Harper is three weeks old today.
Scott's mom had this cute wreath made for us to hang when we brought Harper home (before she knew we would be going to the NICU) - so we hung it out today.
It's been a busy day - that sweet, happy baby who never cried, slept all the time, and didn't eat much? I'm not sure where she went. We woke up today (actually all of last night) with a baby who can't get enough food and screams bloody murder until she gets it. I feel like I've pretty much fed her non-stop all day. But when I get tired - I try to remember how thankful I am that she can scream and how thankful I am to be feeding her. It was only a few days ago when she had to fed through tubes and was not able to cry. Thank you God for a baby who just wants to eat!
We have been trying out all the baby stuff today - the swing, the bouncy seat, the pack and play. This was the only few minutes today that she slept.
I am so thankful that my mom is staying a few days with us to get us settled. She has been SOOOOOOOOO helpful. She went to wal-mart for us, cooked us this wonderful dinner, has helped me with Harper............we are so lucky to have her. Especially since she has been able to stay through all of this with Harper. We are lucky to have the support of all of our parents - we are thankful for them. And we know Harper loves them very much.Harper and Dawson have not met yet. My dad is keeping him another week or so until we get settled in and then we'll bring him home. I'm glad - I need to get situated before I let the two of them meet. Besides, Dawson is loving the country life with his grandpa - we think he won't want to come home.
I better run check on baby............................................have a great weekend - love you all!
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«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 282 of 282 Newer› Newest»Welcome home, Miss Harper!
I noticed with your pictures of Harper int he hospital, and also with some very preemie twins we know that the hospital cribs are tilted so the mattress is not flat. I wonder if the change in position to a totally flat mattress is upsetting for the baby.
Also, the first day home seems to have involved so many changes -new place, and all types of new equipment such as bouncy seats etc. She may also have been overstimulated by all the new stuff.
She is very cute!
My son was in NICU for 6 weeks 3 days. One of the things my sweet nurse told me when we were leaving is NICU babies are used to bells, sirens, whistles and light so when you get home always leave a light on and don't worry about noise because if it is too quiet that will bother him. Maybe that will help beautiful Harper a little. I know each baby is different and in time you'll get a routine going. Enjoy having her home, ya'll are a beautiful family.
Kelly - I have never posted on your blog but have been praying daily for little Harper and your entire family through these last few weeks. We are praising God with you for answered prayers!
Just thought I'd give you my little two cents worth in the hopes that if you read this maybe it will help. Both of my little ones went through growth spurts at 3-4 weeks and would nurse nonstop it seemed around the clock. It takes a good 24-48 hours to build that milk up and then prayerfully Harper will settle down some as she will be getting all the nutrition she needs to be a growing little girl. Hope this helps. Hang in there.....the sleepless nights come less and less!
In Christ,
Mandy
So glad you're home and that she's eating well!
I am so happy to see you all home and doing so well! My little girl spent many days snoozing away in a bouncy seat just like that one!
Much love to you all!
Deedra
From Alabama
I definitely agree, use a radio on low or one of the sound machines that gives you the options of water, white noise, etc.. They get so used to the noise in the NICU that they have trouble sleeping in the quiet. All 3 of my pediatrician friend's kids slept in their carseat for the first few months. It works great and makes them feel all cozy. Also, MckMama speaks VERY highly of miracle blanket. Check out the website, they were offering a discount if you mentioned mckmama. Good Luck with your normal newborn!!!!
You will love that swing-if Harper does! My sweet Gracie slept in it all the time when she was first born. Turn it on and swing her side to side. It sounds silly, but that is how we got her to sleep at night. She began sleeping through the night at 4 weeks- which is crazy but she did. Best of luck and I just love seeing Harper at home in all of her precious things. She is Beautiful! Love, Wendy
Such a blessing to know that the three of you are finally home, getting into the routine of things! :) Cherish these days... she'll be running around before you know it!! Take care, and God bless!
We have been praying for Harper! Big Blessings! I noticed that Harper slept when she was swaddled in her blanket. I remember from my babies that swaddling helps them feel secure. Hope this hint helps. Enjoy every minute with her!
