Clara Judith Sherwood

Clara 

Resting without the CPAP 

Kangaroo Care with mommy 

Sorry about yesterday's post not sure what happened to it. Clara got a visit from Aunt Wendy and Uncle Scott before they headed back to FLA. We got a few minutes of Kangaroo Care (KCare) each, Auntie Judy and Krisite bought her a CD player for her isolette so I am busy burning a Best of Rush cd for her (you can never be to young to enjoy Rush).

Today we went in early to accommodate my work schedule, we passed the doctor in the hall and she told us that she did not have anything to tell us about Clara. As the saying goes "No New is Good News". We were surprised to she Clara on nasal prongs today instead of the CPAP. It was nice to see her head, face and hair. Krystal got 45 minutes of KCare with Clara. I am not sure who benefits the most from Kcare Krystal or Clara?

She is still eating and pooping well. The nurses have said on more than one occurrence while being weighted she will make a "deposit" on the scale.

Uncle Scott checking in on Clara 

Clara 15 days old 

Due to the ice we were not able to make it to the hospital to visit Clara. We did call several times to get updates. She is stable. They have increased her feeding to 2ml's every three hours and she is now pooping "mommy milk" poop. Her weight has dropped back down to 1lb 7 oz.

Krystal and I hope to intoduce Clara to Aunt Wendy and Uncle Scott today.

Cheers for now..........
Mike

Kangaroo Care with Mommy 

Daddy's Girl

Yesterday was the greatest thing happened to us; we were able to do kangaroo care with Clara. We were able to snuggle skin to skin with Clara for about ten minutes each. I have never felt anything like what I felt yesterday morning. And I don't think Miss Clara minded it either. When the nurse removed her from my chest to put her back in the isolette she let out a scream. Needless to say there were a few tears shed.

Medical update: The neurosurgeon did stopped by and told us that they will continue to monitor the swelling. She did put on about a full ounce in 24 hrs and the poop is still flowing. She is doing well with her feeding so the have increased the frequency to every three hours.

Cheers for now....
Mike

Mommy wiping Clara's mouth 

Clara had her weekly brain ultrasound, she has not had anymore bleeding but her ventricles have some swelling. The doctors are concerned and have called in a neurosurgeon to monitor in case they need to drain to reduce the swelling. She has begun "mommy milk" feedings again since she has had several more "Poops". Krystal and I will spend the morning with Clara and hopefully start Kangaroo Care (watch for pictures) and then say goodbye to Jake in evening. I will not update the Blog tomorrow but will try to give an update Saturday morning.

Cheers for now.....

Mike

Clara's Kitty  

Clara (notice the preemie sock on her foot)

WE HAVE POOP!!!! Clara had her first bowel movement last night. Any positive news is worth Gold right now. They want her to get more air in her bowels before the resume "mommy milk" feeding. The air helps moves move the food thru the intestines. She continues to pack on the grams. She weights 1lb 8.2 oz (she was born 1lb 10oz). Auntie Judy got a chance to hold her the first time but no camera (sorry Judy). Gammy brought a beannie kitty to prepare Clara for Chowder.

Cheers for now
Mike

Gammy checking in on Clara

Clara was moved to her new spot in the nursery. She has been upgraded to a window view with a view of some trees and a liquor store (she can watch for her father's frequent visited). Lizzy can you say "Quite A Lot"

Clara got a visit and was held by Grandma and Grandpa today. They rushed down from Ohio so we rushed them right in and had Clara waiting for them. I hope to post some video of it in a day or so. Nothing new to report medically on her behalf.

Krystal and I continue to amazed by the love and support from everyone from our family, friends, and hospital staff. We asked that you please continue to keep Clara in your thoughts and prayers. It is still going to be a long road for her. If you feel the need to "do something" please remember the charities posted on Jake's behalf.

Angela Kirpatick has been nice enough to host a pot-luck supper in honor of Jacob at the Presbyterian Church across the street from the funeral home at 5:30 PM on Friday. Please feel free to stop in and get a bite to eat before the service. If you need more information keep checking the Blog.

Cheers for Now
Mike

We woke up this morning and called to check on Clara. She had a peaceful night and is doing well.

She moved into a new isolette yesterday and will probaly be moved to a new location in the NICN. This is being done to help Krystal and I heal and concentrate on getting her well.