Pink Ribbons and tooth fairy

It took almost an hour to get to the hospital today. It is amazing how just a little bit of traffic can hold you up. However we have been blessed, because the traffic could always be worse. 

Today we learned some good news. Clara is growing. She now weighs 540 grams. She was born at 506 grams and has flucuated up and down due to gaining and losing fluid. but the nurse confirmed today that is she is growing.They have gone up on her feeds to 3 ml. It began at .5 ml, so she is getting more and more everyday of breast milk. They are still keeping her vent as it is, just wanting her to focus on getting bigger. However next week they do plan on trying to take it out and try again the CPAP. 

Also..news, they are probably as we speak taking out her belly button tube (not sure the name for that) and putting in a PICC line, a type of central line which is places in one of the major blood vessels. This is used to deliver medicines or nutritional solutions. 

This procedure will take an hour and Jason and I were not allowed to be next to her when this is done. I hope to call later to see how it went. 

When we got their today they had her laying on her side. I thought she looked adorable with her little arm and foot hanging over. 

 I know all these pictures I take look the same, but to Jason and myself she is changing. Her skin is also looking better.

Jason and I both got to change her diaper today, both times little poops! Which they say is great. 

She looks big, but in reality she is still so small. 

Today we met another mother to a baby that has been there 2 weeks. He is from Cape Fear Hospital in Fayetteville and was born in April.  He was born at 1 pound too, but was born with chronic lung disease. She is staying in the Ronald McDonald house but has four boys home in Fayetteville. In talking with her I feel so blessed to be within driving distance and so I can see my older baby every day. I'm also blessed with Clara's experience so far. Other than being born extremely early, due to me,  ( a placenta problem not a baby problem) she is really doing good. 

 I know there will be ups and downs, and she will have to fight and suffer all the way. However I took comfort that today was a good day, and I praise GOD. 

 If you notice the belly button tube. That will come out today. 

Maddie lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy left her some money, and she woke up at 6 am so excited. She is so proud! 

Madeline and myself tied pink ribbons on dum dums for her to pass out today at school. I let her pick out the flavors and cut the ribbon. It was a great way for her and I to spend time together and get her more excited about baby Clara. Thanks Kimberly D. For the idea! 

 Our next project is to work on the nursery. The three of us picked out paint colors yesterday. All of this I thought I had plenty of time to work on. Of course she will not be home for months, but I want her to have her own room now. It would seem like she was home with us just a little more.