Take it from another NICU mom - she's just adjusting, you'll have your sweet, sleepy, happy baby back very soon! Think about it - those awful fluorescent lights are all she knows! She's probably wondering where all that delightful "ping, ping, pinging" went.
Rejoicing with you in the fact that she's home!
I agree with most of the advice you are getting on here :) Hold your baby, rock your baby, love your baby, feed your baby... and don't worry about it :) I found the sooner I 'got over' my apparent need for sleep, I did much better on the lack of it! I quit thinking "maybe he'll sleep longer tonight" and just went to bed with the attitude of "see you in a couple of hours!" and honestly, the sleep I got was better sleep. It wasn't 'resentful' if that makes any sense.
And mine went thru growth spurts whenever the heck they wanted... the great thing was whenever they went thru a growth spurt... I lost 5 lbs!
Kelly-
What an amazing journey this has been thus far for Ms. Harper and your family! What an awesome God we serve. I have enjoyed following her progress and approaching the Throne on Harper’s behalf. Enjoy every moment.
-EBL-Greenville, North Carolina
Remember! When the baby sleeps YOU take some time to sleep/rest too!
It is so great to see that things are getting to such a comfortable place! God bless your happy family!
I am so glad that ya'll are at home now. God is so good. I would love to have a baby of my very own. I have 3 step children, but I would love one that is mine. I am 41 and the clock is ticking. I try not to panic, and trust that God knows what he is doing.
Once again Praise God that Baby Harper is doing so well. I will keep you in my prayers in the weeks to come.
In Him, Renee
so happy to see her at home, been praying for you guys. i have to recommend the happiest baby on the block by harvey karp. AMAZING HELPFUL book!! it helped us tremendously those first few months. i swear by it, we had no more screaming baby after this book! and it helped him sleep wonderfully! simple easy tricks to help the newborns! mainly tips on swaddling, rocking, sucking, etc.
She looks so cute in all of her baby stuff in her own house! I know you all are so glad to be there. I'm really glad that your mom is going to be there to help for a while.
Remember that she is a big girl and she has some good feeding times to catch up on!! Enjoy every minute and when she is asleep, you try to sleep. Everything else can wait!!!
God bless your wonderful family of 3.
By the way, the wreath is beautiful.
So happy to see pics of Harper at HOME! Yay! Praise God!
She is absolutely beautiful. What a blessing. Glad you are all finally home. We have been praying for you.
I have had four children and every time I needed my mom to stay. There is nothing like a newborn to make a normally competent person question everything. I am so glad you are starting to get to have fun.
Harper,
Hook Em' Horns! ;) You will make a great cheerleader one day!
Kelly,
When I glanced at your last post, I had to laugh when I saw the Horns sign.
I am so happy to see Harper doing so well. She is such a beautiful girl.
-Cheers, Amy
I have been following your blog since you had Harper, and I am so glad that y'all are finally home! Sounds like she got home just in time for her first big growth spurt! My big baby wanted to eat non-stop right around 3 weeks for a few days! I remember giving him formula after almost every nursing session for about a week because I just couldn't keep up with his appetite while chasing his 2 year old sister around! She is a beautiful baby and the sleeplessness is not fun, but I'm praising the Lord for her healthy screams and healthy appetite! Hang in there! It really does get better and better!
Hey Kelly,
Remember she got use to sleeping with all the noise of the hospital. The beeps and all. So make sure you aren't trying to keep the house too quiet.
Congratulations!!! Harper is so beautiful! I'm so glad you guys are finally home! :) Enjoy your beautiful baby!
So glad she is home with ya'll. Enjoy her!
Hi Kelly!
So glad you guys are home! Praise God! I haven't checked in on you in a few days....
I am a new mommy (5 weeks!!) and my mom came over every day with lunch (or made us lunch) and delicious fruit plates for the first week or so.It was such a blessing. She would also do dishes and some laundry. We were so exhausted with all the new changes it was such a wonderful blessing to have the extra help. Plus..she got some good quality time with her grandbaby!
There was a point at about 2-3 weeks into our new family that I was totally exhausted and worn out...my baby was hungry or crying constantly...and I was getting frustrated. My mom reminded me that this is what I have waited for my whole life...to be a mommy. That completely changed my thoughts and perspective. My frustration disappeared. It is such a joy to be the mommy of such a beautiful miracle!
