43, 44 and 45 days old

Alyssa continues to progress with feedings and weight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As of Sunday she weighs 4 pounds and 6 ounces. I am having some issues with my breast milk production. For some reason the amount decreased by almost half. I started taking an herbal supplement Saturday to help get my milk supply back up. It looks like Alyssa will be coming home early this week. They won't tell us a for sure date but just that its most likely this week. We spent most of the weekend getting last minutes things done around the house ready for baby girl.

He is not here; for he is risen! Luke 24:6

HAPPY EASTER!

41 & 42 days old

Alyssa had a wonderful Wednesday and Thursday. She continues to eat very well. The doctors are now giving 2 feedings a day of formula to fatten her up with more calories. She eats very fast and continues to breast feed also. Texas Children's requires all parents take infant CPR and car seat education before discharge. I completed CPR on Wednesday and our car seat education is scheduled for Friday. The doctors seem to give us the impression they will be letting her go home soon. So I'm thinking Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday Alyssa's pic-line was removed which has been in her arm since we were at Methodist. It was inserted in her left arm and had tons of tape covering it. When they removed it I saw something new on her I'd never seen, her birthmark. I'm looking forward to the days ahead and scared also. She is so tiny and it's very different form bringing a newborn home. I have also chosen to keep Evan out of preschool to avoid him bringing anything home for school. Since Alyssa is more prone to infection; I don't want to take any chances with her health. I know this will give me more peace of mind but it will also be a challenge at home with a new baby and 3 year old. Please pray for the days ahead, for I know it will be a challenge. I have already implemented a higher hand washing routine in the house as of a couple of days ago.

Alyssa's Birthmark

Our beautiful baby girl

40 days old

Alyssa had a wonderful Tuesday. I breast feed Alyssa again and she did great. She continues do well and now weighs 4 lbs 3 ounces. I spoke to the doctor who thinks she is close to going home, maybe within a week. Alyssa continues to poop which is very exciting considering her past issues. God is so good!!!!

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23

Alyssa very full and happy after I breast feed her.

39 days old

Alyssa had a wonderful Monday. Monday mid day they removed Alyssa from her incubator and placed her into a regular bed. As long she can maintain her own body heat moving forward she will remain in the regular crib. Alyssa pulled out her feeding tube again on Sunday night so they just left it out since she's taking all her feeds by bottle and breast now. I was so excited to see her without a tube in her nose. I spoke to Alyssa's doctor and she thinks if she continues to gain weight and do well she could be going home in a week or so. I heard that and was so excited and freaked out at the same time. We have a little to do before she comes home and our house is a disaster. Between going to the hospital everyday, pumping and continuing to maintain routine, not much is getting done around our house. I know your thinking how is she typing this blog, this is what I do while I pump :) Pumping is the way I stay connected to the rest of the world these days via email, Facebook and etc.

Please pray for Alyssa's continued success. Below is a letter for our Family and Friends to help you understand the journey for Alyssa going home. Please take a moment to read it.

Dear family and friends,

I’m super excited that I have reached the point in my journey to finally say I’m coming home soon! I have overcome so many obstacles along the way and I am getting stronger and stronger every single day. Mommy and Daddy cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of support, understanding, and love that has been received from everyone. So many of you have done so much for us along the way and we truly appreciate every bit of your help, concern, thoughts, and prayers.

Now that I am transitioning to home, I ask that you continue to support me as I grow. Please remember that I am still small and even though I am not in the hospital anymore, I continue to have special needs simply because I was born early.

My immune system isn’t completely developed yet, so I am going to need you please not visit me if you are feeling sick. Even if you just have a cold, please stay at home. I know you really want to meet me and I want to meet you too, but even a common cold can make me very sick. When you do come to visit me, my parents ask that you take off your shoes at the door and wash your hands when you arrive. My mommy and daddy also have a great big stash of hand sanitizer so don’t forget to take a few squirts of that before you touch or hold me.

My respiratory system is also still vulnerable. So if you do come over to my home, please don’t wear any strong perfume or cologne. If you smoke I am going to need you change your clothing and refrain from smoking before you come to visit me. My lungs are very sensitive and cannot take even the smell of second hand smoke.

