Day 28- Happy 4 Week Baby Day! (Gestational Age: 35 Weeks)

My Big Baby Girl!

MiMi came to kiss on her

Instant love <3

Today was such a big day for Avery. To start off with, she is 4 stinkin weeks old!! I cannot believe how far we've come. 4 weeks sounds like such a long time (and it has been, don't get me wrong),  but she is over 95% of her hurdles in the NICU and is in the homestretch. And now, it seems like just a blink since I gave birth to her. She is so precious, so wonderful, such a blessing to all of us that get to be around her. We are awesomely blessed to have 4 whole weeks under our belts with this girl!! Thank you Jesus!!

• Avery took 6 whole bottles today!! All in 15 minutes are less, with no spit up. I am so proud of her. I think this is what the nurses were talking about when they said, "One day it will just click and they get it all of the sudden." I think our girl gets it : )  I think they'll probably leave her at this # for a couple days, then I have no idea if they'll go to 7 or 8 bottles. But holy moly, 6 is a lot. 
• She is now 17 and a half inches long! 2 inch growth since birth. Her head is also growing normally (although I think her noggin is a tad on the larger side)
• The nurse practitioner came in and told us that should Avery move up to 8 bottles in the next few days and handle that well (and have no Brady's), she thinks the little one should be home anywhere from a week to a week and a half!! I.DIED. She mentioned pediatricians, and car seats. I couldn't believe my ears! I thought we had more time! (Although obviously I'm deliriously happy we don't) My hubby again doesn't want me to get my hopes up, and I feel that God is still trying to teach me patience with this particular situation. Avery did have a Brady while she was eating (not a big deal, totally normal) and then had another one later in the day while she was at rest (more concerning, but considered "okay" with preemies her age and since she snaps out of them so quickly, they are just hoping the older she gets, they will cease to happen) This is something I fear will end up keeping us there longer than we hope. Can everyone please send major prayers up to the Big Man that she doesn't have these anymore?? We really want her home for Thanksgiving, but of course, God will let her come home when she is good and ready. A little praying never hurt though :)
• She had great poop today! 
• She is up to about 4 lbs 4 oz! Great gradual weight gain.1922 grams- Love, love, love this! Thank you God for answering this prayer. We continue to pray for weight gain for this sweet angel. She can always get bigger and I love my fat baby : )

Mimi AND Aunt Carly came to visit today! How awesome is that! I think Avery really enjoys new people and especially her family. I can't wait for everyone to be able to spend time with AG... she brings so much joy to us and it is something we want to share. Although I really do hope that everyone understands the severity of Avery's health. It's not that we ever want to keep her away from anyone, or that we ourselves don't want (or won't want) to take her places. Or go places just us. But she has virtually no immune system. We aren't even allowed to put her in daycare until she is at least 2 years old. The smallest germ that someone could have and pass to her could land her back in the NICU. We have to be more careful than one normal person can possibly imagine so that she stays healthy. So we will inevitably have to turn down invitations to bring her places or go places ourselves. I apologize well in advance. But we have to put our daughters health first, no matter what. Thank you for respecting that! Thank you again to Mimi and Aunt Carly for loving on our girl today, she told me she LOVED it and can't wait to see you ladies again!

We pray that Avery continues on the awesome path she is on. I know the Lord is blessing her every moment, and hearing all the prayers that are coming His way. I believe fully that Avery is on the way to being home soon, and I pray that she keeps up the great work on her feedings and weight gain so that this is possible. However, ultimately, God is in control. And its reassuring to give this situation to Him on a daily basis. All we can do is, first and foremost, give thanks and glory to God. Every day. NONE of this would be happening if it weren't for His power. And then we'll just pray. Pray for weight gain. Pray for successful 8 bottle feedings. Pray for a complete healthy, happy baby and has no setbacks. Pray for no Brady episodes. I know all these things are possible because we are trusting the Lord with them. Won't you believe in this with me??

Thank you for everything, folks! We are such happy parents, especially because I get to literally smother my kid with kisses every day, multiple times a day. I will NEVER take that for granted! Hope everyone has a great, blessed week! xox