I have to remember that there's a higher power in charge. I now understand why God is keeping Jossie in the hospital a bit longer. Besides letting her grow more, we got hit hard last night with Jack coming down with the stomach flu. I'm home with my little bugger today who is currently sacked out on our bed next to me. The washer and dryer are constantly going, as I'm trying to clean things as quickly as possible (it's almost comical - a nesting mommy trying to keep her home rid of germs as her firstborn continues to get sick). Jack even threw up on the cat. It's not funny right now, but it will be funny someday.
Jeremy visited Jossie this morning, but did not pick her up, in case he was carrying any germies. I'll probably steer clear for a day or so. Luckily, Jossie has our favorite nurse today, and I've already spoken with her a few times. Jossie gained 15 grams yesterday and is up to 3 lb 4 oz. She has been brady-free since her episode at 10:40 a.m. Thursday morning. Did you know that there are 120 hours in five days?
More to come...
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
February 3 baby update
Jeremy and I spent the day with Joss today. It was delicious to be reunited with her. She unfortunately had another brady episode this morning around 11 a.m., so the five-day clock restarted again. I want her 100% healthy when we bring her home, but you can probably imagine how frustrating this is for us. I've cried enough tears for all of Chicago.
Every single time she has had a brady episode, she has been able to self-recover, but we of course would never want an episode to happen at home. Jeremy and I have signed up for a refresher course on Monday for infant CPR - it feels good to be doing something.
Jeremy's sister Cassie asked me to be her matron of honor at her wedding today. I was deeply touched and so honored. Jack and Joss will also participate as the cutest ringbearer and flower girl ever. When we asked Jack if he wants to be a ringbearer, he cheered and then said seriously, "what does that mean?" And then I got all teary again (big surprise) because if Joss is timid to walk down the aisle, Cassie suggested that Jeremy carry her down the aisle and so THEN I start thinking about Joss' wedding day and Jeremy walking her down the aisle and hello, waterworks.
Anywho, back to the present: Here's a little love between Daddy and daughter from today:
And we continue to be amazed at the similarities between Joss and Jack. Here's a picture of Jack, a few days old in Daddy's arms from November 2007:
And one last piece of love. We came home to a dinner of chicken pot pie tonight, courtesy of Amy and, yes, that's a heart cut-out in the middle, and, yes, I cried when I saw it.
Every single time she has had a brady episode, she has been able to self-recover, but we of course would never want an episode to happen at home. Jeremy and I have signed up for a refresher course on Monday for infant CPR - it feels good to be doing something.
Jeremy's sister Cassie asked me to be her matron of honor at her wedding today. I was deeply touched and so honored. Jack and Joss will also participate as the cutest ringbearer and flower girl ever. When we asked Jack if he wants to be a ringbearer, he cheered and then said seriously, "what does that mean?" And then I got all teary again (big surprise) because if Joss is timid to walk down the aisle, Cassie suggested that Jeremy carry her down the aisle and so THEN I start thinking about Joss' wedding day and Jeremy walking her down the aisle and hello, waterworks.
Anywho, back to the present: Here's a little love between Daddy and daughter from today:
And we continue to be amazed at the similarities between Joss and Jack. Here's a picture of Jack, a few days old in Daddy's arms from November 2007:
And one last piece of love. We came home to a dinner of chicken pot pie tonight, courtesy of Amy and, yes, that's a heart cut-out in the middle, and, yes, I cried when I saw it.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
My snow day
I wasn't entirely here today. My mind was floating above me, thinking about our situation and our little girl. I helped Jack to build a fort of blankets and pillows, and we made buttermilk pancakes together in the morning, but otherwise Jeremy was the chief caregiver as I quietly organized Jack's baby clothes by age and pulled things out that Jossie could use. I pulled Jack's room apart, organizing each drawer, and the project got bigger and messier as the day wore on. I did countless loads of laundry and am just finishing up now as the evening news signs off.
I was really thrown for a loop at the news received early today but am comforted by remembering a few things.
To quote Maria, I'm one of the lucky ones. My girl is healthy; she's a preemie and her brain just needs to develop a bit more to master the body's functions. She's in one of the best hospitals in the country and is getting the best care possible. And she's so young right now that she will never remember these moments. And for all of us, this will soon be behind us, and our family of four will be home under one roof.
Okay - just one moment of sadness: My first night away from Jack was when he was almost 19 months old. It breaks my heart to think about how I haven't been with Jossie overnight in these early weeks of her life, and today, with all of the snow, I haven't seen her in more than 24 hours. I'm drawing strength from my nearest and dearest to get through this moment.
But here's something sweet to end on: Jeremy's sister Cassie got engaged tonight! I don't have all of the details but we are just thrilled for her and Daniel, who Jack has been calling Uncle Daniel for months now. Sweet indeed!