we are so thankful for this precious gift of life who has now turned 5 months old! She is such a blessing to us. Please guide us as parents and help us to love and care for Ellie the best that we can amidst this busy student schedule we lead. We are forever grateful that you've provided for our needs thusfar. We rejoice in your creativity in our smiley little Ellie. Please be with the babies in the NICU tonight as I think of our time there often...
Until next time...blessings from team gramkow!