Maria's Progress

We are so glad to hear that Maria is gaining weight and getting close to 2 pounds! She took a small step backwards needing more assistance from the ventilator now that her steroid treatment is finished. We still thank god everyday for taking good care of her and keeping her safe. In this picture Sue has her hand against Maria's tiny foot. She is so small, but perfect. This is my favorite picture.

P.S. Feel free to post any comments/messages to Sue and Dave below. Just click on comments. They can check the messages daily. Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support.

Every good and perfect gift is from above--James 1:17

Another special moment between mom and baby. They both look very content. Maria got her breast milk today while resting in moms arms. Maria has finished her steroid treatment and is doing well. She requires less assistance from the ventilator. She is still very tiny and we hope she starts to gain some weight. Thanks again for everyone's prayers and support for Dave, Sue and Maria.

No more photos, please!

Maria was very clear in telling her Aunt today "enough photos, already!". She tells it like it is! She is very animated. She likes to make funny faces, stick her tongue out and pout a lot. Her mommy got to change her diaper and take her temperature yesterday.

The good news is that Maria's infection has been resolved. She is now having steroid treatment to help mature her lungs and, hopefully, decrease the dependency on the ventilator. They are now attempting to get Maria on a feeding schedule. She misses her continuous feeding and lets everyone know about it! Nurses told Sue when it is time to eat she starts to cry and do her aerobics act. She does not like having an empty tummy for long. They have added a fortifier to her milk to help increase her calories and put on some weight. We can't wait to see her plump up a bit.

A Glorious Day

Monday August 14, 2006 -- Today Sue got to hold Maria for the very first time! What a glorious day! She held Maria for 50 minutes. Maria is only 17 days old in this picture. Maria appears to be enjoying this sensation very much. Look at that proud Daddy!

The Infection

We found out on August 9, 2006 that Maria has a staph infection in the blood. Mom and Dad have been by Maria's side daily. It's extremely difficult for Mom and Dad to leave the hospital, but, we all know Maria is being well cared for at AGH. The nurses and doctors are very attentive to our precious Maria.

A Mothers Touch

Mom's touch comforts Maria. Maria is quite the little entertainer. She yawns, stretches and opens her eyes now. She does not like her diaper changed the least bit. She recognizes her Mom and Dads voices. Sue read Maria her first book today "Guess how much I love you?". Maria would much rather sleep on her belly and lets you know about it. She's a feisty one. She now weighs 1 pound 11 1/2 ounces.

Fun in the Sun

Maria is receiving light therapy to treat her jaundice in this picture. Isn't she just the cutest! She has dealt with so much so early in her life, however, she continues to prove that she is strong. I want to say thanks to our family, friends and supporters for helping Sue and Dave during this emotional time. Sue is recovering well and getting stronger everyday. Dave continues to work, provide support and care for Sue, and visit Maria. Maria is blessed with such caring and strong parents.

Our Little Fighter

Things were a little rough in the beginning. Maria had to be put on a stronger ventilator due to a heart complication called PDA. Simply stated it is a hole in the heart that normally closes within days of delivering a term baby. Thankfully, Maria responded very well to the medicine and the hole closed. Maria has required several blood transfusions because babies this tiny just can't make enough blood on their own. She is strong and quite active. Nurses threatened to "ground" her within her first week of life for being so difficult. She's our little fighter.

Maria's Birthday - 20 Days Ago

Friday July 28, 2006 at 2:11pm Maria Danielle Stairs was born. She weighed 1 pound 9.5 ounces and was 13 inches long. Maria was welcomed into this world 13 weeks early at 27 weeks gestation. Sue delievered Maria by c-section. She tolerated the surgery well. Maria was immediately taken to ICN. We all waited anxiously to see her and hear about her health. Several hours later we were able to accompany Dave (Daddy) one at a time to see our little miracle. Sue's mother was beaming with pride at her "beautiful" new grandaughter. The moment a child is born, a mother is born....We knew it was a blessing to have both Sue and Maria here with us.

How it all began...

Thursday July 26, 2006 Sue went to AGH for a scheduled routine sonogram. The doctor noticed that the amniotic fluid was low and baby Maria was small for her gestational age. Dopplers and further testing indicated that the placenta and umbilical cord were working extremely hard and not providing the baby with enough nourishment. Sue was immediately admitted to AGH. She was given an injection of steroids to mature Maria's lungs in the event of premature delivery. The following day Sue was given her second dose of steroids. The 24 hour urine analysis indicated a significant amount of protein was being spilled. Sue's blood pressure was dangerously high. At this time we realized that Sue and Maria were both very sick. The dopplers were repeated on Friday July 28, 2006 and the results indicated that Maria was getting sicker. The doctor told Sue that she would become a mother today. Today is the day we welcomed Maria Danielle Stairs into our family.