Our Little Glow Worm

What a busy day Harper had yesterday. Since her bilirubin was up to 14, she was placed under the lights for the day. She was also given some more saline through her iv to help flush her system. As of 5:00 pm, her bilirubin levels were down to 11. The doctor wants them to be below 10.5 before removing her from the lamps so we are almost there! As I mentioned before, a high bilirubin can account for a lack of interest in feeding so hopefully her appetite will perk up a bit today. We tried a bottle at her 5:00pm feeding but it didn't go so well mainly because she didn't want to wake up. We happened to be there for her 2:00 pm feeding yesterday where she was awake, alert and rooting for food but unfortunately, that was not one of her scheduled bottle feedings.

She did get the chance to meet her paternal grandparents, Mimi and Pepaw. Her Pepaw held her for the last half of her feeding and we all determined that had to be the easiest feeding he has ever done for a baby. HA! The biggest challenge in holding her through her feeding is how still you must remain as the slightest movement gives her an upset tummy and we need to keep every bit of the food down. Her feeds have been increasing in amount too and she was up to 40 ml as of last night.

It is becoming increasingly more difficult to leave her there in the hospital and for the rest of her family to go 'home.' We seem to be tearing up more often because we just love that little bundle of joy so much, this includes her nurses as well. It is amazing to see the love and care they are providing for her just as if she were their own. They also provide strength and comfort for us and are the most amazing nurses taking care of her but ultimately we know she is in God's healing hands and He is protecting her and keeping her every second of every day. The outpouring of love and support we have been receiving has been overwhelming at the very least. We thank and love each and every one of you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers as we face "an unknown future to a known God."