Thing 3 is our third ‘preemie’.

Thing 1 was technically term but since I had severe IUGR with him (born at 38 weeks weighing 4lbs 15ozs) he was treated as a preemie.  Fortunately he came home when he was 2 days old.

Thing 2 was born at 35 weeks and weighed 5lbs even.  He had some sugar issues and body temperature problems but after a good feed he was fine and got to come home the next day.

Thing 3 is a whole new experience for us.  We’ve never had to leave our child behind before.  Although we know it’s in her best interest it’s taking a toll on us.

We have to work around schedules.  Thing 1 has camp, Thing 2 naps, Hubby is at work… we can’t spend 24 hours a day at the Hospital where Thing 3 can be with us and it breaks our heart.  She doesn’t have all the familiar voices around her and we’re missing someone.  We don’t get to change every diaper, we don’t get to be the ones who comfort her when she cries, we aren’t the ones feeding her and cuddling with her… it just feels wrong.

Overall her health is perfect.  All IV’s are out, and monitors are disconnected  She’s just a lazy eater.  She needs 43ml every 3 hours to maintain weight and grow.  If she won’t take it we feed her through her feeding tube.  Since she is so small she tires out during feeds from sucking.

She won’t be able to come home until the feeding tube comes out.  To do that she needs to eat every meal from either breast or bottle for 48 hours.

We just want her home.