Congrats on your precious miracle...so happy you are all home!
www.mattandcristin.com
Welcome Home Harper !!!
and family (the rest of ya'all are officially second classes citizens. It is all about... THE BABY now !!
Kelly,
You sweet thing... no advice from me. You will find out what works best for you and then be amazed how it all falls into place.
I do want to thank you for sharing your sweet girl with the crazy blog world.
Hugs!
Sher
I am glad things are transitioning well for you! I have been reading and praying for you and your sweet baby girl since she was born. One of the wonderful girls I read (Katie) posted an entry about you and Miss. Harper.
I just want to say you are an amazing woman and Gods grace shines through your writing.
I dont expect to hear back from you, I know you have a ton of readers, but I wanted to let you know I am here.
Good luck with the baby. The first few days at home are never easy. She is probably just making up for lost feeding time! Make sure that you eat lots of nutritious food and milk. Stay away from gassy foods may help calm her down too. :)
i am so hapy for you. Harper is the most beautiful baby i have ever seen.
So happy to hear she is doing well. With all my kids, I felt like I was nursing 24/7 when they were Harper's age. Remember, since you are feeding her, it's actually part of your job description to take naps. lol
God Bless,
Lisa
I am so glad things are working out or you. Don't worry he will want to come home and will be great with her. By the way the door hanging were did she have one made? We are due in April and would love for something like that to be hung on our door when we get home.
She is just so precious - and beautiful! I think I will need Samuel to meet her. :) We are so thankful that you are finally at home. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!
Welcome home! Everyone and their dog will give you advice, but for what its worth, you may want to try swaddling her and putting her in the swing...see if that helps w/ the sleep! (our baby who was in the NICU for a month would pretty much only sleep like that for the first few months so wanted to pass this along in hopes that it might help you too). :) Good luck!
Ha! It always seems they do a 180 when you get them home from the hospital! So excited for all 3 of you...enjoy your time to cuddle and bond just be a family! Still praying for Harpers continued health!
Kelly, I hope Harper is happier today! Keep up the good mommy work! =)
It's so good to see Miss Harper all snuggled in at home! I know you are enjoying her and every little move or sound she makes!!
Kelly,
What GREAT news that Harper wants to eat all the time and cry at the top of her beautiful lungs!! Praise the Lord!!!
So nice of your mom to be such a help to ya'll -- that's just GREAT!!!!!
Have a Blessed weekend,
Dawn
Congratulations! Your baby is so very beautiful! I think many moms can second you on the "where did my baby go now that we are home" phenomena. I had one of those, too. But, each season passes so quickly....you will sleep again!
Ah..the three week growth spurt. It happens to even the sweetest of babies. Hope that you are getting rest and that sweet Harper is enjoying looking at all her clothes. Perhaps she is crying out of frustration over not knowing what to wear first???
It will get better (tell yourself that at 2am when you are up feeding while watching The Cosby Show)!
Kelly,
I am so glad to see you have your little girl home. I remember those first few days at home...so sweet. Enjoy them.
Blessings,
Keely
Sounds like Harper is acting like a totally normal newborn! That's what you want, soon enough she will get into a groove, she is such a cutie!
Kelly, I am SO touched by your story. Thanks for continuing to share a living miracle with all of us.
-Sarah
Harper looks so comfy being at home! So glad she's where she's supposed to be finally!!
The pictures are sooo cute!!!
Happy Welcome Home Day Harper!!
OH yes dear, it's when you get home that it gets tough. But it gets better, trust me. I had post-pardum depression really bad, so I know how bad it can be, but just hang in there! My little guy had colic until he was a bout 11 weeks old, would cry from 5:00 - 9:00 every night, but they get through it! I know you are just so glad to have her home!
Glad she is doing so well. I am so glad you have your mom, I remember how wonderful it was to have that support from my own mom...its priceless! :)
Oh I'm so glad to hear Dawson will be coming home soon. When you mentioned the no visitor rule a few posts ago I feared that would also mean no dogs!
I am even more glad however to be seeing pictures of Harper at HOME. I just can't believe that such a short time ago she was so sick yet now she's right at home. God is so, so good.
