April 2009

March of Dimes Walk


Enjoying rice cereal


Mmmmmm....pears


I love my Daddy

Photo update on Vai

Big Eyes



Vai has discovered how to do a few push-ups. She loves tummy time.



She is now up to around 11 lbs these days.



Our little pea pod.



Mom and baby



I Love my teddy bear



My dad sure is comfy

Happy New Year

Here is a summary of 2008.
What a year!

 

Christmas 2008

Make a Smilebox postcard

On her way

This coming Friday 12/5 is Vai’s original due date. I can’t imagine still being pregnant with her. Not only would I be humungous, but also I wouldn’t have had all this time to see her develop. She is growing into an awesome little pistol that I can’t wait to get to know even better.

I’m happy to announce that we’ve got the go ahead for discharge this coming weekend. Yes, you read that right…she’s coming home in a matter of a few days (fingers crossed). We scheduled a sleep over Friday night at the hospital where we will have a trial run followed by Q & A. We then review her discharge summary and schedule a ridiculous amount of follow up appointment, but then home sweet home.

It’s difficult to explain all that I’m feeling right now because it’s been such a long journey. My mind has jumped into hyper alert with plans and detail for the next few days. Physically I have a tingly sensation in my fingers and toes along with a knot in my throat. Anticipation is getting the best of me and I’m enjoying every minute of it. This has been a long time coming. Vai has been in the hospital now for 95 days and I can’t wait for her to experience more than her tiny cubicle.

Once home we’ll be in hibernation for the winter. The doctors don’t want her going anywhere except doctor’s appointment. Visitors will be a bit restricted as well, but once settled slowly you all can meet her. We all can’t wait.

Vai is now 7 weeks old and on her way to better health. I decided not to fill this page with words, but with pictures. We are eager for her to come home.





Also - here are a few pics from the Obama rally. We have to win!

Welcome to the World Vaioleti

As I'm sure most of you know, we at the Ongolea household have had a world wind of events happen over the past few weeks. After 3 weeks of hospital bed rest for me, Vaioleti entered the world on August 29th at 1 lb. 14 oz. She was 26 weeks gestation and 14 in. long. She is now spending her days trying to grow bigger and gain strength so that she can come home.

We are learning the ins and outs of the NICU and have found great support and confidence in the staff. I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster that fluctuates when Vai has a good or bad day. We are aiming on having her home by Thanksgiving, although that may change depending on how she progresses.

She is a beautiful baby with most of her features from her Dad. I keep trying to find something that I can claim as resembling me. Maybe it will be her personality or stubbornness that will come out later in life. Here is our first family photo. She is curled up on my chest for some quality kangaroo time.



This is Vai while under the lamp.