Today we met Emily. She is four days old today. We only spent one hour with her.
Emily is very premature. 34 weeks 4 days. She was 2100 grams at birth and 1980 grams today (it is natural to loose weight right after birth). Today she was breathing unaided with over 90% oxygen saturation levels. Her first two days she had assisted breathing and oxygen.
Emily has not started feeding on her own yet. She is being fed with a gastric nasal tube about 8.5 ml/hr (a teaspoon, maybe?). The doctors say it may be another week in the NICU before she starts feeding normally and orally. And then 2-3 days after that in a regular room. Apparently oral feeding was tried earlier unsuccessfully. We need to bring in our bottles and pacifiers tomorrow.
We understand that our surrogate mother is doing well and is recuperating out of the hospital. We have not met her.
The doctors tell us that the DNA test cannot be done until after Emily is out of the NICU. The DNA test is required for the consulate paperwork and without it, the paperwork cannot proceed. The test has to be conducted at the consulate.
We met two other couples at the children's hospital today. One of the couples has twins born on the same day as Emily who share the same room with her. We also spoke to a parent who is going through the US consulate process.
Well it is Saturday night. We have to find an apartment for the next month. We have to get over jet lag from arriving at 4 am this morning after a 30 hour flight time. We have to readjust to India. We have to get the paperwork going (and it is legion). We have to go and see Emily and consult with the doctor every day for the next week, then stay with her at the hospital for a few days. So it is busy!
And today we met Emily!
What fantastic family photo! Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteWe just arrived back stateside this morning. Congrats on meeting your gorgeous little gal and best wishes in the coming days/weeks.
ReplyDeleteTRUST ME...once you get the bottle going, the weight and progress comes very quickly!!!
We'll be thinking of you and hoping for an efficient process.
You guys look like a wonderful parents. You can see all the love to Emily in your eyes.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, she is not that premature. She has really good weight.
Our babies are in NICU for 4 weeks already and they just passed 1500 grams in weight. They are on the bottle since wednesday.
Emily will start her bottle soon and you will have her in your armes in short time.
We wish you all the best.
Ula and Saul
It warms my heart to see this picture finally.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the weight as others have said; our boys were both in the 1700gram range and now one has already passed 30lbs and the other is not too far behind... It's amazing how fast they grow.
Congratulations again!
Congratulations upon birth of your lovely daughter. Nice name.
ReplyDeleteI love this picture, Em looks really great!!! You must just be in shock and awe!!
ReplyDeleteToday is the first day of the rest of your lives! You all look so happy - well done!
ReplyDeletexxx
Girls particularly seem to do really well even when they are born a little early. Can't wait to hear more about your new life as a family!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the photo!!! And agree with everyone else - she's not too early and her weight is good. Our paediatrician told us the goal was 34 weeks and 2kg before our boys were born, and you achieved both. Now get that pacifier into her asap so she doesn't loose the natural sucking ability. Looking forward to lots more posts over the next month...
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOMG, so awesome! Congrats you two, now I gotta find an excuse to come visit in a few months...
ReplyDeleteYour church family is so happy for you and excited to meet Emily! What a great family photo! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteHi Guys,
ReplyDeleteShe is sooooo pretty. I don't normally say that, but she is beautiful. Pete and I are so happy for you.
Cheers
Brad & Pete
no doubt the love and joy can be seen in your eyes!!! a pic says a thousand words! congratulations on your beautiful daughter, emily, who is blessed with loving parents. we are SO happy for you guys....on cloud nine and can't wait to meet this little princess. what a long time coming amber & brian, you deserve every slice of happiness and we are thinking of you and praying for a speedy & smooth process back home. anyway you can come through houston on your way home? :)
ReplyDeletewe love you!!!!! jackie, philip & dion okeke
what a wonderful pic! She looks adorable. Like i told ula and saul, i was 32 weeks, 4lbs (and i am perfect as can be, lol)...lots of LOVE is the secret to strong healthy babies....she will be out sooner than u know it.
ReplyDeleteAll the best and good luck with exits and apartment hunting!
oh my gosh! huge congrats!!! we've been traveling the past week and look at how much has happened. This is amazing and the picture are just beautiful. From both of us in Chicago, big big hugs. Can't wait to hear more!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else...this photo speaks volumes and gives us hope that with perseverance this can happen. Thanks for sharing your story!
ReplyDelete