13/09/00

Tomorrow will mark Emma's two week birthday! Emma weighs 2lbs 4oz as of today. She has not received breast milk through the tube in her nose for several days now. She had a stomach infection that needed antibiotic treatment and is being intavenously fed for the time being. This is why she has lost some weight and has not regained or put on any extra since birth. She still suffers a touch of jaundice, as well as sleep apnea spells which are common for premature babies at her stage. Emma has developed a heart murmur which is also being treated with medication at this point. The murmur may also be contributing to the sleep apnea. All in all she is doing well and we are taking each day as it comes. Mommy and Daddy are holding up well under the circumstances. Yesterday they were thrilled to hold their tiny daughter for the very first time. Daddy also gave blood yesterday to be stored at the hospital in case Emma may need it in the future. And of course Gord was a big suck about it....just teasing..:) Diane also wanted me to make special mention of nurse Wan who has been especially wonderful and caring. Thank you Wan. Emma's first photos are being displayed in her online photo album A link has been provided at the bottom of this page. In two weeks time I will update Emma's progress.

27/09/00

Tomorrow is Emma's 31 week birthday! She is doing really well. Her weight is now 3lbs 2oz. and her feedings have now increased to 17cc. That fact that she is eating well has been excellent news! Emma is still receiving medication for her heart murmur, which still can be detected. Hopefully this will clear up without the need for surgery. She is still having some sleep apnea spells, but they are steadily decreasing in frequency. Her I.V. has also been removed. Due to illness I have been unable to visit with Emma over the past couple weeks and hope to see her this coming weekend. Mommy and Daddy are with her every day, and are now participating in kangaroo care which is skin on skin contact with their baby. More updates in two weeks.

13/10/00

Happy Friday the 13th! Emma Rose is now 3lbs 14oz and growing steadily. She has had a few setbacks in the past two weeks, but overall she is doing well! Emma’s head has been shaved in order to attach a long line IV through her head. The reason for this is that doctors could no longer find a suitable vein in her arms and legs, and she has a tendency to pull at her wiring. She’s already up to mischief! Her heart murmur is still detectable, but her cardiologist is not concerned about it. She has received two blood transfusions of Daddy’s blood since the last update.  Emma also developed a bowel infection, which is currently being treated with antibiotics, another reason for the IV. Mommy and Daddy are holding up very well under the circumstances. They are able to cuddle and kiss Emma for increasing amounts of time, and mommy has changed her first few diapers, with many, many, more to come! We all look forward to the passing of the next few weeks, and Emma’s homecoming!!

31/10/00

Happy Halloween! Emma Rose is doing Great!! She is now a whopping 5lbs 8oz and growing. All of her I.V's have been removed including her long line. Her feeding tubes have been removed and she has started feeding by mouth over the past two days. She is also finally out of the isolette and sleeping snuggly in her cot. Two weeks ago she was transfered to the Hospital For Sick Children where some tests were run. After a few days she was sent back to Women's College Hospital and moved out of the level three care nursery to a regular nursery. Mommy and Daddy are delighted with her progress as are all of her loving family. Mommy and Daddy have also changed their first diapers and given Emma her first tub bath. Emma actually enjoyed the whole experience! The countdown is now on and I am positive that the next update to these pages will be her Homecoming!!!

17/11/00

Unfortunately my thoughts on Emma's homecoming in the last update were premature themselves. Emma is currently at The Hospital For Sick Children undergoing further tests for a digestive ailment. The worst scenario would appear to be surgery to correct an intestinal blockage, while the best would be an issue of her digestive system having to mature, not uncommon with prematurely born infants. We continue to think positively and hope that Emma will be able to come home soon. She is continuing to gain weight and at last weighing was 6lbs 1oz. However due to the digestive issues I.V.'s have had to be reinserted and suppliments given. I will add another update to Emma's progress as soon as we have confirmation as to what will be done medically if anything to resolve Emma's digestive issues, and of course when she will finally be coming home.

04/12/00 Emma Rose is still in hospital. Due to continuing digestive issues she remains under constant doctor's care. She had a bout with E Coli bacteria that resulted in a fever and has been receiving antibiotics intravenously for a week and a half now. She continues this treatment along with ongoing tests until Dec. 12th. She continues to grow and is 7lbs 2oz as of today. Despite all these tests including a rectal biopsy, which thankfully came up negative, she is a lovable and alert little sweetpee. She just loves her fisher-price aquarium that was a present from Auntie Krys. She has a few little toys in her hospital room, but this one is by and far her favourite. Mommy and Daddy continue to hang in through all of this, and my respect and admiration for both of them continues to grow everyday. Unless you have been through something similar it really is difficult to understand the tremendous stress that these types of circumstances place on a person. Once again thank you to all those who have offered their prayers, well wishes, and words of comfort through this website. This means a lot to our family. We can now think of no better present for Christmas than Emma Rose's long awaited homecoming!

13/12/00 It is with much joy that I would like to announce the long anticipated homecoming of Emma Rose! Just in time for the Holiday Season!!! Last night Emma was discharged from the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. She is currently snuggling in at home with her ecstatic parents. It has been a long and at times stressful 3 and 1/2 months and with our neice's continuing health issues it may not be the end of it just yet. However, she is at home now, where we are certain she will continue to thrive. A big thank you to the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Women's College Hospital, and the Hosp. For Sick Children. Their concern, and attentive care is most gratefully appreciated! Also a big thank you to family and friends, and those who just happened to surf on these pages and sent emails of well wishes, and moral support. And finally to my beloved sister and brother-in-law, whom gave us another little girl to love. You are finally a family guys and I could not be more happier for you! All the best for a bright future!! XXXXOOOOXXXXOOOO

Emma's Photo Album