And let's face it, there aren't a whole lot of resources on having a baby after losing a baby. Hopefully, this series can bring hope to others walking a similar path. Hopefully, it can shed some light into my soul, for those who walk this journey with me. Those who hold my hand. Those who hug me with their words from afar.
I hope you enjoy this series, as I share my daughter with you :)
Weight & Length: As of 1/2/2016, at 16 days of age, Samantha was back to her birth weight, 5 lbs 13 oz. She also had grown a full inch measuring 19 & 3/4 inches. We're so proud of our little girl!
Features: Her eyes are currently grey. We wonder if they will stay this way, or perhaps change to blue. Or perhaps they will stay grey with the chance of changing to blue and/or green like many of the men in her family. Daddy's blue eyes that change grey? Grandpa's eyes that are grey that change green? Or other Grandpa's eyes that are grey that change blue and green. It's a wonder. Her hair seems to have a couple different shades. A darkish shade of brown around the middle, and a blond hue towards the bottom of her head and on the sides. Another mystery we are excited to figure out.
Feedings: Little miss eats well. Usually every 3 hours, though she'll go four hours at night.... and then sometimes she wants to eat every 1.5 hours to 2 hours. She's a little champ!
Sleep: She can be a little night owl. I guess she gets that from me. However, with offering her more stimulation during the day, she's slowly starting to figure out that the day is the time to be awake, instead of the middle of the night. Slowly, I am able to sleep a couple hours here and there during the night, at the same time as everyone else. It's scary but slowly, I'm getting there. As long as she burps well, and doesn't spit up.
Likes: She likes eating. She enjoys cuddling with Mama (Mama loves it too). Sleeping. Kinda sounds like me! LOL
Dislikes: Up until last week, she disliked getting dressed. She would cry every time we changed her. She seems to be warming up to it lately. Likewise, up until last week, she didn't seem to care about having a wet/messy diaper. She has grown to dislike it since then... which makes our life easier if you ask me. Less risk for a totally full diaper! She does not like to have her hands swaddled. At all.
Mama's fears: My biggest fear is obviously to lose her. She scares me every time she coughs from eating too fast, Scares me every time she makes her "normal" high pitched squeaks that make it sound like she's gasping for air. She scares me every time she spits up, even though her spit ups don't even come near to what Preston would do. This makes it hard to sleep when any of these occurrences happen around nighttime. They account for many sleepless hours.
Mama's proud moments: I am so proud that Samantha has reached her birth weight again. It makes me so happy after having worried too much over her jaundice. I want to say that she smiled at me once, aside from the smiles she makes in her sleep. And once she giggled in her sleep... sweetest sound ever. She lifts her head when doing semi-tummy time on Mama's chest. Looking forward to so many more proud moments.
Just because: While in the hospital on the billi-bed, Sami had a little friend watching over her the whole time - Rocky Bear. I like to think it was a symbol of Preston watching over her.
Pictures: Sharing too many. She's just too cute! :)
Mere moments after birth. I was rather loopy from the anti-nausea meds but rather remember everything :)
What a cutie pie!!
With Dada
Merry Christmas!!
Little drama queen
Mama, I'm hungry!!!
What's that over there?
Happy New Year!!
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Who's this lady? I think I know her.
You can't pin my arms down!!
Look at that beautiful face! I am so glad you are choosing to write about her on this blog. Like you said, there are not many pregnancy or parenting after loss blogs out there, and people need to know that they are not alone and that there can be happiness after loss. Some of her pictures remind me of Preston! I am happy she is home and healthy. I'll continue to check in on you (and her!) here even after I have stopped blogging. Sending love!
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