Meet My New Sister

Emerson Grace, my little sister, joined the world yesterday morning - January 20, 2009. She weighs 7 pounds 15 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long. She has been having a little bit of trouble breathing, so the doctors and nurses decided that it would be best if she went to the NICU to get some oxygen. She has been making improvements each day and we hope that she will be lots better very soon! It doesn't look like she will get to come home with Mommy on Friday, but as soon as she is better she will get to come to stay at our house for good. I can't wait for that day to come - and neither can mommy and daddy! While we wait for her to get better, mommy is going to help me keep you updated on her progress!

Here is a picture of Emerson just to give you a peek:

She looks like a little space cadet with her oxygen hood over her head.

There are lots of lines and tubes, but they are all helping to make Emerson better!

Today's update: Emerson is needing extra oxygen through the hood to help saturate her blood fully. Right now she is needing 37% assistance - while normal rooms give off 21%. This is a big improvement from Tuesday when she was needing 52% and more. Once her blood oxygen level is stable, they will remove the hood and will let us hold her. At that time, they will also move her to a regular bed and will begin feeding her normally. Right now she is being given food (sugar water) through a line in her belly button. Everyone assures us that she is moving in the right direction, she just needs time to allow her lungs to fully mature. It could take up to two weeks. I will be in the hospital until Friday, and then I will go home but Em will stay here. She is in great care and we want her to be 100% healthy before she comes home. We will keep you posted on her progress!