Wow - It's been awhile ...

My mother-in-law said it best when she said that the one thing that I couldn't live without while I was waiting for Eliza's arrival is the furthest thing from my mind - my laptop. Last time Eric checked I had about 160 unread emails in my hotmail and Outlook account. I have full intentions everyday to get on the computer - read emails and most importantly update the blog but for some reason (gee I wonder) it hasn't happened in a while.

Well enough with the excuses let me tell you what is going on ... Eliza is a dream! We have been to the doctor quite a few times since we brought her home - jaundice and weight gain have been the two main issues. We are happy to say that both seem to be in check - we had to do a 24 hour formula only to see if Eliza had a case of breastmilk jaundice - sure enough she did - I am still able to give her breast milk but just had to stop it long enough to break the cycle.

At Eliza's 2 week appointment she was back up to her birth weight and at her 3 week she was 5lbs. That was a little concerning because she should have gained more - so on Monday our doctor told us that for the next 3 days we had to do breastmilk bottles only - that way we could measure her intake more precisely - sure enough on Thursday Eliza weighed 5lbs 6.5 oz - she gained 6.5oz in 3 days - I am so proud of her and we will continue to bottle feed. I must admit that it's been nice to have Eric to help out with feedings - she feeds about every 2-3 hours so Eric takes the 10PM, 12AM feedings - I of course take the rest. Its amazing how tired you are but some how you push through.

We continue to keep Eliza all wrapped up - our house is a balmy 80 degrees and its pretty hot sleeping but who is really sleeping anyway - we hope with all this weight gain she will have some much needed fat to keep her warm. Good news is warm weather is around the corner. We went for our first walk in the neighborhood yesterday - man it was nice to get out and see everyone. Eliza enjoyed the stroll.

Eliza has had lots of time with her Auntie Sutti and both sets of Grandparents - Sutton spent the second half of last week with me to help out and let me tell you - she was WONDERFUL! I was even able to get my hair colored - yes I am blonde again - thank the Lord!

Eric and I are doing good - a few sleepless nights but I just remind myself that it is what we signed up for and what a blessing it is. I really love being a mommy - sure wish she would have come with an instruction manual and I am sure I have made a 1000 mistakes but luckily Eliza is too young to remember and more importantly tell (smile). You do the best you can, you know. Suzy is adjusting well - as we knew she would. She is a little confused by all the noises Eliza makes (as are we) and this morning I found her sleeping on the floor using a dirty diaper as a pillow - bless her heart. Sidenote - some people say that Suzy would become a "dog" once Eliza joined the family - well they couldn't be anymore wrong - she is just as mucha part of the family - afterall she was my first "baby".

Today we had our first family outting - well I guess not really since we did go to church last Sunday for Easter - Eliza had the most precious outfit that of course her Daddy bought for her - she slept the entire service despite the trumpets and choir! We were so proud. Today we went to pick out Annoucements and lunch - she again was perfect!

The last few days we have really seen a lot more of her eyes open - its fun to see them focus on your face and when she opens her eyes and looks around its like she is seeing the world for the first time.

I could go on forever about all the things we are experiencing with Eliza but I am attemping to watch the UNC game and the truth is I really want to grab a qick nap before the midnight feeding freenzy. I wish you could all see what out bedroom looks like in the morning - empty bottles, blankets, dirty diapers everywhere - its so funny.

Attached are a few recent pictures ... maybe one of these days I could make a slideshow - I am thinking when Eliza is 12 months I'll tackle that.

We hope you are all well and thank you for keeping up with our story.

-Caroline, Eric, Eliza and Suzy

Home Sweet Home - Safe and Sound

Hi everyone - We are HOME and we are a little tired so I am going to make this short. The good news is Eliza is infection free. Bless her little heart - she put up with so much the last 48 hours but pulled through like a little champ as we knew she would. She HATED the isollete - she loves to be held and I could only take her out to nurse her and and those darn goggles kept on sliding down over nose, around her neck - it was a disaster but luckily her BR levels dropped so we could take her out and she could sleep in a bassinet without the lights! She was a much happier camper.

We chalked up the last 48 hours to a case of jaundice which is now cured and her inability to maintain her body temp.... pretty common in preemies - the trick is getting her warm enough without over heating her ... so that's where we are - home. Eliza is sleeping and I am hoping to be soon.

Thank you for your continued prayers and I will post more tom. and will add some new pictures.
Love to you all
Caroline, Eric, Eliza and Suzy

Back Again But We're Still Fighting......

I'm sorry to report that we had to check Eliza into the hospital today. We've been to the Doctor the last two days. Last night her temperature dropped into the 96s twice. For preemies, that is sometimes a sign of an infection. We had her bundled a lot and her temp went up, but down again. Plus she was lethargic and didn't eat for about 5 hours. So, the Doctor this morning suggested we go over to the hospital.
They aren't sure what it is or even if she has an infection. Unfortunately, they pretty much have to do everything to rule everything out. So they did a spinal tap, blood and urine cultures. Eliza will be there for 48 hrs. That's when we'll get the results. She's already getting IVs and antibiotics. Her jaundice has gotten a little worse too so they have her under the UV lights. So she's getting her first suntan!
We are doing ok. Very tired. I think Caroline's probably averaged 2-3 hrs of sleep the last 3 nights. Please continue to pray for our little baby girl and us too. We thought we were making good progress until yesterday. But my little fighter will get better!
Eric, Caroline, Eliza & Suzy

I've fallen in love again and again ...

