Back to the Real World

The Journey:

DAY #2

Tuesday was an emotional and busy day. We had many visitors come to see baby Esther and us. Andy was their tour guide... Inbetween visitors, I slept the day away... 

That evening, we had plan to leave the hospital at 5 o'clock in the evening. But a nurse, that we had been witnessing to (for the past three births... lol), recognized that I needed more time to be near Esther and worked it out for me to be there another night. I received dinner and my room for the night... We spend several hours with Esther and I was able to do the "Kangaroo Care" for the second time!

Kangaroo Care is very important in preemie care. Esther snuggles up on me... close to my heart for several hours. It helps us bond, makes her stronger, and stimulates her food supply.

Afterwards we left and spent our first night back in our own bed. That was wonderful! :D

DAY #3

Today, Andy went back to work and I went back to being a mommy and housewife. LOL It was so nice to see my other daughters, hugging them and kissing them... just loving on them. They make me laugh and smile. :)

Andy's mom took the girls at 1PM so I could get some KC with Esther. During that time, I sang and sang Bible Children's songs. I've noticed that the Kangaroo Care time with Esther has been drawing me closer to my Saviour and is strengthening and renewing me spiritually. It is also the perfect break that I need from my busy life. I'm so glad that God's plan is so perfect and that He knew.... and took care of me. 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Esther's Update:

Our daughter is doing well. She weights 3 lbs 9 oz now. She still has the CPAP oxygen on, but the respiratory specialist said that she didn't think it would be for much longer. YEAH! She has been taking my milk now, which is absolutely wonderful! The doctor came in to look at her and said everything looked good. All good news about our Baby Esther....

She DOES need to be under the light for jaundice, but it's more preventive care than anything else. 

It makes me think of the song.... "He's got the whole world in His hands. He's got the little itty baby in His hands." Our little Esther from birth has been and still is in our Heavenly Father's hands. I know He watches over her and cares for her. :D

Praise:

• Second vehicle: We really needed two cars for this time... and God worked everything out for us to be able to borrow a car from my parents. A huge blessing!
• Laundry: I know this is ridiculous... but I had SO much laundry before leaving to the hospital and afterwards, when I came home, it was ALL done and folded. To my mom, a friend, and mother-in-law: THANK YOU!
• Yuliya's health: Overall, I feel really good. I'm really glad that my body has healed so quickly. I makes it easier for me to do all that I need to, but don't worry, i have no plans to overdo it either.

Prayer:

• Andy & Yuliya: For grace, understanding, kindness, and tender love toward each other.
• My other daughters: To get the attention and love that they need.
• Esther: For us to get bonding time with her. For her to grow and be strengthened daily.
• Family: Finances, family time, adjustments, strength and patience, workable schedule

Blessings, Prayers, and Involvement

Andy's Update on Esther:

"Well, not a lot changed today until this evening. We went down with some family and found out that at her resting rate she is not requiring additional oxygen support! Praise the Lord! She is still wearing the CPAP machine for when she wakes up or they move her around but currently she is breathing on her own. We are doing the "Kangaroo Care" (skin to skin) for the first time tonight.

Today she opened her eyes for the first time since delivery. Being born isn't easy on such a little girl's body. Because of the quick delivery and oxygen mask, her eyes have been swollen but today I was holding her hand and she started opening one of her eyes. We turned out the lights and she turned her head towards me and through those puffy little eyelids... she was looking at her daddy! Pretty exciting. :) Her skin is also starting to clear up a little and the bruises starting to heal. She is still very fragile but it's great to see every little bit of progress God gives us! The Plan is for us is to be discharged tomorrow night. "

Visitors:

We really appreciated all the visitors we had today. It meant a lot to us and brought us joy and laughter. 

First we had Andy's grandpa come by. He was thrilled to see we all were doing well and enjoyed meeting his great granddaughter. :)

Most of our visitors descended upon us between 3 PM and 7 PM. Lol First a sweet couple who waited forever to see us and a good friend who brought Esther her first preemie outfit (an unexpected need). :)

Afterwards my parents and brother brought our little girls to see us! Boy have we missed them! Alena was so emotional when she saw me and Kenni couldn't keep still and just wanted me to hold her. 

Soon after my aunt Inna and cousin came by... Bringing me my favorite russian treats. :D It became a party. After lots of hugs/kisses with our babies, sharing updates, and even glimpses of the precious babe, my husband saw that I needed some rest and shooed them all away. ;)

Last my cousins came and we spend the evening together laughing. :D

Prayer requests:

Esther

• Weight gain and growth
• Learn to suck and swallow
• Continue to breathe on own without assistance

Yuliya

• Begin producing milk
• Adjust to separation
• Visiting daily with Esther

Involvement:

We realize that many of you would love to see Esther, but her time in the Nicu, we hope and pray will be brief and so we must concentrate on getting Yuliya to spend the most time with her so as to encourage bonding which will be critical to bringing her home quickly. Afterwards we'd love for you to come and see this little beauty of ours. :)