Day 7

Well, we have made it through the first week and things are very positive. Charlotte has made great progress everyday and we are thankful for all the good news. They removed her CPAP today and moved her to a cannula, the least invasive breathing assistance. She has gained back some her weight and her feedings have steadily increased all week with her supplements simultaneously decreasing as she takes more breast milk.

We change her diaper when we can. The IV and other cords present and interesting challenge, but we make due.



She is the most stylish baby in the pod, thanks to her Aunt Amy. Check out her personalized incubator cover.





Aaron and I feel very blessed to have so many caring friends and family members. We appreciate all of the words of encouragement and prayers for Charlotte. We have a long road ahead of us and it definitely makes it easier to know that we don't have to travel it alone.

More updates soon.
Katie

Perspective

Dad Update

Charlotte continues to do well and has had her feedings increased to 7cc while having her IV nutrition decreased.

She has been breathing 21% O2 since birth which is the same as room air. The doctor told us yesterday that if she would have been born at 30 weeks she would not still be on the breathing assistance (CPAP) but to be on the safe side they will keep her on the CPAP for now.

Charlotte and Dad say Gig 'Em.

Update on Charlotte

Charlotte is doing very well. They have increased her feeding and decreased her antibiotics, all good signs. We were told yesterday that at day 10, we will be able to hold her occasionally, so we are really looking forward to that. We are starting to get to know the nurses that take care of her. Some inspire more confidence than others, but I guess that comes with the territory. Aaron and I are doing ok, trying to take it day by day.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Love Katie & Aaron

Sleep Tight Sweet Girl

Charlotte Grace Agnew

As most of you know by now, our little girl just couldn't wait to meet us and came a bit early. She was born on November 24th at 1:29 am and weighed in at 2 pounds 2 ounces. She came out kicking and screaming, which is great news when dealing with preemies. They removed the respirator in less than twelve hours and she is already eating, which are both great signs. We expect that she will need to stay in the NICU until her originally scheduled appearance of February 22, 2010.

Things are looking good for her, she is definitely a fighter. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she grows stronger and healthier everyday.

More updates as they come.

Love Katie

A mover and a shaker

Bean is a mover. Forget about listening to the heartbeat, trying to get a look at the small bits, or getting a proper measurement, he/she is having none of it.

We went for our 20 week appointment at the beginning of October to see if they could tell us if we were having a boy or a girl only to hear the ultrasound tech exclaim, "Oh no, this is the worst position the baby could be in!" Of course, my mother and sister called that one. Why would I have a child that would cooperate? So we are still unsure of the sex at this point, although my intuition says it is a girl. My doctor said I will have one more ultrasound between 30 and 32 weeks, but by that time, we should probably just wait and find out on delivery day.

Bean is healthy and very strong. I am feeling great these days, only contending with the occasional heartburn and exhaustion. Aaron is taking my complaining in stride and has even taken over dinner making duties and a host of other things (probably so he doesn't have to listen to me complain ;)

More updates soon,
Katie