Today marks Londyn’s 7th day in this world, and she is totally making her mark and we have achieved so many milestones.

1. We are a week old! Yay! Happy 1 week Birthday baby girl. It has gone so fast, but seems like forever ago at the same time. She continues to progress in leaps and bounds and amazes me everyday with the little things she does. She is so alert and strong. Nothing will stop her. Today, whilst having kangaroo cuddles, she decided she didn’t want to face the way she was anymore, so lifted her head and turned to face the other way. This may be normal, but I was completely shocked that she would have the strength to make such a move.

2. We cracked the 1kg weight mark today which is incredible. She was born at 990g; but dropped down to 950g during the week. Today she weighed 1030g!! We must remember to celebrate these achievements as they are imperitive to her growth and development. 

3. Clear results on her brain ultrasound! It is a known potential problem with premature babies to have Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) which is bleeding into the fluid-filled areas (ventricles) inside the brain. This was obviously a concern for us with Londyn, however the Drs have confirmed her results were clear! Another big tick on the road to getting her home and a big relief for Dan and I.

4. Our first poo-splosion! Londyn has had to have a bit of phototherapy due to a small amount of jaundice. We knew this might occur as we opted to use delayed cord clamping at birth. This process allows additional red blood cells, stem cells and immune cells to be transferred through the umbilical cord to the baby. Because of this, jaundice is a common side effect. The phototherapy used to treat the jaundice can also break down the bike; resulting in a poo-spolsion!! This happened this morning and required a whole new set of linen in her crib! People warned me about this sort of scenario and I suppose it won’t be the last! (Something to look forward to).

5. Increasing breast milk feeds. She is now taking 9ml every 2 hours, with top ups from her feeding tube. The goal is to be at around 13ml-14ml in the next couple of days so that we can remove her long line. Another piece of tubing out of her little body is only going to have positive effects! She has been tolerating the milk extremely well which is great. The only obstacle now is for me to keep up with the demand so she has enough sustenance.

Whilst it has been an emotionally draining couple of days, with me being discharged from hospital and feeling overwhelmed with the prospect of going home without my little girl, when I stop to think about everything she has achieved in the last week, I am overwhelmed with pride and adoration for what a strong little person she is already proving to be. Don’t get me wrong it is still hard to leave everyday but I know she is in the best care here. 

We love you Londyn Rose. Keep kicking those goals and proving everyone wrong! We will have you home in no time!

❤

Kasey & Dan