If it is RSV or flu season, please understand that I may not be able to visit with you just yet. Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a respiratory virus that isn’t any worse than a common cold, but for preemies like me, the virus can be quite different and very scary. Babies like me that were born before 36 weeks gestation are at highest risk for complications like bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and other serious breathing problems that could put us back in the hospital. Sometimes the side effects are so bad that they can be fatal for babies like me. Preventing the spread of RSV can be very difficult. The virus is spread through physical contact or through the air if you sneeze or cough. RSV can live on hands for up to 6 hours and on surfaces for up to 12 hours. It is spread very easily, especially by children. So please understand when my parents don’t have visitors during this season. (October through April)

Please ask my mommy and daddy when a good time would be to visit and be mindful of how long you stay. Because my sensory system is also learning how to cope with my new world, I may get overstimulated easily. In the NICU I was kept in a warm, dark and mostly quiet place. I slept a lot while I was in the hospital, but I will still need to sleep and rest a lot now too. If I am asleep when you arrive, please allow me to keep sleeping. I need all of my energy to eat, grow, and thrive. Too much stimulation or over stimulation may set me back. Please understand and respect my space if I need it.

Please know that this letter is not meant to hurt or offend anyone, it is simply meant to show that even though I may be home, I am still a preemie and need some extra time to grow and thrive.

Thank you for understanding and respecting my parent’s decisions to keep me happy and healthy. They have been through one of the biggest challenges of their lives and we are finally home, safe and sound. I am super excited that you want to meet me and I cannot wait to be part of your world.

Hugs and kisses,

Alyssa Lauren Lee

36 - 38 days old

Alyssa had a wonderful Friday. Friday during the day I was able to practice breast feeding again with Alyssa which went very well.

Holding Alyssa Friday

35 days old

Thursday morning we received WONDERFUL news, Alyssa test results came back showing she was negative for Hirschsprung's disease. When the nurse told me I just started crying, I was so happy. God is so good, I give him ALL the glory. Alyssa continued to take the bottle all day. Ill also be breast feeding once a day to help her practice. Looking forward to the day I can nurse her. Weeping may last through the night, but JOY comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5. Joy did come Thursday morning!!!!

Alyssa's aunt Erika will be participating and raising money for March of Dimes, which is foundation who helps support premature babies.1 in every 8 babies is born too soon and too small.

Join my sister "March for Dimes" in honor of Alyssa on April 28th!

Link to Join my sister in the walk and/or to donate below.

34 days old

Alyssa is doing well in her new environment hospital). They started her feeds again Wednesday and will increase the amount every 12 hours.I spent most of the day at the hospital and daddy took his turn in the evening. We are still waiting on test results of the Hirschsprung's disease biopsy. Trusting God!

She loves being wrapped up tight in her little bed.

Alyssa's aunt Erika will be participating and raising money for March of Dimes, which is foundation who helps support premature babies.1 in every 8 babies is born too soon and too small.

Join my sister "March for Dimes" in honor of Alyssa on April 28th!

Link to Join my sister in the walk and/or to donate below

http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=2493290&ct=4&w=6079044&u=elmian0&bt=15

33 days old - 36 weeks

Alyssa spend her first full day on Tuesday at Texas Children's hospital in downtown Houston. The doctors preformed her biopsy in the afternoon. We were told they should have the results Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. I spent most of the day at the hospital with Alyssa. My dad also came to visit which was nice to have the company. I spend more time there these days since it takes almost an hour to get there I figure I better make the most of the trip. Tuesday evening Damian and I both went up to the hospital together. We gave Alyssa her first bath at TC and it was nice get her smelling good. We are now spending at least $24 a day for parking which equals $168 a week. I still can't believe they have patients paying to park. Still missing the perks of Methodist Willowbrook.  Today was a little easier that the day before. I am trying to relax and just let some things go like laundry and house cleaning but its hard. The only thing I can control is my household and letting it go during a time when I have no control is hard. My natural instinct is to dive myself into something to keep my mind off the obvious. Yesterday I decided to dive into my bible study at a moment when I really wanted to do more than I could chew. It helped to read Gods word and let is soak into my spirit. I know Gods word has power and I need to turn to it more than my laundry, cleaning and etc.
I am learning to let go day by day and minute by minute.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 

YES, she is sleeping with both legs straight up in the air.

Kangaroo time with my little girl.

Sweetness

The doctor preforming the biopsy on Alyssa

32 days old

Alyssa was transferred to Texas Children's in the afternoon on Monday. A test was run and showed a small blockage in end of her intestines. Methodist felt they no longer had the resources to continue to investigate further so they transferred to TC. At Texas Children's she will receive a biopsy Tuesday which will show if she does or doesn't have nerve endings near the end of her intestines to allow her to poop. The doctor seems to think she does but that they are not mature enough yet. They must run this test to rule out a specific disease so we can move forward with feedings again.

