Yes, this is another list - those of you who know me and my affection for list-making know this is a sure sign things are looking up! So many things have happened over the last 10 days that we have to be grateful for, we thought it important to start sharing more of them. Here are some from today alone:
Grace has warm hands and feet for the first time in her life. This is a sign that her heart is getting the blood efficiently to the far ends of her body, and has resulted in much tootsie kissing.
Grace pooped without a suppository. We are happy for her and for us that we won't have to learn how to do this at home!
We had a lunch date today, outside of the hospital. Thanks, Gram!
Grace is continuing to improve. She's reaching, rolling, cooing and making you work for a smile. This is the first day we feel like she's becoming well enough that we're not scared at the idea of taking her home.
We have a discharge plan, which means that taking her home is not too far away. This involves getting her off of her IV medications and onto oral medications, ensuring that she is stable on the mix of meds she will be discharged with and making sure she gains weight. She's currently on 1 heart medicine, 2 diuretics, 1 stool softener and 1 electrolyte balancer. We're hoping this decreases before she goes home, but we've taken our medicine distribution class so we're all set for whatever she needs. Her weight is a little less than when she came in (she's just shy of 10 pounds now), and they'd like to see her gaining before she heads off. Unfortunately, stress+worry+lack of sleep+lack of hydration+hospital food=low breast milk supply. Hopefully now that she's feeling better and mommy's sleeping more this will improve, but we have a plan in place to help her gain weight regardless. While this is a small bump in the road, small prayers towards increased milk supply would be appreciated. When it's the one thing a mama can do to help her babe, she wants to be able to do it.
In rounds this morning, the attending physician was so taken with Grace's cuteness in her hot pink leg warmers and matching hairband that she suggested PR come up and take pictures for hospital marketing. (this didn't happen, but just the recognition of outfit coordination coupled with unquestionable cuteness was a boost!)
We are continually grateful for all of you and your support. All those prayers offered and answered, all those words of encouragement, and all those messages of love.
We are more and more comfortable holding our girl despite wires and scars, and all 3 of us are loving it!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteWe're so happy that everything is trending in the right direction. We know the importance of a discharge plan, and I hope that Grace is D/C'd to a home program as soon as possible! Just being able to hold her more often will bring healing for all three of you. Continued thoughts and prayers coming your way.
ReplyDelete:) This makes me happy!
ReplyDeleteLove hearing the good news! Sending you all hugs, prayers and love.... Gotta love those leg warmers!
ReplyDeleteMilk Production: I have had some problems along the way, but certain things that work, along with less stress and more sleep....
ReplyDeleteMother's Milk: herbal suppliment. Found at most natural food markets. I take the higher dose even though my weight is less than the recommendation.
Creamy Items: Hate to say it, but milk shakes and ice cream and smoothies help.
Oatmeal: I have no idea why, but try a bowl every morning and see it work.
WATER, WATER, WATER.
Hope that helps....
Little love bug Grace, you are our Poster Child as you share your life with us. It strengthens our faith in watching you through all you have been through and still come out smiling....You are a precious little one and we are so happy for you, mommy and daddy for showing us how the Love of you three makes this world a happier place. It's a blessing to see you Grace heal because of the prayers through the Grace of God. xoxxooo Kay & Jim
ReplyDeleteI don't know this first hand but I have been told that there is nothing sweeter than a Daddy and his little girl. This picture proves it! Proverbs 17:6 for sure! Grace, You are loved by two parents who love each other. Jesus loves you and I love you.
ReplyDeleteGrandma R says, "You can tell by the pictures how well Grace is doing. Look at that smile on Daddy's face also. I know how much Jenni must be smiling - on the inside and outside. Wait until the hurricane is over and hope you can head to New York soon. Prayers will continue to come your way!"
ReplyDeleteWhat a joyous way to end the week! Precious Gracie Grace is back in the race full force. Precious Grace, we knew you and our Heavenly Father wouldn't let us down. You still bring tears to my eyes. I am so happy :) to know you.
ReplyDeleteJenni and Darren, you run a mean race, too and our Heavenly Father has answered hundreds of prayers with regard to Precious Grace to remind all of us of His amazing love and faithfulness! Much love.
What a lovely photo!
ReplyDeleteSeems like some strain has lifted from you both which is wonderful to hear!!! And how nice it is to see Grace in the arms of her parents where she belongs...
Trashstar
Xx
So glad you are seeing signs of improvement. Praying for milk production to increase. Praying for you all. She is a tough cookie!
ReplyDeleteJenni and Darren and Grace,
ReplyDeleteDavid and Sammy and I have been on vacation this week, but have been checking in on Grace's progress as we travel. I know it's no vacation for you, but we're so very happy to read the constant updates and learn of Grace's improvement. You guys are really special, and so's the little gal. Yea for PWOP! (Pooping without pills).
I am praying for good mother milk--and so delighted to hear about her solid progress.
ReplyDeletehang in there and know that we have been praying. xxoo--kathy posey
No advice but Grace's smile brings a smile to my face. xo John Helm
ReplyDeletePS Wish I knew how to post this without having to use the "anonymous" option.
Never thought I'd be praying for breast milk, but here goes.
ReplyDeleteLondoner
You can do it, mama!!
ReplyDeleteJust the smile on Gracer's face will help your stress level continue to go down, which will help your production! Of course, one of the most important things you can do for her is to keep taking care of YOU-- yeah, right, i know. It's the last thing you're thinking about right now, but as they always tell the Mama, you'll be stronger for HER if you keep taking care of YOU.
Let all those around you help you - take their help when they offer-- take a nap reassured that God and WE all have precious Grace's watch. Eat- even when it's not yummy, know that it's still nourishing you. DRINK WATER-- that's an easy one, provided it's nearby. Have someone (Darren or Mama G?) keeping it near for you... More easily said than done, surely. But if it all helps the milk production and that helps little Gracer, then I know YOU CAN DO IT! You are SuperMama!!!
Hang in there, guys. We continue to send many gentle hugs, lots of prayers, and so much LOVE. ~familia Duran
To the list-lover...
ReplyDeleteReasons why I look forward to checking this blog:
*to check what amazing progress Grace is making
*to check how to direct our next prayers for Grace and family... milk production it is!!!
*the witty, eloquent, inspirational posts
*the LOVE that oozes from each photo of Mom or Dad holding Grace
*to check the latest adorable use of Grace's name ("Speedgracer", "Gracie Grace", "Amazing Grace", "Graceland") love them all.
*to check out Grace's latest leg-warmer choice
*and selfishly, simply because Grace's face makes me happy :)
*and lastly, because I cannot get you three out of my mind. <3
Auntie Terisa says:Hope all is well in hurricaneville!!Hate to tell you it's a beautiful very warm day in California!!Today was your great grandpa Wesley's 91st birthday!!Sure he is looking down from heaven wishing you all the best!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so so so happy to hear that things are on the mend. You're little girl is so adorable!! :)
ReplyDelete