1 month old!

Well, Ripley will be one month tomorrow.  Pretty amazing how fast it went.  We met with the surgeon on Monday for a follow up visit and he said everything looks good.  He does not need to see her until she's 1 year old unless a problem comes up.  She's still eating like a champ and is starting to be awake a little more.  So far, so good!

Dylan checking on his baby sister.

A Few Pictures....

It's hard to get a good picture of Ripley because she's always sleeping, but here a few of the latest.

Doesn't Mom look Great!

Gassy!

Happy Face

Sleepy Face

Back to Sleep!

3 week checkup

I know we haven't been posting much... but there's not much to report.  Sleeping beauty doesn't do much but... sleep.  We went to the doctor yesterday to check her weight and she gained 9 ounces since last week.  She passed her birth weight and is now at 6 lbs 9 ounces.  The doctor was very happy with that.  Ripley is still doing great in every other way too.  The doctor took off the steri-strips on her belly and the scar looks great.  I wish Dr. Kim did my surgery!  Someday you probably won't even notice it.  Hopefully we will post some new pictures soon...  if she ever wakes up to get some good ones!

She's two weeks old!

We took Ripley to her two week appointment today and the doctor was amazed at how well she's doing.   She gave her the thumbs up!  She's holding steady at 6 pounds and eating well.  She is starting to be awake a little more each day.... even during Mom's naptime.... little stinker. 

Welcome home Ripley Anne!

Ripley came home yesterday morning and so far has slept most of the time.  I guess she's enjoying the quiet time away from all the beeps, buzzes and other loud noises of the NICU.   Big brother Dylan is doing great with his new sister.  He said "I think she likes us".

Little girl in a big car seat

Look... I'm awake for a minute!

Dylan holding her for the first time.

What a day!

Day 11...

... Off to pick up our baby girl!!!

Yippee!

I just talked with the doctor and he said unless something crazy happens today, he will discharge her tomorrow.  Woo hoo!  He's actually working on discharge papers right now so they are ready.  We are so blessed that things worked out this well.  This hospital has never seen a baby with an omphalocele go home this quickly.  Our girl is a miracle and hopefully she continues to do so well. 

There's always tomorrow....

Ripley gained a small amount of weight... but they want her to gain two days in a row before she can go home.  So... let's pray she gains again today.  That's all that's keeping her here.  We heard yesterday that the results of the genetic testing they did after she was born was completely normal.  She's doing great and hopefully will be home to meet big brother Dylan tomorrow.

Day 9

No news yet today. She didn't gain any weight in fact she lost a small amount. She continues to eat well and do that other thing that goes along with eating. We'd love to take her home before the bad weather hits tonight, but it isn't look like today will be the day. Grandma's flight home got cancelled so at least Dylan has someone to play with for another day.

At least she's warm and cozy in Momma's arms.

Day 8 update

Not much to report today.  Our little peanut slept alot and I guess that's a good thing.  She lost a small amount of weight since yesterday and now we are doubtful that she will come home tomorrow.... but anything is possible.  Her weight is the only thing keeping her there.  Let's hope she eats alot tonight.  We need our girl home.  We finally stocked up on diapers and wipes and Scott is putting together all the baby gadgets.  We're ready!

Day 7 Update

Ripley is still doing great!

She continues to gain weight and has started breast feeding today. Dr. Kim has given the surgery go ahead to go home. Now we wait until Dr. Sysyn signs off. It's looking like possibly Thursday if she keeps feeding and putting on weight. As for the heart, one of the holes has closed up and the other went from 2mm to 1mm and should close as her heart grows.

Surgery Pictures

Here is the link for the pictures of Ripley's surgery for those who wish to view it:
http://s392.photobucket.com/albums/pp3/Scottcnn/Ripley%20Surgery%20Pictures/

She pooped!

Who knew we'd be so excited about poop!  About 2:30pm she decided it was time.  Ripley got a diaper change and then another feeding of milk from Daddy.  Woo hoo!

Mother's Milk Day 6

Ripley got her first taste of mother's milk today. She was able to drink 40ml in one sitting. So far so good!

Another big day

Today was big for baby Ripley.  Dr. Kim came by and he took out her drain tube that went to her stomach.  He also took off the dressing on her belly to let the incision air out and heal.  Surprisingly she did not even cry much when he took the heavy tape off.  She's quite a tough gal.  Then she was given her first drink!  She had 10 ml of pedialyte.  She will continue on that today and if she does well she should get breast milk tomorrow.  Yippee!  Scott and I were also treated to her being awake for at least 20 minutes straight.  It was the first time she's been awake and had her eyes open for any period of time when we've been there.  We gave her a pep talk (not like she needed it) and told her keep up the good work.  Ripley is doing far better than anyone expected and we are so thrilled.  Dr. Kim said cautiously that if she continues to do this well and does well with milk.... she might even come home next week!!!

Ripley with that startled look.

Dr. Kim taking checking her out.

After he removed the dressing.

Her first drink of Pedialyte.

I think she likes it!

Relaxing after her big day.

Finally....

I got to hold Ripley!  Of course she slept the whole time, but that's ok.  She's still doing well.  Not much change.  They will try to feed her some milk in a day or two, but right now she's still tryng to recover from surgery.  Scott and I spent a few hours holding her and that made our day!

Dad's first nap with Ripley.