Hi everyone!

Wow its hard to believe that it has been six days since I first met Eliza, my daughter. They say that it is love at first sight and man did they get that right! Let me recount the last 6 days for you - I think more for me than you but if you are interested keep reading ..

When we found out on Monday that we would be meeting Eliza that evening a million different things raced through my mind. First and foremost I just wanted her to be healthy, I was so anxious to see her, to feel her, to smell her, I was scared - would the c-section hurt, would I get sick, will Eric make it through without passing out. Well they didn't give me a lot of time to think which was probably for the bettter and off we went. Again the whole time I am just praying that she is healthy. They take me back, prep me, spinal - breeze, then the curtain goes up. I layed there trying to "remember to remember" just like the day Eric and I got married. I remember everything - the doctors asked if the NICU team was ready - they said ready. They said bring in the husband - Eric was brought in to sit by my head. And then I just stared at Eric and waited - waited to hear the cry I had longed to hear for 35 weeks and 1 day. With a few tugs I heard it - her cry! It was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. They showed her to me over the curtain and Eric was told to follow the baby. I hear the nurse say 9.9 on APGAR - praise the Lord and then I was told that Eric was cutting her cord. Next thing I know he is holding her and showing me OUR DAUGHTER. She was beautiful - she stared at me with one eye open and held my finger. At that moment my life was forever changed. Eric left the operating room to go with her just like we had planned - we didn't want her to be alone one second in this new world. The hardest part of the c-section was not knowing what was going on when Eliza left the room but with a cry, scores of 9.9 and her daddy by her side I found comfort. I had a smile that never left my face. When I got to the recovery room I asked the nurse to call the nursery to find out how much she weighed and how she was doing. They let Eric speak to me on the phone and he said she was doing perfect and weighed a surprising 4 lbs 12 oz. A whole 11oz. more than we had thought!

At about 11:30 pm they finally brought her to me - she was amazing, perfect in every way possible. It was the answer to a prayer that Eric and I had prayed so many times over the past 5 years.

The next 4 days are a bit of a blur. Learning how to nurse was by no means easy but happy to report that despite her size, she is a champ. The lactation consultants were our best friends and helped us through the learning curve. We were told that Eliza was the best 35 weeker they have ever seen BF. We knew she was advanced!

By Thursday it was time to come home. I must admit I was a bit nervous. Dr.Wright told me that I might go through a time where I didn't trust myself. I had been taken care of by the nurses and doctors for so long and Eliza too and now it was up to me. She was right - we were excited to leave but scared to do it on our own. The first night was interesting - as all the nights have been - I have yet to take off my glasses or turn off the lamp. I just want to look at her every minute and not miss one moment with her.

Sutton came to visit this weekend and to help me and Eric. She is the best Aunt and the only one Eliza has since Eric is an only child. I have a feeling that they will have a lot of wonderful times together in the future. Mom and Dad have been here alot also and its so hard for all of them to leave. Little Eliza has stolen all of their hearts.

Ok well today is Sunday - the one day in the week that Eric and I always looked forward to. And now that she is here the day is just as exciting - tomorrow she will be one week old. Amazing how the week has flown by.

Eric's Part of the Blog: Eliza and I enjoyed our first UNC/DUKE game last night. She cheered hard for the Tar Heels and was a good luck charm in the Carolina victory. She thought the dunk (see pic) was as nasty as her diaper. Go Heels!!!!

I have been thinking a lot about my pregnancy and some of my experiences. I never got to experience going out in public with a big prego belly. I never got to experience going to all the cute stores to pick out gifts for a registery. I never got to experience going weeks without seeing a doctor. I never got to experience stretch marks and back aches. I never got to experience a normal pregnancy. But the things that I was able to experience far exceeded all the things I thought were important in a pregnancy. I did experience a renewed relationship with the Lord. I did expereince the most amazing journey with the most amazing man, Eric. I did experience afternoons of Oprah with mom. I did expereince countless hands of Gin Rummy with dad and Eric - I still have yet to beat mom. I did experience countless kicks, stretches and rolls from Eliza in my belly. I did experience the power of prayer and friendships that will last a life time. I did experience time - time to dream, time to worry, time to pray, time to laugh, time to cry and time to just be me.

I am thankful for every moment of our journey - and I am thankful for all you who chose to take that journey with us. Now the real journey has just begun.

Thank you for reading my story - I wanted to write this for me as a journal of this experience so sorry if it is too much, too emotional, too personal - I just need to relive it and I wanted to share it with all the people that helped me through it the last 5 months. Thank you.

