Saturday, October 26, 2013

Pictures Of Caris Noelle

 
 
Here are some more pictures of our miracle, Caris.
 
She is getting stronger and bigger each and every day. She hit 3 pounds this week!
 












Thursday, October 17, 2013

Caris' 1 Month Update


Our Caris is 1 month old today. God has blessed us so much by giving us our sweet little lady. He has been so gracious to us, providing what we need when we need it. Caris is 2 pounds 8.1 ounces and is just over 15 inches long. She is growing bit by bit every day! She is looking so beautiful and healthy. I would have been pregnant just over 30 weeks today. I am sad for the time lost with her in my belly, and I struggle seeing her defenseless and knowing the strength it takes her to endure pokes from nurses, tests being done, and simple cares. But I am thankful God has given us these extra weeks to love her and hold her. I know He has BIG plans for our love. Some other updates...she is now taking in 22 mL of my milk every 3 hours...hopefully in about 3.5 weeks she will start learning to feed by mouth. I think she will do great, as she is starting to suck on her pacifier. She had to have her third blood transfusion this week due to a low blood count. She is just so silly and tolerates these way better than getting her temperature taken under her armpit! She still has her heart murmur...we are praying hard that her extra valve closes on its own. Her oxygen levels have been improving and her drops in them as well as her heartrates are becoming predictable...usually with tests, cares, or feedings. Our strong little miracle girl is surprising everyone with her progress. Keep the prayers coming, please. We are immensely thankful for them!

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Pictures Of Our Sweet Caris

Today, Caris is 2 1/2 weeks old. She weighs 2 lbs. .6 oz. Her doctors say she is doing incredibly well for her gestational age (28 1/2 weeks). Her caregivers are all very positive about her progress and the future. I know it is all of your prayers giving her strength to fight.
 
God has been so good to us. Her health. Love and support. Prayers from around the world. Kind words and generous giving.
 
Our daughter is so precious. She is beautiful and has progressed wonderfully healthwise in her 2 1/2 weeks. She was taken off her IVs this week--a big step. She still has her feeding tube in her mouth and is on oxygen. From time to time, she forgets to breathe and has a brady, with a low heartrate, but usually recovers on her own. Sometimes she needs to be stimulated. But these bouts are becoming fewer and farther between. Please continue to pray for Caris' lungs and strength.
 
Because her IVs were taken out, I was able to start dressing her in clothes this week. She swims in her preemie clothing, but sure looks darling all dressed up!
 
Caris is tolerating her feedings really well. She is up to 18 mL breastmilk every feeding. About 34 weeks gestation is when we may start to work on feeding her by mouth. At 32 weeks, I can start giving her a bath. Some exciting steps coming up!
 
Here are some pictures!
 
My first day of Kangaroo Care (skin-to-skin snuggling)-Day 5:

Caris' 1 week picture:

My beautiful daughter:

Wearing her first piece of clothing- a wintry hat:

Colin's first day of Kangaroo Care:

Caris' 2 week picture:

 Caris' first time in clothes!:
 
October 4th:
 
I love her so much!
 
Please continue to pray for our sweet Caris. Thank you all so much.