* Our L & D nurse volunteered to be our nurse. She was wonderful and attentive, and she even took time from her off day to come and see how things were going. She highly recommended the epidural before the pitocin (which I hesitated to take that early).
* The epidural came before the pitocin. I didn't feel an ounce of pain and was able to enjoy the 4 (or less) hours that I was in labor. Stress free! (I think this was helpful to Lily, actually.)
* Lily didn't go through much distress during labor.
* Lily's NICU doctor was not supposed to work on Thursday, but he came in especially for Lily.
* On the day she was born, Lily experienced 3 apnea episodes where she quit breathing and turned blue. We thought we were going to lose her, but she came through! The last episode was right after she was baptized.
* The NICU nurses were all wonderful. They loved on Lily and gave her such special care that I felt entirely at ease with leaving her in the NICU for a few hours on Friday night.
* I can't tell you how many times our doctors prayed with us. That was such a comfort, knowing that they believed that God led them in their work with Lily.
* Lily weighed 5 pounds 1 ounce. She left the hospital at 4 pounds, 12 ounces. Today, at her first doctor's appointment, she weighed exactly 5 pounds. Next week, we will be changing the amount of milk she gets.
* Lily's doctor is still unable to hear a heart murmer. That's great news, but it can still show it's ugly self in the next few weeks. It's something we don't want the doctor to hear!
* The doctor said that he would like to proceed with Lily as if she's a normal baby. He reminded us that he treated a child with Trisomy 18 who lived to be at least 7. It can happen!
* Our hospice nurse visited us today. She kept commenting on how great Lily looks. (Lily doesn't have the hard markers some babies with T-18 have.) She was impressed with her coloring, her fullness, and the lack of those markers.
There is so much to be thankful for, including all the thoughts and prayers that you have lifted up for Lily. I cannot thank you enough!
I am still so amazed and find myself fighting tears every time I see pictures of this wonderful child of God. You are right about her not having the hard markers. I love seeing those long fingers!
ReplyDeletePraying for you constantly!
J
Her sweet fingers were the first thing I noticed in the picture as well. What a tender, peaceful and beautiful photo of your precious Lily.
ReplyDeleteI realize you don't know me...I've had the privilege of walking alongside Jennifer and experiencing the profound impact of her Timothy's life. I am praying for you as you walk this journey with your Lily. May you sense God's tender hands holding you along the way.
~Karen
What a beautiful baby girl. She's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI thank God for every whisper of His presence in each moment of your days; so thankful you would take your precious, precious time to update "us" ... we continue to pray without ceasing for you, Dave, your entire family, and your beautiful, amazing, child of God, Lily Grace ... In His love and mine, Ann
ReplyDeleteJill,
ReplyDeleteThank you for continuing to update us on Lily's progress and your time so far with her. We continue to pray for you all every day. She looks more and more beautiful with each picture.
Shannon (Oliver's mom)
Thank you so much for sharing your sweet Lily! She brightens my day and always brings a smile to my face. She brings me closer to GOD. God Bless your sweet little angle, what a lucky mommy you are!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Nichole
Jill,
ReplyDeleteReading your blogs reminds me how much we all have to be so thankful for every day! These babies are such blessings and Lily is such an amazing miracle for your family! She is so precious...I hope that we can come and see her soon! Love, Amy
May you have many nights of being woken for feedings and changings. I hope you have months of teething and bottles, years for scrapes and kisses. And may each moment mean as much as the first.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank for sharing with all of us blog stalkers. Lily is a precious child and her life will impact more people that you will ever know.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through Stephanie Pinkard and Loni Hodges. My husband and I had a daughter born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.
Jill- you continue to amaze me and I also tear up when I look at Lily- what a precious miracle. This is the best news I have heard in a long time. Just enjoy each moment you have with Lily. When you think about it that is what all of us should be doing. You are always in my prayers and thought and I cannot wait to meet Lily.
ReplyDeleteTheresa
OMG she is so beautiful. I try to read your blog everyday to heep updated on baby Lily. She is a blessing. I will keep your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Lily with us. She looks much more healthy than Vera at birth. http://mylittlevera.blogspot.com/2008/06/icu-days.html And yet Vera is now 14 months! I have a deep belief that Lily is going to make it and that God couldn't have chosen better parents for her. I'm SO glad she had little distress and you had a good labour.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are beautiful. She looks so peaceful. i am praying that the bumps in the road will be tiny ones and that you will have much time to enjoy with your sweet Lily.
ReplyDeleteCathy (Annabel's mom T-18)
annabelgrace.blogspot.com