January 19, 2010
A Visit from Poppi & Puter

I realize that I've been updating this blog way more frequently than necessary.  The reason is two-fold.  First, I just can't resist posting all of the cute photos.  Second, a lot of family members have been asking for updates on Amelia's progress.  This is an easy way to update everyone at once, as opposed to making lots of phone calls.

Overall, today was a good day for Amelia.  She continues to grow (4lbs 7oz up from 4 lbs 5 oz yesterday).  She has also been doing a pretty good job maintaining her body temperature as they "wean" her from her little warming box.  In order to "wean" her, they turn the temperature down on her box and then take her out completely.  If she can maintain her body temperature for 24 hours outside of the box, then we can "start talking" about discharge.  If her body temperature dips, then it's back in the warmer and we try again when she's a little bigger. 

They tried this tonight, and Amelia made it about 6 hours out of the box before getting chilly and  having to go back in.  They said we may try again tomorrow night.  I think she will get better at it each time.  I keep reminding myself not to get impatient -- technically she should have another 21+ days of being warm and snug inside of me. 

The highlight of Baby Amelia's day today was a visit from Poppi and Puter.  Poppi and Puter have been visiting from Kansas City since Saturday and have been a HUGE help to Bill and I in getting things ready at home.  This is especially true since we weren't quite expecting to have a baby this early.  Thanks Poppi and Puter!

It was a little bit of a bummer that Amelia spent most of their visit in her box.  There weren't very many opportunities for "hands on" time with Poppi and Puter.  Because they are headed back to KC tomorrow morning, we asked the NICU nurse if they might have just a little one-on-one time with her outside of the box after tonight's feeding.  The nurse agreed (yeah!).  Poppi took some photos during their visit.  I've pasted them in below.

(click on the thumbnails below to view the larger version)