12 Weeks, Pediatrician Appointment, and A Grandparents Visit

As of yesterday (Monday), Hazel has spent 12 weeks in the NICU.  She measured 7 pounds, 5 ounces, which is 4 pounds, 10 ounces over her birthweight (and she was up to 7 lbs 7 oz today!).  She's getting to be a big girl now!  We are still having problems with brady episodes, though;  Tammy, our nurse, said to stop even worrying about a countdown at this point.  Sigh.  Today (Tuesday), Dr. McCormick decided to add rice cereal to Hazel's food plus raise one side of her crib and see if this helps with Hazel's issues, as the doctor thinks Hazel is exhibiting classic reflux signs.  I fed Hazel this afternoon and the cereal stayed down, but it definitely requires pacing because the nipple is a fast flow.  Hopefully this works, but it does make food time even more complicated now (breast milk plus Similac plus now rice cereal).  

Both yesterday and today, Hazel was super cuddly and really wanted to be held.  Yesterday we were there for such a short period I didn't get to spend much time with her, but today I was able to hold her for a long time (she fell asleep on my shoulder - so sweet).  I really hope she gets to come home soon.

So...the reason we didn't have much time at the NICU yesterday was because Abby had her first pediatrician appointment.  Matt and I loaded her up in the car after checking and double checking we had everything we needed (extra outfit, extra diapers, extra wipes, extra food ... etc).  Abby seemed to enjoy the car ride and meeting her new doctor.  Since she was up to date on all of her vaccinations, this was more of a look-over-get-to-know-you visit.  Both Matt and I really liked the doctor - he was very personable.  He seemed to think Abby was progressing well.  And, notably, Abby has gained weight since leaving the NICU - meaning so far so good on our end. ;)  She weighed in at 6 pounds, 14.5 ounces!

My parents came in to town today to visit for a few days.  They were so excited to see Abby - I think she got worn out from all of the love and attention she received from her Meme and Granddad.   :) Fortunately, with grandparent babysitters, it is easier for me to go up to the hospital to visit Hazel.  I can bring Abby with me, but lugging her carseat all the way up there and then hoping she doesn't fuss while I'm paying attention to her sister may be too much to ask.  So I'm thankful the parents were able to come down this week.

Pictures from the last few days!

The Abs.

"Who?  Me?" 

Lunch at a burger joint near the pediatrician's office.

This car seat thing isn't too bad.

"Listen...can you spring me out of this joint?"

"Yeah, play it cool."

Abby's reaction while listening to the beeps in the NICU.

Later, at home in the bouncy seat.

Granddad feeding Miss Abby.

Abby and Meme saying hello to each other.

Burp cloth marks on Hazel's face.  :)

If you look really close, you can see Venus passing in front of the Sun.  Nope, I can't see it either.