When Damian and I arrived we encountered a whole different experience at Texas Children's than the Methodist. At TC all babies are in one large room and everyone can see your baby and you. At Methodist we had a large private room for Alyssa that would could even spend the night in. We now drive 45-minutes to an hour to see Alyssa verses before it was 15 mins. The parking at TC is $12 a day and once you leave you have to pay again. Clearly we were spoiled at Methodist and so wish to return. It's possible she could go back but we have to establish what's going on with her intestines first. Stress level is now higher than normal for me. I really feel my time being spread so thin between going to the hospital daily to see Alyssa, caring/ spending time with Evan, Nick and being a wife. I wish my time could be multiplied right now. I know that God is faithful, he has always been in the my past therefore we just have to get through this. I was reminded today by my wonderful Godly mother "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning" Psalm 30:5.

So thankful to everyone who has called, sent texts, made meals for us, baby sat Evan and prayed for us! You all are God's blessing from above!! Please continue to pray for Alyssa and us all!

Much Love,

Damian, Nina, Nick and Evan

Alyssa's aunt Erika will be participating and raising money for March of Dimes, which is foundation who helps support premature babies.1 in every 8 babies is born too soon and too small.

Join my sister "March for Dimes" in honor of Alyssa on April 28th!

Link to Join my sister in the walk and/or to donate below

http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=2493290&ct=4&w=6079044&u=elmian0&bt=15

31 days old

Sunday was a little better for Alyssa. We found out her intestines had gone down in size and that there was possibility that her feedings could begin again Monday. Nothing is for sure yet since they have to preform a test Monday and look to see if anything is being blocked in her intestines. Alyssa was more settled today than yesterday.

Monday morning- Update

We found out Alyssa is being transferred to Texas Children's. She apparently has a small blockage in her intestines. Texas Children's is going to preform more tests to see if surgery is needed or something more simple. Please pray for Alyssa, Damian and I. This is very hard for us.

Thanks everyone!

Sunday evening pictures

Being weighed

30 days old

Alyssa had a very rough Saturday. I went to visit her around lunch time. When I arrived she was sleeping and very peaceful. I got the opportunity to hold her again which is so exciting. After about 5 minutes she was very fussy. She's not normally fussy and if she ts because the nurses are doing something to her. I tried to sooth her with the pacifier but it was not working. Normally she calms down with it but it was not working. The nurse and I decided to put her back in bed since she was so upset. The nurse and I continued to try to make her comfortable and do whatever we could to make her calm down. I asked the nurse if maybe she was in pain considering all the medication she got put on the day before. She said she would go ask the doctor if there was something else we could do or for her. After she returned she said the doctor stated she is probably hungry. This broke my heart considering they stopped her feedings the day before and were not going to start them again until her intestines returned to normal and/or she was done with her round of antibiotics. My heart just broke for Alyssa. I could not imagine being so hungry you would cry and be so unsettled. Nothing I could do for her would help and I felt helpless. I left the hospital broke for her and so sad. I cried in the car and just prayed for God to take her hunger pains away. She is the strongest little person I know right now!!! I went and got some lunch after and was so guilty just eating it. Since then every time I've eaten that's all I think of is her being hungry. I continue to pray for the holy spirits peace for her and myself. Once again I have to give all control to God because I can't do anything for her. I am also so thankful she has the best care at the hospital, great nurses and doctors. Please continue to pray for Alyssa and our family! THANKS!!!

Pictures of her when I first arrived

Pictures of my view holding her, pure happiness

29 days old

Alyssa had a rough Friday. Alyssa's stomach became very swollen Thursday and got worse over night. Friday morning the doctors ordered lab work(blood test and Xrays). They found out that Alyssa was potassium deficient which also caused her to be anemic  Apparently your body does not produce red blood cells until your about 8 days old. Since Alyssa was not full term she is far from the 8 days old technically. She had to be given a blood transfusion of red blood cells to her recover from the anemia and lack of potassium in her blood. They also believe she has an infection in her stomach so they started her on 3 antibiotics  They also stopped her breast milk feeds through her tube for now. I am not sure when they will start her feeds  again but hoping  it will be Saturday or Sunday. The doctors and nurses seem to give us the impression this is "normal for a preemie" and she will be fine. Its still hard to swallow for me considering she has been doing so well and was making great process towards going home. I hate that she's going through so much so young. 

She is truly a fighter and God's got his loving arms around her. I will continue to walk by faith, I KNOW our God is enough! 

