NCCU today!

Baby Rowyn is doing well today. The billy blanket has been removed since her bilirubin levels are down to normal range.  Also, she's tolerating more milk during her feedings and was introduced to the bottle today!  Katie was holding her and holding the bottle to her mouth.  Rowyn opened both of her eyes and kept looking around and followed our voices.  She looked confused but excited about the bottle...just trying to figure it all out!  She's not quite ready to take a bottle since her suck-swallow-breathe reflex usually develops at 34 - 35 weeks and she's now 33; we just wanted to introduce the concept to her.  However, we'll continue to attempt bottle feedings over the next week or so and see how she does.  Another positive step is that she's moved out of the NICU and into the NCCU, or Neonatal Continuing Care Unit.  This is where preemies go when they're ready for the next step of care.  She has a bigger 'room' with more privacy and less noise.  Rowyn loves to sleep her days away, so this will help her continue to have good, long naps!  She also had a nice big poop today, so we know she's digesting her feedings.  In the next day or so, the nurses will dress her in outfits, so she'll be able to show off more that just her diaper.  We'll bring some outfits for her and take pictures - stay tuned.

We are blessed today for many reasons.  Rowyn is getting stronger daily.  She has wonderful NICU nurses and doctors who take wonderful care of her.  They are our heroes.  We are thankful for advances in medicine to help her grow as if she were still inside the womb.  We are thankful for all the thoughts and prayers from friends and family over the last week - they've helped!  And finally, we are grateful for all the precious gifts we've received at showers and beyond!  We have plenty of little outfits that Rowyn can wear in the months to come.

However, we can't post today's blog without mention of the terrible massacre that happened in Connecticut today. As a non-parent, this news would have broken our hearts and left us wondering how anyone could commit such a horrific crime. Now that we're new parents, I cannot fathom what those parents are going through tonight and the days to come.  Today we have proof that it's a scary world out there, and you never know what tomorrow will bring.  We are thankful for our new baby girl and are praying for all the families who lost loved ones today.  May God give you the strength to get through this tough, tough time.

Katie & Chris