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October 30, 2012

Feeding Tubes, Bonding, and Being Home

First: Before I get into today's post... We're thinking and praying for those affected by Sandy.  I was up all night watching the story unfold and the pictures of babies being evacuated from the hospital (due to power outage) absolutely broke me.  Having just been in the hospital with my baby for 8 days, I can't imagine the scene inside that dark hospital and the weight and worry of every family member involved in that situation.  Thankful for the spirit and bravery of those assisting during this disaster. As more and more devastating reports surface, we are praying for those who have lost so much... 

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Now... onto the regularly scheduled programming...

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Oh blog, how I have missed thee. I’ve been busy being many things… a new mom, an even newer nurse, and a really, really tired gal.

First, life here has been amazing.  Abiella is bonding with us really quickly (it seems) and she LOVES being home. It’s like she just KNEW this was her home… as soon as we put her in her crib again she just kicked and smiled.  

But before I talk about life at home, here are some pics from the hospital I never shared:

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Abi is officially obsessed with Sean playing the guitar.  (I can relate.)  Anytime she's really upset, I'll yell to Sean, "Go get the guitar."  9 times out of 10 she calms down immediately. 

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This was Abi's favorite part of the day. She loved watching the sun come in through the blinds each morning. 

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Abi's FIRST vegetable in America :) Hello, Sweet Potatoes; Abi's a big fan.

Finally, after 8 days in the hospital, we were sent home! 
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Soooo now we’re now doing a full healthcare routine at home…  What does that look like?  Well for now, it looks like a big feeding tube hanging from an IV pole above Abi’s crib. 

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We hook her into that sucker 3 times a day (and during the night) and pump necessary nutrients into her body.  When she’s not hooked up to the pump, I feed her by mouth 3 times a day too.  It’s fair to say that our entire day is scheduled around getting food into Miss Abiella’s belly… and I’m MORE THAN FINE with that.  I’ve wanted to get this baby healthy and fat since I held her for the first time 11 months ago.  THIS is a blessing…

HOWEVER, this new health care routine comes with a few unfortunate side effects, including the fact that this tube can come out by accident (and did Saturday morning) and we have to replace it (through her nose, down her throat, and into her stomach)... by ourselves. Oh my.

Thankfully we received great training at the hospital and have a nurse and doctor on-call should we need anything... 

Despite the fact that I can not WAIT until this tube is in the history books, we are THANKFUL for the tube because it is HELPING our daughter.  However, we have a doctor’s visit in 2 weeks to discuss the future of “The Tube" and my hope is that the tube's future doesn't exist. 

For now, I'm going to go have another cupcake (thank you Sara!), finish my iced coffee, and make Abiella a snack.  Peas, don't fail me now. This chick's not exactly a huge fun of green veggies... but I can relate... no garlic, no salt, no cheese?? No thank you. 

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But before I sign off for today, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your prayers, encouraging comments, and sweet emails.  I have read them over and over again during the challenging moments. They've meant so much. 

Blessings, 
mae 

28 comments:

Heidi said...

Your sweet daughter is just so beautiful! Your love for her just shines in every post, even where you admit it's hard and I'm sure it is VERY hard some days. Praying for much, much strength and wisdom from God for you and your family :)

Unknown said...

It's such a blessing to see Abi home! Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

That is so wonderful that Abi is home was able to eat her first vegetable! You two are such amazing parents :) Prayers and thoughts are with you guys and your precious little girl!

Because of Jackie said...

So happy you are home and as comfortable as can be...thinking of you and your family:)P.S. Mommyhood looks GOOD on you!

Carolyn said...

I'm so glad that sweet Abi is home with her mommy and daddy now! Hopefully the food fattens her up quickly, and she can get rid of the feeding tube!

Cassie said...

she looks so happy. and seriously just from these pictures you can visibly see the progress! that's awesome. yay abi!

Amanda English said...

Encouraging!!!! You all amaze me......... prayers from NC. xoxo

Unknown said...

My heart just fills up with each new update. And Cassie is right...she is already visibly changed. What a journey!

Lindsay @ Trial By Sapphire said...

*big grin*

Anonymous said...

Praises to God for giving Abi such loving parents! She is a beautiful blessing given to you. Your love for her shines through your photos and your words. Sleep when you can, Mae. God be with you and your family!

Anonymous said...

You are a great mom! These difficult times will be worth it. I just started reading your blog and have been so inspired by your journey. God Bless YOU!

Murray said...

So glad she is home and safe with you! Can't imagine a more caring mother.

Babygirl said...

So glad you and your sweet baby are home! many prayers and praises, continuing for you and your family!

It's Sooo Fluffy said...

So glad she's loving home!

Anonymous said...

I love you
Lindsay D

itsmekt said...

wooooohooo your home, that must be anamzing feeling! glad Abiella seems to be adjusting :) prays answered but seems like you guys arent %110 where you wanna be, so the praying will continue!! xo

Di said...

So glad you are home! She is so adorable. I love that she responds so well to music - great choice - girl! Music is a must.....keep on enjoying it. Hopefully you'll be making your own soon enough!

Anonymous said...

So happy to see an update, especially with good news and progress. I discovered your blog just as you were leaving to go get Abi, and have thought about you so many times in recent weeks. Your story and your family inspire me. Just know that some random woman in Atlanta is praying for each of you!

Melodee said...

she is just a darling little trooper. I can't imagine how tough this is with the feeding tube and all that medical stuff! you guys are finally home, so wonderful!!!!!!

Brittany Walsh said...

I have been waiting and waiting for an update from you! I'm so glad to hear you three are home together...finally! Abi looks so happy and healthy. Good job Mama :)

Sassy Smack said...

What a tough little broad!!! :) I can't wait til that tubes out and I finally get to hold her! Until then, I agree...fatten that lil babe up. :) love all 3 of you!!! You know where we live if u need anything.

meredith said...

LOVE this new post. Abi is beautiful with every picture and I am so glad you three are finally home together!! her clothes are pretty cute too :)

TDM Wendy said...

Yay for being home! Hope that tube comes out soon and that you get some naps. Cuz sleep is helpful.

Vanessa {www.vanillaroseblog.com} said...

I'm so happy to see and hear that things are going well! I always look forward to your posts and can't wait to see how Abi is doing! She looks amazing and adorable, of course! I'm so happy everything is going well for you and hope that you hear great news in your visits to come!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update. SO happy she is home now. God bless

Jessica said...

glad she is adjusting so well. continued prayers!! <3

Sierra @ Sierra's View said...

Oh, my heart. I just almost started crying while reading this
.Hey, wanna do a button swap?! Let me know!
Hope all is well.
Sierra
Oh, Just Living the Dream

Unknown said...

I love this so much. I got sucked into reading all of your adoption posts, more so once realizing that you daughter has a g-tube! My 16 year old sister had one from 1-3 and my 9 year old sister has had one since she was a month old. I did a little happy dance when seeing they have the same pump!

I'm so happy to see that everything is turning out well with her health! I'll keep ya'll in my thoughts!