DAY 21 - WEEK 3

Yesterday was our week 3 birthday, or day 21 stay in the NICU. We have come so far and have accomplished so much. It's just amazing to me how well our little fighter has done!

Mary has task that she has to accomplish before she comes home. Of course the teacher in me is wanting her to be the best student! Although she is doing really well, some task are harder than others.

Many have said that this is a tiny baby and that is easy to deal with. Well, yes Mary is small. However, it's not all about her size. Mary has little milestones she has to accomplish and learn. This is where it gets hard, because you want her to do them fast!

Mary's todo list:

1) Mary has to maintain her own body temperature. She has done wonderful with this. She is now out of her bed and able to be in an open crib! This was an easy task to pass. I think she runs hot naturally like her daddy and sister.

2) Mary has to complete 8 bottle feeds a day with out a tube in her stomach. She is doing 4! They usually don't start trying until they are 34 weeks old, but she showed signs at week 33. Overall she does a good job, but she tires out pretty easy on this task. If she completes a feed great, if not they finish through the tube.

3) She will have to pass a carseat test. This will be closer to us getting home. When we talk about that you know we will be excited!

4) She can't have any Brady's. These are the episodes when her heart rate drops below 80. Jack and I have witnessed this for the first time. She turns gray and her eyes roll back in her head. It is a very scary feeling to watch and see. Part of this is her maturity. She will have to learn to suck, swallow and breath while she eats. If she has a Brady as we get closer to home, it sets us back 5 days.

Overall, Mary is the princess of the NICU. The nurses love her and fight over her. All the boys in the NICU have high demands, and Mary makes things pretty easy!

Jack and I are very blessed. We have two beautiful daughters and can't wait to finally have Mary home. We don't have a time frame, but keep praying that it is pretty soon. I'm just hoping its before the New Year so I get some time home with her before I return to work! However, if that is not the plan I'll understand and know she's in the best place.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. We are very lucky to have so many people fighting and cheering for us. Again, we are blessed in so many ways.