Where's "Savannah"?

Per the title, please see the following picture. We decided to put Savannah in her crib with all of her stuffed animals and this is the outcome....too cute.

We had a wonderful week and week-end as Patrick's brother Chris and his wife Laurie and their son Aidan (16 months) were in town for a visit...Aidan is so cute and is getting so big. Patrick and I also managed to get some things done around the house. Chris and Patrick hung our dining room light and our dining room furniture arrived on Wednesday. Patrick and I hung some pictures so our house is finally starting to feel like OUR home. Savannah had a follow up eye appointment on Thursday the 12th and all is well. Apparently pre-mature babies need to have their eyes checked to ensure that the blood vessels are developing properly. This was Savannah's third eye check, once in the NICU then again this past December and then this week. She will go back 6 months from now, but I was told that all is normal so no concerns.

Love to all,

April

Pictures of Savannah 02/15-03/06

Hello All,

Here are some recent pictures of Savannah, click the link below to view.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19821&id=1300783496&l=9d39a

As you will see, Savannah is getting bigger and more animated. She is a delightful baby and I enjoy every moment with her.

Love to all,
April

What a great day today was!!!!

We went to our bi-weekly weigh in and Savannah surprised us all. For the past three months she has been gaining 6-8 ounces per weigh in (every two weeks), however, this morning she weighed in at 8 lb 10 oz. which is a weight gain of a full pound over the past 2 weeks. We are so pumped about today's weight gain and could not be happier.

Dr. Yee was very pleased and feels that today's weigh in is going to start a very positive trend in the weight gain department. The doctor also gave us the OK to finally start some tummy time so April and Savannah will be spending some time on their belly's and interacting.

We would also like to wish a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to my cousin Wendy and her husband Ian who celebrated the birth of their daughter on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. MacKenna Elle MacDowell was born early in the afternoon and is now resting peacefully at home with her proud parents.

We are looking forward to introducing Savannah and MacKenna during our next trip to NY.

Another Solid Weight Gain

Savannah had a very good appointment yesterday with the doctor and she gained a solid 6.5 ounces over the previous two weeks. She now weighs 7 Lb 10 Oz and the doctor is very pleased. The doctor still expressed concern about flu season and keeping her on lock down for a while longer. We hope that once spring time comes and she hits the 10-11 Lb mark we will be allowed some flexibility with who can actually hold her. She is almost four months old and April and I are the only ones that have touched her or held her. Thank you to our parents for being so understanding. This is a short term sacrifice that is very important.

We have also increased her feedings as of yesterday and she is now eating 3 Oz of milk per feeding instead of 2.5 Oz and she seems to be handling the increased amount with no problem. Savannah continues to grow on a daily basis and it is simply amazing how much fun and joy she brings to our lives. It is hard to fathom how someone so small can have such a big impact on us every day.

My cousin Wendy and her husband Ian are expecting the birth of their first child (a daughter) any day now so please keep them in your prayers.

Savannah's Smiling Video

Here is a 2.5 minute video of Savannah smiling and laughing. Enjoy!!

A Letter to Patrick

This past week has been good with Savannah. We have increased the amount of food that she receives at each serving by a small amount and she continues to smile more and more. She has also began to "coo" at us every once in a while. This upcoming Monday will bring another weigh in at the doctor's office and we are looking forward to getting closer to the 8 Lb mark.

April and I were unpacking some boxes over the weekend and we came across a box with Little Patrick's items. In the box was a letter that I had written to him while April was in the hospital before Patrick & Savannah were born. The letter brought tears to my eyes as I read it but we thought that we would share it with you.

The letter was written late at night on November 1, just five days before Patrick and Savannah were born.

Dear Patrick,

Today you are 30 weeks and 2 days old. As I write this, your mom is lying in the hospital and has been for over 9 weeks. This is not because of you, but I want you to know what your pre-birth days have been like.

First off, your mother and I are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished already in your short life. Eight weeks ago, the doctors diagnosed you with a condition called absent end diastolic. This means that you were not getting as much blood and nutrients that you have needed to continue to grow at a proper pace. The doctors wanted to write you off and focus on your sister Savannah but we would not accept that and neither would you. In the past 8 weeks you have stayed so strong and fought so hard. You continue to grow and defy the doctors diagnosis.

Every day you get bigger and every day you get stronger and prepare yourself for the day you are born. Earlier this week, we saw you practicing your breathing and it was awesome. Twice a day, we track your heart beats and every day you do great, just like we know you can.

We are expecting your arrival in the next 2-4 weeks and we can not wait to meet you and shower you with hugs, kisses and love. We are so proud to call you our son and are looking forward to showing you off in the near future. Keep up the great work and keep on fighting like you have been.

We love you,
Mom and Dad

More pictures of Savannah

Click the link below to view some more pictures of Savannah.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=17859&id=1300783496&l=9a334