What do we want? Pee diapers! When do we want them? Now! (or as soon as possible, please)

Angie sits upright, feeding Baby Madelyn and fighting the constant urge to yield to the irresistible call to sleep.  She has reached new heights (or lows, if you prefer) of sleep deprivation, but she soldiers on in order to provide for Maddy.  I decided that the least I could do was to blog for her tonight so that she would be able to get some rest.

Today, we learned that some marker for jaundice has continued to rise and rise.  The answer: increase the volume of milk Madelyn receives in order to flush her system and stem the tide.  How can we tell she's receiving enough to flush her system?  Look for several wet diapers each day.  The problem is that wet diapers weren't forthcoming earlier in the day.  However, as the day went on, and as Madelyn engaged in "cluster feeding," I believe we're on our way.  Madelyn's appetite is insatiable, and we're getting good results now.  Never have I been so proud to see a child create a need for a diaper change.

Madelyn had the privilege and opportunity to meet several more friends again today.  She has received no shortage of expressions of love and support, whether from visitors or from well wishers online.  (My German host family sent happy birthday wishes "zur kleinen Prinzessin" (to the little princess) from afar.)  In addition to several friends who were kind enough to visit us today, our parents and Madelyn's siblings made another visit.  Michael and Isabelle are especially interested in her and have showered Madelyn with love and affection when they visit.  Michael got to be the first sibling to hold Madelyn.

  Isabelle, for her part, always wants to touch her and peppers Mom with twenty questions about feeding when Angie prepares to feed Madelyn ("What does she eat?  How many bites does she have left?  Can I see?").

  Not to be outdone, Gabriel, who was playing in a baseball playoff game tonight, dedicated his out-of-the-park home run (his first ever in a game) in tonight's game to his two-day-old sister.  I'm sure she'll appreciate it one day.

We are so thankful to be where we now are.  After the last of our guests left today, we reflected on just how much has happened in a year.  To say we've come a long way doesn't really doesn't convey the light years we've traveled over the course of that time.  We never expected to be back here almost exactly a year after Noah was born with a newborn baby girl.  While some of the sights and people we encounter around here bring to mind our first experience with a baby at this hospital, creating some mixed emotions and bringing back certain painful memories, I can say that many of those same sights -- and all of the people, whether hospital staff or family and friends who visited during both stays -- are inextricably linked with overwhelmingly joyful memories.  We really appreciate the excitement, love, and support we've experienced and received from others, both before and after Madelyn was born.  It's been truly palpable.  While there have been some painful times along the way, we are both cognizant of the many people who have come into our lives and those who have shown us great love and support in the past year.  And now beautiful Baby Madelyn.  It makes us realize just how blessed we are.

Until next time,

Angie (and Jarrett)

P.S.  Please pray for more wet diapers.