Clare Victoria is TWO MONTHS OLD!!!! My little survivor is fighting!!!
I am now a pro at taking Clares temperature, changing her diaper and giving her a sponge bath. I used to be terrified when they would let me help out. But now they know to wait until I get there to give her a bath because I love to do it. Any contact with her is soooooo special!!!! I love her nurses! The other evening Tracy called me to tell me if I was in the hospital, I had 15 minute before shift change (no visitors can check in our out during shift change) Of course, I was actually already in the parking lot when she called. I love her nurses!!! They know I don't like to miss anything :-).
Clare is now 2 months old. This is the first time they took the top of her incubator off. This is the first time I've been able to hold more than just her hand!!! I was actually able to cup my hand under her head and kiss her forehead!!! It was a good day!
Hand in there, Clare Bear! Mommy needs you!!!!
I can't believe it!!! I actually got to hold her for the first time!!! Finally, after two months, I will finally get to hold my daughter!!! I didn't want to let go!
The nurses getting her out of her incubator. There were so many wires, tubes, etc... that it was a very long, careful process just to move her. I was so nervous that some tube was going to slip out of "somewhere important" :0
The nurses preparing to pick her up without disconnecting anything :)
I was sooo ready I could hardly stand it!!!!
In the NICU,they do "kangaroo care" which is skin to skin contact with the baby's ear to your heartbeat
Kangaroo Care increases the baby's body temp., increases oxygen saturation & stabilizes heart beat
Now we have to be just as careful putting her back :)
I love you so much, my miracle angel! Thank you for being so strong & fighting to live! You're my hero!
December 20th, 2007
My second time holding Clare
Clare's very first shirt given to us by March of Dimes, hand made by volunteers
Two months Old
Baby's First Christmas
Christmas Day was difficult. Clare was having a lot of trouble breathing. She had to be bagged several times. I just kept holding her little hand and telling her to breathe for us! My mom was telling her the same thing and talking to her with me. My dad had to step away several times; it's so hard to see her like that. Later that night, her nurse repositioned her and she had a much better night. She breathes better when she's not laying on her back but on her side.
New Years Eve Night
I made sure I was with Clare at midnight!
3 Months Old!
Getting even sicker and more critical. Doctors are once again preparing us for her possible death
They let me hold her again because she was given 2-3 days to live. She was retaining all fluid and her organs were beginning to shut down.
I decided that Clare and I needed a happy picture, so I made sure to take one of me smiling with her.
Doctors and specialists tried everything, but they said that it was completely up to Clare at this point.
Looking at her monitors. I remember thinking "If I hear that long beep, at least I will be holding her when she goes back to heaven...please, God, if you take her, just let it be while I'm holding her"
Fighting for her life. I knew she could make it!!!
Started getting rid of the fluid on her own!!!!
Still fighting! I knew she could do it!!
Father Jaison Visiting
Four months old
The NICU is becoming home now!
Respiratory therapist teaching me how to suction her out.
Love it when friends and family visit!
Auntie DeDe
Uncle Todd
T-Shirl visiting!
My parent's first time holding Clare
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| Pops getting teary-eyed |
Being Extubated
(after spending four months on a ventilator)
Cousin Kevin visiting
Clare has improved enough to be moved into the Critical Care Unit of the NICU. Older babies and a little more room :)
Clare's New "area"
Late nights with Mommy
Baby's First Easter
We loved when Family Visited
Gaining good weight now that she had the feeding tube inserted into her stomach
Almost six months old now!!!!
