Another Day Getting to Know Arabella

Today we talked a lot with nurses, doctors, case managers, and social workers.  We are all trying to look toward discharge and how to make that happen.  Arabella was on a special formula called pregestimil at 27 cal.  The reason is because Arabella was a very, very sick little girl.  Anyway, the reason for the formula has been resolved, but she still needs the high calories because of her heart.  So today after talking between the two doctors and the nutritionist, they decided to try her on Similac special care, 30 calorie.  so we’ll see.  The higher calorie should help her gain weight, but we have to see if her body likes all those calories.

I was able to feed her three bottles today.  Every time she took 60 cc’s (2 ounces).  The thing is that she gets so tired.  She takes about half of it really well, and then we have to work for that second half.  The nurses tell me that I am as good or better than they are at this point.  I give her all of her medications when I am there.  This is good because I am feeling confident that I can keep her alive :).

Jason left for Houston today.  I am glad that the girls will have their Daddy home.  I’m hoping that will help with some pretense of normalcy – at least at night.  Sandi is doing such a wonderful job with the girls.  I am so thankful, but she is getting tired.  I can hear it in her voice.  So I’m glad Jason will be there in the evenings.

I went to the monthly NICU mother’s meeting today.  It is interesting to listen to this talk from the OT about preemies as an adoptive mother.  It was a good presentation.  I had forgotten a couple of things.  They do a really good job at this hospital taking care of their parents.  I’m impressed.

I wonder about Arabella.  She amazes me.  Here is she trying so hard to live.  From what I’ve been told, she has come back from the brink of death and here she is a beautiful, bright eyed girl.  Ahead of her is at least one open heart surgery.  But holding Arabella I sense a purpose.  She has something to accomplish in this life.  People keep thanking me for what we are doing, adopting Arabella, but I feel privileged.  This girl will live a life with a purpose.  She will be someone special, and I will be privileged to be her mother.

Now, onto cute little Bella…..

 

 

There is so much life in those eyes!

 

 

 

 

 

Who are you?  Mama and Arabella getting to know each other.