Ava is One Week Old

Wow, it has been a week since Ava and Isla were born. In some ways I can't believe Ava is already a week old, and in so many others it feels like we have been through more than could possibly fit into one week. Ava continues to do great in the NICU. Yesterday evening Ava hit full feeds for her size/age/weight which is 26ml every 3 hours. Since she is on full feeds, last night they took out the IV that went into her belly button, that supplied extra fluid and nutrients. This morning Ava starting breathing room air without any assistance, and this afternoon they took out the nasal cannula completely. She seems much more comfortable with every piece of equipment that they take off. It's wonderful to see her face and makes me feel more comfortable being more involved. Today Jeff, Camden and I all went to visit Ava. Camden is in LOVE with her and will be an amazing big brother. He just wanted to touch her feet and tickle her. He said "want Ava come home," and "Stay here, not wanna go home." I have no idea how long he could have been content watching her, touching her feet and singing to her(itsy bitsy spider). It was beautiful to watch, I wish I had taken a picture. I got to spend an amazing two hours holding her (skin-to-skin, Kangaroo care). As soon as she is snuggled up on my chest, she feels so relaxed and happy, I love the feeling. There is no doubt that she knows I am her mama. I did have a scary moment holding her when the monitor alarms went off because she "forgot" to breath for a second or so (I have no idea how long it was, but it felt like forever). The staff didn't seem concerned at all, they just said stick a finger in her armpit and she bounced right out of it. The staff said that it is to be expected with preemies and that they grow out of it. It still made my heart stop. It continues to be hard juggling everything with a baby in the NICU and Camden at home, especially since I can't drive for at least two weeks after the C-section. Everyday we try and figure out what works and what doesn't and remind ourselves that as hard as it all is, this is temporary and someday we will be able to look back on it all. Thank you all for your continued pray and support. Thanks to all of you who have brought meals, shared advice, and just been there for us. Much love, Thlay