Beth and I got a call at about 4:30 today that
Carle's Auxiliary Guest House had an opening that we could stay in. It is a huge house right behind the hospital that somewhat functions like a Ronald McDonald House. We can stay here for seven days before Addy is discharged from the hospital and seven days after. Lord willing we will only need a couple before.
This is a huge blessing because now we are able to stay with Addy as long as possible each night and not have to worry about driving home or gas costs. It also has it's own free parking lot for guests and Carle security is available to shuttle people to and from the hospital at any time. In fact, they ask that you call security at night instead of walking. I guess they're afraid someone will get mugged in the 200 yards from the hospital to the house, but it is reassuring to know that they are so conscious of our safety. Anyway the house has a continental breakfast each morning and a full kitchen at our disposal.
Addy is doing well. She is still adjusting to the larger 50 cc dose of formula each time and has spit up quite a bit today, but we have been reassured that it is completely normal and she is taking it well. She has been taking about 25 cc on her own most of the time before she falls asleep and has to get the rest from the NG tube.
The lactation consultant came and helped Beth try to breastfeed and she said that for Addyson's age, she is doing very well. Beth's milk is slowly coming in, so hopefully she will be able to start breastfeeding more often now.
Beth and I will probably be going to the hospital for Addy's 8 am feeding each day, if not her 5 am feeding and hopefully staying until her 11 pm feeding each night.
I am still working on getting pictures up somewhere, possibly Picasa or Snapfish, but we will at least put a link up on the blog to let you know where they are once I finish them. Beth has told me that I am worse than Lynn with pictures now because there are somewhere around 280 pictures of Addy so far, but I'm loving it.
We will try to update again tomorrow sometime and try to have pictures up.
Thanks for all the prayers!!
Addyson is the most perfect, beautiful baby you can imagine! I am so honored to be chosen as one the support people! Holding Addy is heaven! I can't wait until she can come home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious gift you have!! She is adorable! We're lifting you all up in our prayers. I just couldn't get you guys off my mind the day before last...so I did a great deal of praying! Please remember ALL OF YOU...it's ok to pace yourselves! Take turns...take naps...take breaks! You'll handle the pressures much better if you are rested and refreshed! This is alot of stress and pressure...so take it from a person who has walked in your shoes....GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION to take a break!
ReplyDeleteWE LOVE YOU!
Tom and Julie Creek