November 17, 2011 - World Prematurity Day

Today is World Prematurity Day So we felt like we should post "Then & Now" photos to celebrate how far Eleanor has come in these seven and a half months.  

http://www.marchofdimes.com/mission/prematurity_wpd.html

2 pounds and 7.7 ounces - a micro-preemie

12 3/4 inches long. / Wrapped in plastic to keep her warm.

Day three - after being transfered to Ashford Hospital nicu

Day four - visiting hours only

Chest tube installed / small, but strong grip on Mommy's finger

 Home now for four months and doing wonderfully.  Our little Eleanor is Tiny But Mighty!  We are all having a wonderful time being a family!  We love Eleanor's personality!  She is a strong willed, happy baby girl who shows us so much love!  It is nice to now to share some of the same experiences as parents of "termies" we feel confident in all of Eleanor's progress and developments ... She is amazing!

By Myself!  She likes to figure things out on her own. 

Spa Jet Bubbles in her fancy tub

'I love my Bruppy' onesie while playing with her Bruppy / They love each other

So Strong

So Lovable

So Curious 

So Funny

October 17, 2011

8 lbs  1/2 oz

Sept 2, 2011

Broken scale at the doctor's office.... we don't know what happened, but we know that Eleanor was not 6 lbs 10 oz. that last day.  She is however, 6 lbs 14 oz. now!  

We had appt with the ped physical therapist.  Eleanor is developing well and she sees no need for physical therapy.  She was really impressed with her head control.  The doctor did stress the importance of stimulation in the first six months and told us if she is in the mood to play that we should drop everything and play ... we do this anyway so no prob.

The pediatrician and the physical therapist both noticed that Eleanor's fontanelle (soft spot) is closing up prematurely.  This can be very serious so we had it checked out and had x-rays and a sonogram of her skull done.  Eleanor is perfect.  No need to worry about her cranial development.

Eleanor is now sitting upright in her new favorite toy.. her "super seat" from Mommy and Daddy.  She loves it!!!

August 19, 2011

August 9, 2011

SIX Pounds and TEN ounces!

Today we had Eleanor's weekly pediatrician visit.  We are elated about her weight gain!
10 oz!!!!  The most Eleanor has EVER gained (in a week) in her life!!!!  We are hopeful that she will keep it up!  It is not easy working through her IUGR, but she is fighting and... gaining!

She had her second dosage of her RSV vaccination.  Three more to go over the next three months.

Eleanor's blood test for Factor V Leiden came back as negative for the mutation!  Emily did not pass on her clotting disorder to Eleanor!!  We are thrilled!

We went to Ashford for her Factor V Leiden test results and decided while there we would stop by the nicu to say hello to the doctors and nurses who had taken such amazing care of Eleanor.  It was fun to see everyone again.  Eleanor showed her biggest smile. Everyone was happy to see her.

Eleanor and a few of her many friends who cared for her
during her 11 week stay in the nicu

August 7, 2011

Eleanor reached 6 pounds even at her pediatrician appointment last week!  Looking forward to seeing her weight at her next appointment ... Tuesday!

Charlie Bear and Eleanor

Love, Emily

July 15, 2011

Eleanor is now 5 pounds and 3 ounces.  She is taking a special Preemie formula and breast milk with the calorie fortifier.  She is doing so well.

Tomorrow the last of our families leave.  MaMere and Nana Kaki leave to go back to New Orleans.  We are all going to miss them and all the help they have been to us.


Eleanor had her blood test for Factor V Leiden.  We will have results in a week or so.

Eleanor is more alert every day.  She is having more fun as she is more aware of everything around her.  She loves her new mobile from her Aunt Alice.  She smiles more and she is starting to laugh!  after a doctor appointment this week, we ran into one of her nicu doctors outside of the hospital.  Eleanor was wide awake and happy in her stroller - her eyes were sparkling.  The doctor said she is like a new baby!  She was impressed with her progress over the past six weeks (although she said she wanted more weight).  It was really fun to see the doctor.  She said we can stop by the nicu to say hello any time we are in the area!

Latest Photos:

The best kisses

Charlie Bear loves the Baby Girl

poor angel

again

sacked out on MaMare's knees

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This is how it is all the time

Happy grandparents

her great aunt Lynne 

Meeting Dania