She really looks like the both of you. How precious! So glad you are home with your sweet girl, let the fun times begin!!!
I didn't read through all the comments, so someone may have already mentioned this. As I recall from breastfeeding my two critters, when they are about to go through a growth spurt, they will nurse more frequently to signal your body to make more milk. It's a shortlived thing I think! It's been a lonnnnngggg time since I was doing that.
Your attitude is great and that will go a long way toward a happy baby, mommy and daddy. Have fun with your beautiful girl!
Hi Kelly~~I just starting following your blog,the day after you had Harper.She is such a cutie! We are so glad to hear that baby Harper is home! The Naquin's~
Harper is precious and I am so thankful that she is home now! Newborns cry, they just do. It can be very tiring on a new, hormonal mom, but this too shall pass! She will be walking and talking before you know it! I noticed you said you switched from scheduled feedings to demand feedings, and if that works for you, that is great! I just wanted to tell you though, yes from a complete stranger I know, that scheduled feedings really helped me to know why my babies were crying. It gave them predictability, and eliminated feedings that lasted one minute before they fell asleep! You might consider trying to feed every 3 hours and you may notice that you can figure out easier if she is crying because she is hungry, or for other reasons! Good luck whatever you do!
Speaking from experience, our little one went through a growth spurt around Harper's age. Feeding on demand helps and sometimes simply letting her sleep in our arms did too! Some days I felt like all I did was feed her!! But, this too shall pass. Just happy to see she is doing well, best wishes!!!
You may have had other commenters mention this, but you should try a Mircle Blanket. I (sadly)have missed out on one with my own children, but I have herad they are wonderful! McMama swears by it. :o) Maybe it might help with sleeping a bit more.
So glad you are home with your sweet girl. Many blessings-
Laura from FL
She is so sweet! I remember those first days home.You will sleep again :) AS for eating non stop, she has to keep her figure. Rolls don't come easy.
Good to hear your update. She may be making up for lost time in the eating category. Go ahead and feed her often and in a couple of days I will bet you that she will be back to normal - and your milk supply will probably have increased. Good luck!!
She looks so perfect, so strong, and so happy.
This has just been such an adventure!
So glad you guys are home!!!! Sounds like she is hitting the 3 week growth spurt. Someone once told me that babies hit a 3 week and 3month growth spurt in particular and I think it's true cuz all three of my little ones couldn't get enough to eat at those ages . . . just breathe and know that it will get back to normal! Hugs from Iowa!
Sarah and Stella www.caringbridge.org/visit/stellaturnbullturnbull
So happy to see Harper at home! Moms are the best aren't they?
yeah!
So glad to see you are transitioning well and that little Harper is keeping you on your toes!
She is a beauty for sure, sending more praised to God for your little girl.
Did I already leave a comment- I don't know. But can't hurt to say two times how great it is to hear about life at home. When my kids would feed so much, I called myself the buffet line. It's what I felt like for sure! So glad your mom is able to stay. She is such a jewel. Glad y'all are home! Love and prayers, Jenny Beth Walker
I've been praying for you and your sweet baby girl. I found your blog a few days after Harper was born and am so thankful and happy that she is doing so well. She's beautiful and that's SO awesome that you guys are home with her! God truly has used your family and what an amazing testimony she will have when she's older :)
We have been traveling our own difficult road as our daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in October. Although it is the hardest thing we've ever gone through, we have never been closer to our Savior and love and trust Him more now than ever. I truly believe that He picks special families and special children to go through these kinds of things. I know He has used our situations (both yours and ours) for His glory and for us and others to come into closer relationship with Him.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us all here. Enjoy that little peanut! (I know you are :)
To follow our journey through Abbey's leukemia go to...
www.colbert-family.blogspot.com
Warmly,
Shelley Colbert
so glad things are going well with your daughter. Just a sister in Christ form Michigan who has been praying for your family. I know you are super busy but throught you might want to check out Blurb if you haven't heard of it before. You can upload all you blog posting and pictures and print of book of you whole last 3 week experience to save for Harper someday. It is so fast and super easy. It pretty much "slurps" it for you, you just tell it what blogsite and postings to include. best wishes!
