One Month Old Already!

On July 14th, Kehlani turned one month old. As of yesterday, she was 34 days old and had lived half her life in the NICU and half her life at home. At first, being at home was stressful with Kai and trying to help her adjust and believe that I wasn’t going back to the hospital but it’s taken 2.5 weeks for her to learn that I’m not leaving anymore. Yesterday, I had to work out-of-home for a client and she really struggled when I left in the morning. But things are improving and I am extremely blessed to have my mom and Grandma near us to help babysit when I have to work away from home.

Finally HOME!!

Finally HOME!! On Wednesday, July 1st, Kehlani was finally discharged […]

Thoughts on Our Final Night in the NICU

Last night I received the news that Kehlani could be discharged as early as Thursday, July 2, 2020! I was so excited but it was so late I could only call one person I thought might be up – ironically, she’s the same person who helped me start this journey by encouraging (rather, insisting) I go to the hospital immediately with the contraction she heard me have over the phone.

Kehlani’s NICU Progress: Week 3

6-29-20 – Day 15: Today Marcus came home in the early morning before work and I took Kai to our friends, the Hunnicutts so Kai could spend the day with them. She had a blast and got to go swimming for the first time this summer too! I got to Kehlani’s room in time for the 11am feeding. I even woke up extra early to print on some preemie onesies for Kehlani to wear when she gets to go home! Kai’s grandparents got back from their vacation and she got to spend the evening with them while Marcus played sand volleyball in Harvard. During the night shift, Kehlani’s feeding tube got removed by Nurse Angie!!

Weaning from the Isolette!

Today (6-26-20) Kehlani has been eating really well. I went for another jog around Heartwell after the 8am feeding. This time I ran for 15 minutes, did 3 short sprints, and my lunges. Then my friend Chelsie texted me and asked if I wanted a massage at noon. Obviously, the answer was “Yes!” so I washed up and watched the 11am feeding through her tube.

Mental Health vs. Physical Health

On Tuesday, Kai had her 3-year checkup so I got to go talk to our doctor. He is such a wonderful doctor and I’m so thankful to have found him back in 2014. During the appointment I mentioned something about still “taking it easy” as far as exercise goes and he told me that my delivery was quite smooth so if I was comfortable starting to get active again, he was ok with that.

A lack of Control & an Abundance of Guilt

Day 10 was a whirlwind of emotions. Marcus spent the night last night (Tuesday night) so I could be home with Kai. He went to work at 9am and we had the intention that I would come be with Kehlani around 10am. I hated the idea of neither of us being here.

The Feeding Tube Struggle

Today, one of our fears came to reality. We had been told over the last few days that a feeding tube may be inevitable but we hoped, prayed, and encouraged our little girl through each feeding and somehow managed to make almost all of them in the amount of time they allotted.

The Little Girl that Could

Today I read the book, “The Little Engine Could” to Kehlani through the Isolette (incubator). It is one of the sweetest books to read and very fitting in our situation. In the story, I couldn’t help but get inspired myself.

Kehlani’s NICU Progress: Week 2

6-22-20 – Day 8: Kehlani got her IV OUT of her head today! Mommy also brought a new blanket to try out. Kai got to go to her best friend’s house to spend the day while Nana Donna and Nana JeaJea were in Lincoln. Kehlani is still eating on her own! She has not been weighed yet today.

Kehlani’s Progress after Week 1 in the NICU

Since I neglected to do this daily, here’s her progress day by day.

6-14-20 – Birth: Kehlani was immediately intubated and on bipap and surf, and had a UVC central line put in through her belly button.
She weighed 4# 9.7 oz.