De Ja Vu

We recently had a new birth in our family. Phoebe Elizabeth was born on February 13, 2009. Being 20 days early, we were concerned about a variety of complications. Monday's doctor's appointment seemed promising. Her weight was down but she was figuring out how to nurse. Wednesday's appointment resulted in a a slightly different ending. Phoebe's jaundice level was at 24. The high range is between 20 and 30. In extreme cases, high jaundice levels can lead to brain damage, but Phoebe's condition was caught in plenty of time. However, she was dehydrated so the nurses had problems inserting the IV. Consequently, they had to insert the IV in her scalp. It kind of looks like a tierra from this angle. She is quite the trooper! Normally, when bilirubin levels are as high as Phoebe's, lethargy is prominent. However, my daughter was quite vocal when poked and prodded. In fact, when I first came into her room, one woman was holding down one hand while another man was holding her legs! I was excited to see such spirit in my young one! Of course, that could mean that she is going to be a very spirited and angry young lady. However, I would rather try to steer a running horse than try to motivate a dead one.
While the IV in the scalp looks horrible, it really is not that bad. The nurse simply added a lot of tape to ensure my little fighter would not pull it out. Phoebe barely made a peep when the nurse stuck her.

Our family is no stranger to the NICU. Benjamin's first two weeks of life were spent with wires and tubes and fluorescent lights. You can relive his progress on one of my first blogs. It was actually encouraging to reread that blog, thinking of all of the work the Lord has done in our family. Ben was fighting for his life that first weekend. Christ Jesus was gracious to give him more than simply those first two weeks. I still remember the first time Bek was able to hold and feed him. Now my little sword-fighting, car-loving man is three and a half! What a gift from God! Hannah had a much easier beginning and is just as much of a blessing! I have enjoyed rehashing some of the memories via the plethora of pictures we have stored.