BIG NEWS ALERT! ... with multiple pictures!

Yes, yes, you've been so patient. Good job. Now, it's back to the desperate race to catch up with the present. Speaking of presents, I have one at the end of this p-oh-oh-st.

Dec. 17: To see Ella:) 3 13 1/2 ounces. She nurses and roots.

Dec. 18: To see Ella-Bean: Just for 1/2 hour. 3 14 1/2 ounces:) Back after work for a couple of hours. Tried breastfeeding ... and she is 4 pounds, .06 ounces. (Don't believe me? I was THERE! See?)



Dec. 19: To see Ella:) Briefly before work to drop off milk. She's doing well w/bottles.



Dec. 20: Meet R (w/her L) at hospital at 12. To see Ella:) 4, 1.7. Has runny nose, though. I feel bad.

Dec. 21: To see Ella:) Stayed a few hours:) 4.3

Dec. 22: To see Ella:) 4.5

Dec. 23: To see Ella:) 4.7. Nurse says maybe 2-3 weeks!

L holds her!



Dec. 24: To see Ella:) w/L. 4.8. She takes 10 cc nursing:) (An aside: Here's some L brilliance: L: "I'm a nut and I'm very valuable." Me: "To who?" L: "Squirrels.")


Dec. 25: To see Ella:) with sister. 4 9.6. Here's the exciting news: She pulled out her feeding tube and they left it out!! She take full feeding by nursing (for an hour!!) To see Ella:) after work for coupla hours. 4 10.6. (Note: One of the nurses tells me I need to start clearing out some of the things Ella's accumulated — photos, clothes, pictures, etc. I'm kinda offended, but I do it. She also tells me I should come to rounds later that morning, but since it's like 3 a.m. and rounds are at 7 a.m., I decline. I'm such a dumb ass. Read on.)

(Here's Sister holding Ella, for first time, on Christmas Day:) Small on purpose.



(Here are FIRST photos of my baby girl without ANY TUBES, WIRES, ETC. !!!!!!!!!!!! :)





READY FOR IT??? Dec. 26: Today when I call, (nurse) Christine says, "You're not going to believe this ... (dramatic pause) They're talking about sending her home Friday." MAMA INSANITY ENSUES!!

I do go To see Ella:) later, but only after visiting many, many, many baby stores and give official word at work:

My maternity leave has begun!