First of all, thank you to all of you who helped us out with a delicious meal. It was so helpful to be able to focus on taking care of the kids and myself instead of worrying about what I would make for supper. We all looked forward to one of the nights we knew a meal would arrive. We are so lucky to have such kind and thoughtful family and friends!!
More thanks to those of you have called or written with concerns about Claranna's test results. (I had hoped to post sooner, but see above.) We did have the VCUG on the 13th and they did not find kidney reflux present on the x-ray, so they told us they are 98% sure she doesn't have it. That was a huge relief for us and we hope that is the last time that we have to put one of kids through that test. Unfortunately it will be required again if any of our kids gets a future UTI. Claranna weathered the test okay, though her little voice was hoarse for the next couple of days due to all her screaming. They did put some lidocaine on the cath in hopes of eliminating some of her discomfort, but it didn't keep her from wailing during the 20 plus minutes she was having the procedure. That's a long time when you are the mommy and the daddy! We're hoping she was only crying so much because she dislikes being unclothed and uncovered. Other good news... Mark didn't get faint at all!!! : ) Claranna will have another renal ultrasound in August and if all is normal, she will be dismissed from pediatric urology.
Here are a few other updates to questions we are most frequently asked... Claranna is definitely growing. By our own bathroom scale estimates, she now weighs around 7.5 lbs. She is finally starting to fill out some of her newborn clothes, but she should fit them for awhile still. She is doing well in the eating department and even better in the spitting up department. We are doing lots of laundry on her behalf.
Prior to this weekend we were really struggling with night time sleep. There was a recent night when I "slept" in the recliner with Claranna on my chest so that Mark could get a little peace and sleep. That followed a night when Mark and I maybe got three or four hours of total sleep at night. She has had her gassy moments and does not stay asleep if she is laying on a flat surface, so we have raised up one end of her bassinet and that has seemed to help. She sleeps fairly well on our chests and in our arms...but we don't sleep so well then! I'm hoping not to jinx us, but the past two nights have been a huge improvement. I am hoping tonight continues with a longer stretch of sleep from midnight to 4 a.m.
Everyone is asking how the Ella and James like their baby sister. The good news is that they still love her. Ella is very helpful and has held Claranna a few minutes for me here and there when I have needed to get something done, but couldn't put her down without her crying. She has the magic touch with her sister and the love shows! I need to scan and post a few of the journal entries about Claranna that her teacher has sent home from school--precious!
James also adores his sister and loves to gently pat her and kiss her. He has yet to hold her but always has to hug and kiss "Clara Anna" goodnight. He tells us many times a day how much he loves his baby and he is always asking me to hold her down lower so he can see her better. He is so sweet...melts my heart! He doesn't seem to be jealous of all the time she gets with me. If anything, I am missing lap time with James more than he is missing snuggling with me. The only change that we have noted in James is that his tears come a little quicker if his feelings are hurt. He is getting to be such a big boy.
I am sure I could write much more...if I had more hands. This will have to do for now. Enjoy the pics!
