Friday, October 15, 2010

Holding Adrianna

This past Monday evening I had the privilege of holding tiny Adrianna for the first time.  I wasn't expecting to be able to and watched in wonder as Kendra, the nurse, took a few moments to untangle and disconnect the various tubes and wires attached to Adrianna in order to swaddle her in a blanket. Once Adrianna was swaddled, Kendra held her with only one hand while she closed up the incubator - it was just as though she were a doll. My first thought when I saw her face up close for the first time was, "She looks like Mikea!", mainly due to her coloring and her dark hair. She was opening and closing her eyes and mouth for the first few minutes of me holding her.  She was also sticking out her tongue, which is no bigger than my pinky fingernail!

Turns out that would be the only time this week Billy or I would be allowed to hold her.  Last night Billy asked the nurse to check with Adrianna's doctor to find out when we can start holding her on a regular basis.  I think right now there's only so much stimulation she can tolerate and they want to make sure she's ready for it.  It's hard to fathom that next week she'll already be 1 month old!

Wednesday evening she weighed 980 grams and last night she was up to 1010 grams, which is about 2 pounds 3 ounces.  In the next few pictures you can see just how tiny she is.

We're staying optimistic but I'd be lying if I told you there weren't times when the sadness of it all gets to be overwhelming.  We're still adjusting to the new routine of taking turns driving downtown every night to visit her and it gets harder and harder to leave her each time.  We love her so much already and we desperately want her to be part of our family forever.

2 comments:

phyllis said...

I'm praying this sweet baby will come in live in your home very soon, but whether she does or not, she will always be a part of your family. You are the first parents who loved her, who bonded with her, who prayed for her, who held her, who wanted her, who called her by name. Please, Lord Jesus, if it be your will, bring Adrianna home to Anna, Billy, and the children as soon as she is able.

Laura said...

Amen to the prayer by Phyllis.