Home

Although it was really hard to leave her, it feels great to be home.  I've had a lot of long days, as well as long nights in a bed that was not my own, and I'm so looking forward to sleeping in my own bed!  It's also nice to be able to type this on a computer instead of my phone.

Keragan's still doing well.  She's up to 4 lbs 6 oz, which is 8 oz more than when we came 6 days ago!  Her little cheeks are getting chubby (she's got a dimple!), her fingers are looking a little thicker, and her preemie onesies are starting to actually fit.  As I mentioned, she's off of her oxygen, but she still occasionally has some issues with breathing and needs air.

She's also still having an issue eating.  Last week I was able to get her to take full bottles, however since she's been off the oxygen, she can't quite figure out how to both swallow and breathe on her own.  The nurses tell me that it's normal for a preemie, and that generally one day things just click and they get it.  I can't wait for that day, as I hate to keep seeing her stop breathing.

I finally got to hear her cry today.  She really doesn't cry at all, and I thought it was because her lungs just hadn't developed completely yet.  Today she yanked on her feeding tube so hard it came out and ripped the tape off of her face.  She fussed a little bit, but when the nurse put it back in she full out screamed.  It was hard to hear her scream like that, but at the same time it makes me realize how good of a baby she is.  She really is a very content baby.  Hopefully she stays that way once we bring her home.

I can't believe how alert she is!  She loves looking at things, especially faces.  She'll look you in the eye and really focus on your face.  Today she was looking at me, and I licked my lips.  She saw and started staring at my mouth.  I did it again, and she started sticking her tongue out, trying to mimic me!!  I couldn't believe it, I keep thinking that she's not old enough to be able to do it and that it's just a fluke.  But she did it again later, too, so maybe not.

We still have a ways to go, and I'll be heading back to the hospital early Friday morning for another week there with her.  A few people have asked about visiting, and we can have visitors.  Feel free to let me know if you're interested in coming to visit.  Please continue praying for her, that her lungs can get stronger and breathing will be easier.  Also, that she'll be able to begin taking full bottle feedings again consistently.

Hopefully next time I'm sitting at home, she'll be laying next to me!!!  Can't wait for that day.