Belle Update: July 20

Daddy made her bed this morning. It's a trick we picked up from the NICU. A few rolled up towels make for a great nest, and it keeps her from rolling around, or sliding too far down the bed.

Belle likes to pretend that she's a worm. Without boundaries she'll be at the other end of the crib within a few minutes. We've watched her do it over and over again. 

She makes us laugh constantly. What a funny girl.

Above Arabella's crib we taped a piece of paper with a list of things about her. For instance, "I have fractures that are still healing, be extra gentle with me. Please don't lift my feet or thighs for diaper changes, lift me from my hips instead." 

We're always extra careful with her due to her fragile bones, and we expect all of her nurses to do the same.

Mom and dad are her full time nurses now. We do everything these days. We even know some of the equipment better than most nurses up here in Pediatrics. 

We've learned so much from our time in the NICU. 

Time to feed Belle via feeding tube? No problem. We got this. Once you do it a few times it's easy. 

Last night was our first entire night with her. Kiera and I decided to work shifts. One person is always with her while the other one sleeps. 

In the NICU, parents are never allowed to sleep bedside, but in Pediatrics those rules don't apply. 

Dad works the night shift. Dad's always up late blogging anyway.

Last night I watched her fuss and wiggle until 7am. She would squirm, try to pull out her tubes for a bit, and then go right back to sleep. Whether asleep or awake, this girl always wants to rip out those tubes. Every few minutes she was stirring.

Tonight it's very much the same. Wiggle wiggle, make some noise, and back to sleep. As I was writing this last sentance she pulled out her oxygen tubes and I had to add extra tape to hold it in place. Belle wants everyone to know how smart she is.

A picture of our sleeping area. It's not big or glamorous, but we're happy being so close to Arabella. And that's all that matters.