A close up of our little fighter

Walk By Faith, my worship song for the day!

1 month old (28 days old)

Happy 1 month old to Alyssa! She gained  30 grams and is now 3 pounds 9 ounces. I spoke to the doctor Thursday evening and he thinks Alyssa will be ready to go home in about 3 weeks. Are next goal is to get her to eat 100% by bottle and/or by breast feeding. I am looking forward to that day!!!

HAPPY 1 MONTH ALYSSA!!!

Alyssa got a new bed, it looks very similar to her previous bed but a little different  Her previous bed was for more critical babies.

Snug in bed

27 days old

Alyssa continues to do very well. She gained weight again and now weighs 3lbs 8oz. Today Alyssa got alot of visitors. Her aunt Toni, uncle Ed, aunt Erika, Evan and Papaw came to visit. Our lil valentine is loved lots!

I am looking forward to the days ahead when all this is memories. I spending more time with my pump these days than my baby girl. Its weird and sad all at the same time. I realized the other day I spend alittle more than 3 hours a day strapped to the pump. Thankfully I have a dual sided pump too! Speaking of the pump, I'm attached to it as I type this. I'm glad my milk continue to flow well and my baby girl is getting the best possible nutrition right now. I just look forward to the days ahead when the pump and I can part ways. Pumping is all I can control when it comes to Alyssa and its hard enough. Living with a baby in the NICU is very hard, you want to spend time there but you still have family at home to care for. It's a difficult life to balance then throw in the postpartum hormones.  We are approaching Alyssa's 1 month birthday which brings up alot of emotions. I can't believe my baby girl is already that old and she is still very little too. Coming from having 2 full term babies things are usually very different at this point and I have to constantly remind myself she is different and to stop comparing. Not only is her 1 month birthday coming but the anniversary of us moving back to town. We moved back on 1/14 and Alyssa was born 2/14. The last 60 days have been so busy and crazy for us. I asked myself today how I am still standing? I continue to give God the glory on that. Every time I feel down, sad, worried and etc I ask for his help. Sometimes it may just be simple as a cry and/or asking him out loud to take my burden away because I alone can't do it. He continues to do it because I look at my situation and I am still in awwww of how 1 person can bear all this?!?! Just thinking of it; packing while 6 months pregnant, moving then giving birth 9 weeks early makes my jaw drop. Truly my God is amazing because I alone am in awwwww!
Thanks to everyone who continues to pray  for Alyssa and our family.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Papaw visiting Alyssa

Alyssa's aunt Erika will be participating and raising money for March of Dimes, which is foundation who helps support premature babies.1 in every 8 babies is born too soon and too small.

Join my sister March for Dimes in honor of Alyssa on April 28th!

Link to Join my sister in the walk and/or to donate below
http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=2493290&ct=4&w=6079044&u=elmian0&bt=15

26 days old - 35 weeks

Alyssa had a wonderful Tuesday. She gained 29 grams and is currently 3 lbs 5 oz. Tuesday evening I got the opportunity to practice nursing again with Alyssa which went very well. Alyssa continues to take most of her breast milk through the tube in her nose. Hopefully she begins to eat more through breast feeding which then they will cut back on her feeding amount going in the tube. Alyssa is also 35 weeks old. It's still very weird that she is already here since she should still be in my belly for another month or so.

Give thanks to the God of heaven; his love is eternal. Psalm 136:26

Alyssa's aunt Erika will be participating and raising money for March of Dimes, which is foundation who helps support premature babies.1 in every 8 babies is born too soon and too small.
Join my sister March for Dimes in honor of Alyssa on April 28th!

Link to Join my sister in the walk and/or to donate below
http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=2493290&ct=4&w=6079044&u=elmian0&bt=15

25 days old

Alyssa had a good Monday. She gained more weight and continues to do well. Monday evening Damian and I gave Alyssa another bath, which we did without the nurses supervision this time. It felt good to do something for her without there help. I am looking forward to the days ahead when we will continue to take over more of her care. 

Alyssa's aunt Erika will be participating and raising money for March of Dimes, which is foundation who helps support premature babies.  Every year 1 in every 8 babies is born too soon and too small. But, by joining March for Babies, you're helping to bring an end to premature birth. And you're raising awareness in your community. That leads to more research, better information, and a healthier future for babies and moms alike. 
Join my sister march for Alyssa on April 28th!

Link to Join my sister in the walk and/or to donate below
http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=2493290&ct=4&w=6079044&u=elmian0&bt=15

Snug as a bug after her bath

Trust in the lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5