I hope to attach a few pictures of what we have been up to since we have been home.

I love you and I thank you.

-Caroline

Introducing Our LITTLE Miracle....

Ok All,

Sorry it's been a couple of days, but we've been busy. Baby Eliza and Caroline are doing well and we came home today. I tried to email everyone yesterday but had technical difficulties from the hospital. Most of you know the details but here they are…..
We went to the Doctor's office on Monday and Caroline's amniotic fluid was back down to a 2.7, so it was time. We went home to get our bags and kiss Suzy bye. We got to the hospital around 5:00 and we were not sure whether it would be Monday night or Tuesday morning. They fit us in and she had the C-section and Eliza was born at 7:38 Monday night. She was 4 lbs. and 12 ozs and 18 1/2 inches long. She was 35 weeks and 1 day. She was doing so well at birth that she did NOT even have to go to the NICU. We couldn't believe it. We were totally prepared for that, but she's such a fighter!!!
Most of you know the struggles we have gone through and we were hoping for 24 weeks, then 28, then 32 and 34. So we feel truly blessed that Eliza made it to 35 weeks. Caroline's 4 1/2 months of bed rest paid off! Prayers from all of you and great Doctors and nurses got us there too.
Eliza looks just like her mom. She's precious and petite. B/C she's a preemie, her immune system is low. She didn't stay in her mommy long enough to get antibodies. So that may delay visitors for a little while. Sorry everyone, but Doctor's orders. One doctor even said 2-3 weeks but we'll see.

We got home today around 1:00 and let's say it's been hectic. Her feeding was great yesterday but she was just so-so this afternoon. But tonight she's been a little pigger. Which is good!! She has a little jaundice. Around a 9.3 (for you moms). We have an appointment with the Pediatrician tomorrow morning. Let's hope and pray she's has lost any more weight or gotten more jaundince. She's down to 4 lbs & 5 ozs. so she's right on the borderline of the 10% weight loss after birth.

Here are a few pictures. Pretty much in chronological order. Operating room, nursery recovery, then private room. I just picked a few out of the 200 or so I've taken already.

Caroline will probably do a better post in the next couple of days. Thanks again to you all for your prayers, love and support. It has meant the world to us and the baby. We look forward to so many happy and fun times with you all.

-Eric, Caroline, Eliza and Suzy too

I have waited 35 weeks and 1 day to say ...

WE ARE HAVING A BABY!!!! Went to the doctor this afternoon and sure enough fluid is back down to a 2 ... so it's a C-section for me tonight. We are soooooooooooooo excited! We did a quick growth scan and they estimate 4lbs1oz! Let's hope they are right!! We will know soon. Thank you for all your prayers and concern for me, Eliza and Eric - don't forget about us tonight .. not sure when we will be able to post again but rest assured someone will get the word out!!

Love to you all - OMG I can't believe I am about to be a MOMMY!!!
Caroline, Eric, Eliza and Suzy!!!

Nervous Nelly Strikes Again

Well we had a bit of an eventful morning for a sleepy Sunday at home. I woke up this morning in a bit of a panic. (I know, imagine that!) Eliza didn't give me my normal kicks at 10:00pm and then when I woke up this morning she did not give me her normal "after breakfast" activity so of course I called my doctor and he suggested we come in to do a stress test to see what Miss Eliza was up to. So off to the L&D we went.
At the hospital we got into the elevator to go up to L&D which is located on the 3rd floor. There were 5 other people in the elevator - we press all the floors and then the elevator starts to move and then abruptly stops --- hmmm that felt weird. Yep sure enough we were stuck. I was ok except for the fact that I had told Eric I had to pee BEFORE we got in the elevator but we decided we would pass on the public bathrooms and just use the one in the L&D room. Well all you former preggers know when you gotta go you gotta go. Once again panic was starting to set in. However I was doing better then Eric who was sweating and getting real ansy. About 10 minutes later we were out - thank goodness. Its really funny now that we are out. I was in the elevator thinking - well this is blog worthy.

Ok fast forward 20 minutes and we are on the moniter - of course Eliza now has the hiccups (something I pray for everyday - sign of a healthy baby) and she is a busy bee - and still is 5 hours later. Needless to say we were discharged after a good NST and sent home to rest.

Now let me say this - I managed to go a whole 2 weeks without hearing any moaning, screaming etc ... this morning we heard it all .... I mean seriously does it have to be that way ... y'all never told me any stories like that ... wow! I hope they got that baby out quick for that girls sake. I also hope that is what happens when you DON'T get an epi!

Well I am now back in my bed ... mom is here to hang out and Eric is cutting the grass ... now please don't think that our grass is green or evening growing yet - Eric just loves to have little lawn mower lines in his yard. I would think that is crazy but before I was all laid up I was the same way about the vacumm cleaner and the carpet ... I guess we are a bit crazy!

Ok well I hope you all have a great Sunday and an awesome week! Speaking of weeks - 35 today! WOW

Continueing to expect the unexpected ....

We love you guys
Caroline, Eric Eliza and Suzy too!