>>UPDATES ON US

Clover:

It is hard to believe that our little sweetie is nearly 3 weeks old (in just 2 days).  She is already growing up too fast!

We are still in the NICU in Billings.  I don't know exactly how much longer we will be here, but I'm guessing at least a couple/few more weeks.  Our little Clover has made some good progress these past few days.  She is eating a little better with her bottle, however, she still receives most of her food through a tube.  The poor thing just likes to sleep more than she likes to suck from a bottle.  She is still on oxygen and if she doesn't start improving with her breathing this week, we will probably visit with a pulmonary (lung) doctor soon.

Last week was a little rough.  Clover had a whole slew of tests done including an echo cardiogram and MRI.  She also had lots of blood work done....which completely broke my heart.  Watching my little sweetie get poked over and over with a needle was agonizing.  I couldn't help but break down a little at that point.  Her heart and brain look great and all of her blood tests came back normal, so that was all wonderful news!

She has what the doctors call "low tone," meaning she is more "floppy" than normal.  We will visit with a genetics doctor to see if he has any ideas as to the cause of her low tone since all of her other tests have come back normal.  She is getting stronger though and is bringing her little hands up to her mouth and stretching them above head.  She also picks up her feet and legs and holds them in the air.  I know it sounds like what any baby would do, but for a long time she was pretty limp and her arms and legs would just sort of fall to her side.  She no longer just sleeps through getting her temperature taken and her diaper changed, but puts up a fight and wiggles around and fusses a bit....which has been a very welcomed event.

She smiles a lot and is the absolute best snuggler in the whole world.  My favorite thing to do is cuddle and snuggle with her while she eats.  She truly melts my heart every single second.  I can't help but just stare at her in awe and amazement at how perfect and beautiful and wonderful she is.  I am so incredibly thankful to have her in our lives.

Millie:

No, we have not forgotten about our sweet Millie.  She has been spending the past few weeks with a wonderful family back in Thermop.  She is having the time of her life there and I'm sure has no desire to come back to our boring old house.  She has a huge yard to run around in, other dogs to play with, chickens to chase and a horse to hang out with.  She also has 2 little kids to play with which she is thoroughly enjoying.  Curtis went to visit her while he was in Thermop for work and he said Millie didn't even really care that he was there.  She was too busy running around the yard and having fun with the other animals.  It has been so nice to not have to worry about her and to know she is being well taken care of and having such a good time.

Me and the Hubs:
We are holding up quite well.  Curtis usually has to work during the week, but is able to spend the weekends in Billings with Clover and me.  We sure miss him while he's gone and he definitely hates being away from our sweetie.  I am now 30 weeks into my pregnancy which seems absolutely crazy.  I am feeling pretty good except for my ribs....which I swear the baby has broken at least one of them.  I feel him move around all the time and he is able to throw some pretty impressive punches.  He loves his sister and squirms all around whenever I hold her.

It is weird to think that when we left our home nearly 3 weeks ago, it was summer.  Now there is a chill in the air and fall is here.  Today marks day 20 since I have been away from home.  We are definitely looking forward to being back home all together as a family soon.  Aww, family....I love love love my little family.