Time Flies!

I feel like I don't really know where to start. It's been an up and down week. I feel that I need to start by mentioning that another sweetHeart earned her Angel wings this past weekend. Sweet Mercydez Haws passed away on Sunday morning. She fought a valiant fight and touched many people with her courageous battle. Mercy was 8 days older than Elaina, and was her neighbor in the NICU when she was born. I feel privileged to have been able to form a friendship with Ashley (Mercydez's mom) over the last year. My heart is so saddened by their loss. They are a strong family, and I can only imagine the pain and sorrow that they are faced with now. Please keep them in your prayers.

The rest of my week? Well, lets see..... :)
Elaina pulled her g-tube out last Sunday. It wasn't all the way out, but enough that formula was coming out around the stoma and they were concerned. They could also hear an air leak around the opening. They replaced the tube and she got to have an x-ray to check her placement, and everything looked good. She is still slowly working back up on her feedings. So far she seems to be tolerating them at about 60 cc's (2 oz) every 2 hours. When they try to go up to 90 cc's (3 oz) she gets fussy and cries. So we're at 60 and holding for now. That's okay. We'll get there!

Remember when I mentioned that I thought she might finally be teething? Well, she is. Because she is in a hospital setting, they have to write orders for absolutely everything. I'd asked if there was any way that she could have some Orajel to help numb her sore gums. So, the doctor had to come and take a look. He decided that she wasn't teething. The small fevers and mild pain must be associated with something else, so no order was given for the Orajel. Well, a couple of days later, I came in and low and behold, she has her first tooth! Yay!! We're not sure exactly when the tooth poked through since no one was checking for it (doctor said no teething going on!), but when I went in last Tuesday it was there! She seems so proud of herself too!

I wasn't able to get a picture of the tooth because she pokes her tongue out every time I put my finger in her mouth, but I'll keep trying! It feels like the tooth next door is ready to come in as well, so I went to the store and bought some Orajel myself and took it in for her to use. She's very happy and seems to be doing very well. I am so grateful!


She's discovering that she can grab things with her hands now. Her latest discovery is her foot. So cute. She'd just hold on as long as she could and when her hand would slip, she'd grab it again!


My parents came to town for Spring Break this week, so it has been nice to visit with them. It's also nice for them to be able to see Elaina. This is my sweet Mom, giving Elaina some lovin'!


My sister Liz was also able to come for a visit. She loves to sing lullaby's to all the babies and quickly put Elaina to sleep. It was so sweet! I think Elaina could have snuggled with her Auntie all night! Thanks Lady. :)


Ben and I were able to go and spend some time with her on both Saturday and Sunday. Here they are "in the zone" watching "Finding Nemo" together:

Comfy as can be! What a pair! Melts my heart.... :)

So that's it in a nutshell. Life is Good! I am so grateful for the many blessings I have! I love my family so much!!! My parents will be here for a few more days, so it looks like another busy week is on the way. Thanks so much for checking in on us!
Hugs,
Hollie, Ben and Elaina