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| Relaxing in her incubator |
Per the decision made between us and our doctor, I was induced Tuesday morning. We decided it was the best course of action to bring Emrey into the world just a bit earlier than normal to help her grow. It's much easier to chub a baby up when you can see her. ;) The entire labor process took only 6 hours - not the most fun 6 hours - but it wasn't too bad. There is ONE bonus of having a very small baby to deliver. :) Our little girl was born even smaller than the specialists were estimating from the ultrasounds - a whopping 3 pounds 4 ounces. I could tell right away that we would be repeating our experience from Ellinor's birth. At least we have an idea of what we may be in for - the experience is not as frightening this time around.
Emrey is currently sun bathing under the bilirubin lights and also gets to nap on top of a bilirubin light blanket. Her numbers spiked yesterday but thanks to wonderful doctors and nurses in the NICU, and a blessing from her daddy, the numbers are steadily dropping back down. We crossing our fingers that this does not take too many more days to stabilize. In order to bring our lovey home her levels have to be stabilized for a couple of days. She is not happy about the feeding tube in her nose, but this will help us make sure she is fed enough. It is hard to see my baby all hooked up with IVs, monitors, feeding tube, bilirubin lights and mask - I'd much rather her just swaddled up and cuddling with me. But I am so grateful for the modern technology and medicine that makes her treatment possible. I know we are truly blessed these days with the advancements that Heavenly Father has allowed us to make.
Emrey was swept away with the Life Flight ground crew to IMC within an hour of being born. I was able to give her a quick kiss and Ellinor got to say hello while she way laying in the incubator transport bed. Poor Ellinor is not allowed in the NICU at all so she hasn't gotten to meet baby sister since. We show her pictures but it is hard to grasp the concept of having a baby when you can't actually meet her! ;) I am super anxious to have both of our beautiful girls together. They already look so much alike!! I can only imagine the fun we will be having with them as they grow up together.
Bryan and I were able to stay at the hospital last night and we get to again tonight. The NICU has a couple of parent rooms available - you put your name on the list if you are interested in staying in one and then wait to find out in the afternoon if it's open for you (based on availability and the situation of each family's baby). Fingers crossed we draw the lucky number again tomorrow - trying to breastfeed means I need to be available to Emrey through the night. Ellinor is doing well with Grandma Carolyn to care for her. We miss her incredibly when we are up at the hospital!! It's already a weird balancing game to play between the 2 girls. I need two of me so I can be there for both equally!! I am grateful for the help of family and we know she is in the best of hands. Hopefully Ellinor forgives us for the fragmented time together these last couple of days.
I appreciate all of the well wishes and prayers that have been sent our way! Thank you to all of you who have been following Emrey and rooting her on. She is a darling baby girl and will be home before we know it! I have total confidence. :) We will continue to post pictures and count down to her homecoming.
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