NICU Stories

March 04 2016

Today they had me straight cath her. It was freakin' scary. Her nurse's name is Todd and he helped me feel less nervous even though I was freaking out. 

Seriously, they don't teach you ANYTHING in school. I had no idea where the urethra was. I mean, I'm a girl and all and I know we have one, you just NEVER think about where anything is on your own body, let alone a tiny human! 

Anyways, it was a success. She didn't even cry. She did start pooping though and I'm so glad her nurse was there to help me out because we can't get any poop on the line so he cleaned it while I kept pushing the line in to get more pee out. I don't know how I'm going to do this at home or if I'm going to do it by myself. I hope Heath learns soon so he can help me out and we can do it together. 

Other than that she's doing really well. She got get IVs out and is now receiving get nutrients completely from milk. Her head hasn't grown at all today. It's still 2cm more since her birth. They're not concerned though. She moves so much and today she opened her eyes and was looking at me while I chatted with her. She is so precious and makes some similar faces to Bret. I can't believe I'm a mom of two and how much I'm learning. Mia is a fighter and I couldn't be more proud of her. I hope she continues to do well.

March 06 2016

Today was a great Sunday! We went to Orem for Spencer and Bethany's baby Emma's blessing. While Spencer said the blessing I thought of Mia and the opportunities and obstacles she might encounter in life. I was filled with hope knowing that if we stick with the gospel, it will all be alright. 

During the sacrament hymn I began to cry. I missed her so much! I wished she were there with us. I told Heath this and he said he also missed her. I could tell he was having a hard time too. Then, it was time for testimony meeting. Heath bore his testimony. I am so grateful for Heath and his sensitivity to the spirit. He's such a great dad and husband. He talked about the priesthood and how real it is. He said that sometimes even though we have the faith to heal and be healed, it might not be the Lord's will because in his infinite mercy He wants us to suffer a bit more in order for us to exercise our faith. Also, it takes as much faith to be healed as to NOT be healed because we have to trust that the Lord has a better plan and that He will help us through our trials. Later, Spencer bore his testimony and said how hard it was more a days to be a worthy priesthood holder and how proud he was of the men that participated in the blessing because they were worthy of it. I'm also VERY grateful that Heath is a worthy priesthood holder. It is such a blessing and comfort in our home. 
We went to the hospital after that and visited Mia. She is adorable!! I can't get enough of her! We can now turn her on her side!! It's so nice to be able to hold her closer and see her face forward. She is so cute and loves being held! She wakes up every time and just enjoys every minute of being held! She looks at us and holds on to our finger with her hand. 

I was able to do skin to skin for the VERY FIRST TIME last night and she couldn't believe it! She kept looking around at me and smiling! I love my sweet Mia Grace. 
Heath was amazing today with her as he changed her diaper twice and cathed her for the very first time. He also held her and fed her for the first time. He loves his baby girl. 

Her head is growing. She's already up 3cm from the day she had surgery. Usually babies' heads grow about a cm every week. So hers is up by a bit. They are going to do an ultrasound tomorrow. I wish they would do something about it sooner than later. I'd rather then catch it early than have her experience the symptoms of hydrocephalus. However, I also don't want her to have another surgery. I also don't want to watch for shunt malfunctions. I wish I could take it all away. But I can't. 
As Heath was putting Bret's clothes on today after his bath, we talked about how hard this is and that even though we believe in what he said in his testimony, it doesn't make it less hard. Bret patted him on the shoulder, Heath patted me in the shoulder and said, "hope you know, I'm having a hard time". 
I love our family so much. I hope we can make it through this.

March 07 2016

I couldn't go see Mia today because I'm sick. I was so sad I couldn't be by her side, hold her and give her kisses. 

My mom was awesome! She made me teas, soup, and lemonade. I was glad I was able to spend some more time with Bret. Little Bret is getting an attitude! It's hilarious and kind of scary! Haha what an I going to do when my baby becomes a toddler?!!

Mia's nurse practitioner called, her head is getting bigger, her ventricles are swollen basically they're just waiting for her to show symptoms of hydrocephalus to do something about it. It breaks my heart that she'll have to go through yet another surgery. Cathing is going well Paula says that she might not even need to be cathed when she comes home! That would be very nice! 

Heath went and worked for his business today and then Frodsham's called and he went and worked for them. He came home, helped me feed Bret, bathed him and put him to sleep and then he was off to the hospital. He is staying there over night and will be with Mia, study and then just go to class in the morning. I am so amazed at how much he does for our family, how he tries so hard and shows us how much he loves us. He is amazing. I consider myself a very lucky girl.
So, here's to the man of my dreams! :)