Bless your heart! Those first few weeks are very exhausting. Praying you get some rest tonight!!
Although your journey had a rough start you're in for the ride of your life now! Babies turn your world upside down! We have 6 living children and oh my how each one turned our world upside down!
Continuing to lift up prayers!
Psalms 46:10-11 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Prayer Bears
My email address
I remember that same feeling that I was nursing all the time. It seemed only a few minutes from the time I had finished then the clock would say I needed to start again. ...and our first baby never slept. 6 weeks was always a milestone for me. Things just become easier at that point.
So wonderful to see all of you guys at home!
Harper is just adorable! She will settle soon enough, for now she's just letting you know who is really in charge ;)
Isn't it great when a parent can hang around to hep out.
Enjoy your baby girl and being the new family you have become.
Dawsons' gonna love her!
Glad to hear you're all settled in back at home...enjoy your sweet daughter!
my children and i have been following your journey with harper and praying for her healing. praise GOD for answering our prayers! i am so glad to see her home:o) she is absolutely beautiful! enjoy every moment--they grow up way too fast!
Thinking about Harper and the family this morning! Can't wait to see more pictures!!
When will you play dress up :)
Congratulations! It's such a blessing to see Harper is home and doing so well. I pray that she continues to be well and you have no further complications!!
So glad y'all are home, healthy and happy. What a blessing it has been to watch God work in your lives.
So happy Harper is home & doing well! She is probably going through her typical growth spurt! They want to eat ALL the time for about 3 days...and then will go back to every 2-3 hrs (She is building up your supply to meet her needs). Also make sure she is emptying at least 1 side before nursing the other (hind milk comes at the end of the feeding-makes her more content). Let her nurse until no longer swallowing. Hope this helps!
Like Harper, my Prince very much prefers eating over sleeping. Try really hard to sleep when she sleeps. Drink lots of water and eat plenty. What you eat, Harper eats, so take care of yourself!
So good to see her at home!!!
At 3 weeks old, she is going through her first growth spurt - this is why she wants to eat eat eat all the time. It is important to nurse nurse nurse as her increased and constant demands on your body signal your body to increase your breastmilk supply. Do not be tempted to supplement as this will counter the natural rhythm and inhibit your body's response to her demands. Here is more information from another Kelly - this one is the famed 'Kelly Mom' who knows everything there is to know about breastfeeding - http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/growth-spurt.html
PRAISE THE LORD! God is SO good!! It makes my heart sing to know that your precious family is HOME and healthy. Have fun!!
Hello, Kelly and Harper I am so glad you're both at home with your family who indefintely love and support you. My mom would say as long as Jayson (my baby) is crying and eating thats a sign he is loving this world (when he was a newborn)Jayson is already going to be 10 months this Friday the 13th (creepy) Jayson has the same swing and stroller/carseat just like Harper!! HORRAY YOU"RE FINALLY HOME! YOU"RE GOING TO ENJOY IT!!!!
Ha! I just noticed that I have the same kitchen table as you! Glad everything is going so wonderful for you guys!
So glad to see that the Stamp family is getting settled to life with a newborn. Please do not think that anything is wrong. All 3 of mine did the same thing - perfect angels in the hospital and then they are different birds when you get them home. All they wanted to do was eat and cry at all hours. :)
Keep up the good work. I didnt breastfeed my three boys, but I did my daughter just 18mo ago and boy do I remember how often breastfed babies eat. I think she was eating every hour to hour 1/2. The doctor just said let them eat as often as they want when they are breastfed babies. It will get better with time, but being this new...she'll eat alot more often.
Good Luck and I hope you get some sleep soon.
She is certainly a beautiful little girl and just gets prettier with each picture.
Hi Kelly,
I'm catching up on your blog, and I wanted to give you a heads up about Harper eating sooo much on week 3.
My little girl was on the same type schedule. It's called a growth spurt...they eat constantly for about 24 hours, and then they get back into their "normal" routine - whatever that may be - feeding every 3 hours or 4 hours. This helps to build your milk supply, as well as increase their weight and height.
My little girl had her growth spurts at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 3 months and a few more later on...just wanted to let you know, that way you can expect it, rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.
Much love!
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