20 days old

Alyssa had a wonderful Wednesday. Alyssa maintained the same body weight from Tuesday to Wednesday. I attempted to breast feed again during lunch time with the help of a lactation consultant. Alyssa has not been doing so well since she is still young for eating. The lactation consultant suggested I continue to try but not every feeding. Alyssa could become frustrated and have a negative attitude towards breast feeding. In the evening when we arrived we were told that Alyssa pulled out her feeding tube again, so it got put in her other nostril. Damian was able to feed her with a bottle and she drank almost half of it. She drinks very very slowly and its much easier to bottle feed than breast feed for preemie's. We are looking forward to Thursday when we will give Alyssa her first bath. God continues to give us peace in the middle of a difficult time. Giving him ALL the glory!!!!

Now ALL the glory to God, who is able, through HIS might power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

19 days old

Alyssa is having a great start to her week. Tuesday she did lose weight however is minimal and I know she'll gain it back soon. When we showed up yesterday during lunch we found out she pulled her feeding tube completely out of her nose, she is very active little girl. I was able to hold her again last night and attempt breast feeding practice. She was very alert and awake most of the time. She is very interested in everything in the room and turns her head towards Damian's voice and mine. Granny and Papaw also came to visit last night. Giving God all the glory for watching over her and us during this time!

A yawn, so tired.

Kisses from mommy

Looking at daddy

Granny came to visit

My weight

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1

18 days old

Alyssa had a good Monday. Alyssa did have a little rapid breathing during the day and was treated with medication. The doctors and nurses don't anticipate it being a long term issue or problem. The nurses always comment on how well she is doing, which I continue to give the praise to God and the many people praying for Alyssa. When I visited Alyssa in the evening I was able to hold her for about 2 hours. She was awake for 30 minutes looking at me with her big beautiful eyes. I rocked her and cuddled her most of the time. I also was able to attempt to breast feed her for the first time. Since she is still very young it's really to start practicing for the real thing. She will continue to practice with me daily but continue to receive her breast milk through the tube in her nose. I continue to praise my heavenly father who wraps his arms around us all!

Alyssa holding my wedding ring. I wear a size 6 and she has 3 of her little fingers inside it. 

17 days old - 34 weeks

Alyssa had a great Sunday! Baby girl packed on some more weight. She gained 2oz. from Saturday to Sunday. You will notice that her feeding tube was moved from down her mouth to now down her nose.They say its better to have it in her nose now. In the morning when I went to visit she was snug as a bug in her bed. Alyssa loves to be wrapped up tight into her bed and also loves her binky. During our evening visit daddy got to hold Alyssa.

Alyssa's weight as of Saturday evening, sorry forgot to post it (16 days old)

Sunday Morning

Our evening visit

Alittle SMILE in her sleep :)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

16 days old

Alyssa had a great Saturday! I was able to hold her today for an hour. It was again pure bliss for momma. After holding Alyssa the nurse came in and we introduced Alyssa to the bottle for the 1st time. She sucks and spit out of our most of he milk. The nurse said she did very well for her first time since alot of preemie's chock because they don't know to spit it out. Little Alyssa is one smart girl!! We will continue to introduce the bottle every so many days to help her practice. Practice makes perfect!

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for little Alyssa! God continues to watch over her and give our family peace while being away from her.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

15 days old

Alyssa had a great Friday! Alyssa was held today for the first time by her biggest brother Nick. Today was a super special day for Nick, he got his driver's license today and held Alyssa for the 1st time; very memorable. Alyssa was removed completely today from her lipids and will now only receiving breast milk. Jesus continues to be by her side!

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalms 139:13

14 days old

Alyssa has had a great Thursday! I visited with her early this morning and she was snug in her bed and was being feed(down her tube). I was told by her nurse she would most likely be taken off her lipids tomorrow since she is tolerating her feeds(breast milk). This is great news!!! Alyssa also gained 50 grams since yesterday. My lil baby girl in on her way to pack on the pounds and come home. I know we have awhile to go before that happens but still very excited. God has been so good to her and us as a family. God has given us PEACE. Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers!