We're gaining....

It's been two weeks since I last posted ...we've mostly been just trying to settle into a routine. We did have time to take the girls to the studio to have their pictures taken.

Claire has been gaining weight steadily (5.5 pounds on 8/28) while battling a cold for the last week.

Things will really start crankin' this week and next...Madelyn starts kindergarten on Wednesday...Grace at South Parish Nursery School after Labor Day (the plan is for Mommy to start teaching Nov 1st). Dancing and gymnastics kick in as well....busy time!

As I said before, posts will be few and far between until Claire goes back for her consultation with the surgeon September 21st and they will schedule her surgery (re-insert stoma) at that time.

Thanks again for all of your support!

Settling in.....to normal?

Not sure that things will ever be "normal" again! The Dwyers are trying to at least get into a routine. Madelyn "Mommy #2" and Grace have been great and Claire pretty much eats, sleeps and, well, you know.

Not sure how often we will be able to update the blog but will try to as we can....especially when she has to go back into the hospital next month to have surgery to re-insert her ostomy.

CLAIRE IS HOME!!!!

In the car seat and ready to go! Finally....62 days after Jessica was admitted to the hospital on June 9th, Claire came home to Myrtle Street on August 9th.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

Madelyn & Grace have really taken to listening to the Annie soundtrack (the copy in the van CD player must be just about worn out)....and it appears Claire must have been paying particular attention to one of the titles.......as it appears she will be released from the hospital tomorrow (Wednesday).
Since they started fortifying her milk yesterday she has gained 3 oz (up to 4lbs 12 oz). Needless to stay we are anxiously awaiting her arrival home.
Thanks again to everyone. We have appreciated all of your thoughts, prayers and support throughout this experience.

New Pictures - including first bath

Claire didn't realy like her first bath........

Close to coming home?

Claire has been in Barbara Bush since Wednesday and seems to be doing pretty well...though her weight is still stuck on 4 lbs., 9 oz. The pediatrian said that, basically, three things need to happen before Claire could go home: 1) she needs to show that she will nurse and/or take a bottle 2) she needs to show some weight gain and 3) mom & dad need to be comfortable changing her colostomy bag. Numbers 1 & 3 have been met, we now just need Claire to gain some weight....so she is getting pretty close to coming home (within a couple days, maybe?).

Claire admitted to Barbara Bush

Claire was, in fact, transferred out of the NICU to Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (still at Maine Medical Center) yesterday and seems to be doing well with both nursing and bottle-feeding (though she hasn't gained any weight over the past couple of days). The transfer brings another transition for the family to get through. We were very comfortable with the staff and (high) quality of care Claire was receiving from the NICU and we need to get acclimated to the new surroundings at Maine Med. Madelyn and Grace will enjoy visiting more as the ward is set up with a lot of toys, etc. for their age group.

Claire leaving NICU today?

Claire is scheduled to be transferred from the NICU to the pediatrics ward (Barbara Bush Children's Hospital @ MMC) today and they are guessing that, if all goes well, she will be there about a week and then sent home!?!?!!? She started nursing yesterday and she seems to be doing very well.