Maria had a big day today with lots of visitors. Daddy came to visit with Grandma Stairs, Aunt Debbie and cousin Don. Maria now weighs five pounds eleven ounces. Everyone thinks she is so beautiful and growing up so fast. The doctor thinks Maria is doing very well. Maria's homecoming will be here soon.

Happy Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Staff at TIC thought Maria looked super cute in her kitty costume.

5 pounds, hooray!

Maria has finally reached five pounds! She's growing fast now. Mama "nested" at the Childrens Home on Sunday night and was up a lot with her little "doll". Aunt Dee had some practice giving Maria her bottle on Sunday afternoon and it was a pure delight. Aunt Julie visited and rocked Maria on Monday afternoon. She's very popular and has a lot of visitors. She brings us all so much joy. Nana and Pappap visited today and Nana fed Maria her bottle. I don't think Nana can get enough of her new little grandaughter. I've never seen Nana so happy than when she's visiting Maria. Maria is still struggling to work on her breathing skills, please keep her in your prayers.

Maria's New Home

Maria is getting comfy in her new home at TIC. She feels very happy in her new crib. TIC has a great quiet, warm and inviting atmosphere for the babies. Nana brought her a mobile for the crib and mom made sure she has lots of rattles and stuffed animals. A doctor from Childrens Hospital evaluated Maria's hearing more thoroughly and she passed with flying colors. The eye examination today showed that Maria has a mild case of retinopathy. They will continue to monitor her eyes. Mommy and Daddy got to give Maria a bath last evening. Maria continues to work on improving her feeding skills.

Getting ready for the move!

This is my favorite picture. The great news is Maria has been accepted to TIC (transitional infant care). We are waiting to hear when her big move will be, possibly tomorrow. Mom and dad are very excited. Maria also had her feeding tube removed today! Daddy got to give her the bottle tonight. Maria had her hearing exam today and responded well in the left ear, however, had no response to the right ear. It is still early and we have hopes the hearing will be fine. Her next eye examination will occur soon. Please keep Maria in your prayers as she moves to TIC.

Baby Shower Celebration!

Maria got so many new and beautiful things at the baby shower. We are all waiting for her to come home soon from the hospital. She's progressing well and the whole family is so excited. She is definately going to be the best dressed little girl on the block. Thanks to everyone for attending the shower and giving so many generous gifts. It was so nice for Sue to be surrounded by friends and family who have helped so much in the last few months.

Great News!

Maria has reached four pounds! We are all so proud of her progress. She is still on the waiting list for TIC. Maria drank from a bottle for the first time while mom held her yesterday. Mom got to give her a bath today. Maria is now on the nasal canula 24/7. Sometimes breathing on her own tires her out, but overall she is doing very well.