18 days

Claire has really started to take a turn for the better. Last night she drank 2 whole bottles for the nurse and is staying awake longer in order to breastfeed during the day.  I am seriously so proud of her and am so anxious for her to be consistent so we can go home. This whole experience is teaching me some much needed patience. That has always been a weakness of mine, and I have had to stop and learn to cherish every failed feeding attempt because even though it sucks it is still time I get to spend with her.

Right now I have these highly paid babysitters that are there for me night and day. They let me sleep at night when I need it, will feed her if I have to leave the hospital or want to go home for a few hours and  love her like she was there own.  I am trying to enjoy it because life will be so much harder and more chaotic once I take her home.

My favorite nurse always tries to warn me about all the things that are discouraging during this process and I got to learn another one today. All the little babies that came after her (but are older as far as gestational age) are starting to really progress and will most likely be gone soon. I am super happy for the other moms but sad too because I have come to love the other moms and having them to talk to and share this experience with has been really great. Its like our own little support group!  It will be sad when they go, just hoping we are close behind.

Today I learned another reason why I love this hospital and the staff. A man that works in the cafeteria and that I talk to daily was asking me today why I have been here so long. I explained about Claire and he stopped me as I was walking out today and asked her name. I told him and he smiled really big and told me that he would add her to their pray list.  Sounds stupid but I had to hold back tears all the way to my room.

I would never have wanted this to happen but in a way I am glad because I have met some of the most amazing people through this journey that I would have not met otherwise. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Last night we had to bring a big ice chest to the hospital to take home all my milk. I have so much that they no longer could store it in their freezer. I have around 200 ounces of extra milk that we are storing at the house.  Thinking about contacting the milk bank to donate it depending on how much I continue to make. It is pretty incredible.

Last, Dylan and I are going on a date tonight! I seriously am so excited to just get out and really relax (or try to) for a few hours.

Well we gave Claire a bath today so I will leave you with some cute pictures:

she loves after the bath when we put her in the clean water and just let her soak for a minute. Pure heaven! 

All clean and in her new outfit! 

All tuckered out after bath and eating