Is this the peak?

I know I said Nora was just a fussy/high needs baby a few posts ago; however, Phil and I (and the doctor) have revised that label. She is just plain colicky. After our visit to the ER at our follow-up appointment with the doctor, he concluded there was nothing serious to worry about and all the crying she was doing in the evening was normal.

According to the books, websites, and doctors I have consulted, colic tends to peak when a baby is around 6 weeks old-or 6 weeks after their expected due date in the case of fabulous preemies. Well Nora was 6 weeks after her due date yesterday, and let me tell you it was the most difficult day we have had to date. Poor Phil came home to both his girls crying! We are hoping and praying that we are now over this mountain of a challenge and that it is downhill from here.


***check out our family photo album for new photos from the last month***

Visit to the ER

Well, I just got home from my first visit to the ER with Nora. While I am sure this won't be the last time we ever have to go to the ER, I am hoping that it is a very long time before we ever have to go back.

This morning Nora had blood in her diaper, so after finding out that they don't give same day appointments to children at Madigan, we were told to take Nora to the ER. Two x-rays, a test of her stool, and SIX HOURS later all we know is that there probably isn't anything seriously wrong.

If you haven't picked up on my tone yet, I am VERY frustrated. After the amazing care Nora recieved in the NICU, I was a little surprised by the substandard system they have set up for kids. Both Phil and I can get same day appointments but Nora can't?!?! What the heck?!?

We have a follow up appointment tomorrow and shots on Wednesday, so expect another note this week.

Fussiness

While I wouldn't classify Nora as a "colicky" baby, we have definitely entered a new stage of her growth...a very very very fussy stage. Shortly after hitting the 2 month mark (or zero, when talking about her development), she changed from a very mellow baby that only cried when wet or hungry (and stopped as soon as the need was met), to a fussy gassy little girl that screams for what seems like hours. I am not sure how the parents with truely colicky babies survive. It is so painfully to hear her cry and not be able to do anything to fix it!

Phil and I are starting to figure out how to deal with this new behavior and what causes it, but it is trying nonetheless. Consequently, our sleep has become even more erratic and our house even more of a disaster. I suppose just another bump in the road of parenthood! We can't wait to climb over this one and take on the next, hopefully it will involve a little less crying!

Shots suck!

Today Nora had her 2 month shots including the Synagis vaccine for RSV. She did not love being stuck with 4 different needles, but Mom is glad to know she is on track with her vaccinations. No major preventable illnesses in this house!

To get the dosage right for our tiny little girl, they had to weigh her, and I am happy to report she is up to 5lbs 9oz!! That is 8 oz up from last week-she is packing on the weight!

Things here in the Ambrose household are going good- we are looking forward to a visit from Grandpa and Grandma Reale and Auntie Kathy this weekend.

Over 5 POUNDS!!!!

Yesterday Nora had her 2 month check up, and she weighed in at 5 lbs 1oz and is now 17 inches long! We are so excited that our little girl is growing to "regular baby" size and will soon be in "regular baby" clothes :) As far as everything else, we are all doing good- still working on ways to get more sleep at night. Of course that probably won't resolve for at least a couple months when we don't have to wake her to eat anymore.

In other family news, this Friday Phil will be promoted to Captain! He technically already holds the rank, but we have simply been too busy to do the ceremony. I will post pics on in our family album this weekend.

Growing, growing, gone!

I am so very proud to announce Nora has outgrown her first outfit! Now to many parents this many not seem like much of a milestone, as kids tend to outgrown things faster than we go through toilet paper, but let me assure you, to the parents of a preemie outgrowing something is a HUGE milestone! With "preemie" sized clothing practically falling off her tiny body just a couple weeks ago, getting to pack away a tiny outfit because it doesn't fit is very exciting!

We went to our first check up on Tuesday, and I am happy to report everything is good! She gained 80 grams-slightly less then the docs would hope, however we have another check up next week. Hopefully, she makes up for the lack of weight gain between now and then. Considering the amount she is eating, I will be surprised if she doesn't gain a bunch :)

Phil and I are still slowly adjusting-do you ever get used to this schedule? We, of course, struggle with the lack of sleep, but we are finally figuring out how to get all the "must do" chores done in between feeding the Hungry Monster. All in all life at home is even better than we had hoped.

and a baby makes three!

Nora is finally home! We got all packed up and out of the hospital yesterday afternoon. I can't even describe how much of a relief it was to get out of the hospital. Now we are just trying to adjust to a whole new schedule and setting.

Hugs to all! thank you so much for all your thoughts, prayer, cards, and well wishes! We made it out of the hospital, now Phil and I just have to survive the next 25+ years! :)