A Gift from God
Yesterday was another good day. Again, the nurses tell us she is doing wonderful for her size. Erik and I went up there and sat just looking at her for about an hour. You would think you would get bored, but just to look at her little tiny back ( they keep her on her tummy a lot) rising and falling from breathing is a miracle in itself b/c she is doing so well on her own. I think they are keeping the vaportherm on her more as a precaution than anything b/c they keep telling us how wonderful she is doing with her breathing.
Another thing that was different was she had this little hat sitting on top of her head. The NICN has these women who are just either sweet or lost babies of their own provide little things to make their little place seem less like a hospital and more like a home. The hat is so cute and it’s purple. My favorite color. She also has a blanket in her isolet and a blanket on top of it which are so cute and it makes it seem so less critical i guess. It’s comforting and I am very thankful for the women who take the time to do this.
Now, the really exciting part. Brady has been losing weight which is normal for all babies, but part of hers was possibly due to them not being able to feed her. Well, yesterday they started to feed her and she seems to be taking well to it. I’m so excited to see her gain weight and hope it doesn’t take too long before it’s a little noticeable. I can tell she lost the weight b/c it seems her face is thinner than when she was born, but I am hopeful that by being able to feed her they can at least maintain what is there now AND she will begin to grow.
I also got to participate in taking her her temp and changing her diaper. Now the temp thing was easy. Just stick the thermometer under her arm and press down. The changing of the diaper was HARD. Not, only is she tiny, but she is squirmy, AND the nurse of the day didn’t raise the top so i had to do i through these little arms hole things. Needless to say, I didn’t do so great of a job, and it was a stinky diaper which means her stomach and intestines are working.
I went back at 7:30 with my parents because Erik was having some him time last night which was well deserved. I got to changed her diaper again. She didn’t like it this time, although it was easier for me because the top was up. When the nurse first flipped her over (again she was on her stomach b/c it aids digestion) she woke up and was alert and looking at me which made me SO happy. I haven’t really seen her awake. Well, time comes to change the diaper once again. It was another stinky one (which apparently the nurses like to see) and man did she yell. I made her unhappy which in turn made me nervous to touch her b/c I was afraid I was hurting her. She’s probably just like all other infants and just wants you to leave her alone. This diaper looked a whole lot better than the first one I did.
My parents have been so wonderful and you can tell that they love there little granddaughter. My mom and dad already have grandparent names picked out and I must say my dad’s is incredibly cute (sorry mom). Before we ever found out we were going to have a baby we decided my dad’s g-pa name would be Grumpy. Now for those of you who know my father you can probably understand of all the 7 dwarves my father has an uncanny resemblance to Grumpy. Years ago when we went to Disney World on vacation he bought a Grumpy hat. He still has it on a hat rack in the kitchen which gave us the idea to call him Grumpy. Anyway, my mom found a small Grumpy doll in my stash of stuffed animals they still have here and it is now sitting with Brady in her little bedroom. Yesterday was just wonderful and i hope there are many more days like this to come.
Brady Faith was brought into this world 12 weeks premature. This was a result of mommy having pre-eclampsia and there being a reverse blood flow to/from the placenta. Brady wasn't growing like she should and it would have just gotten worse. She weighed 1lb 7oz and was 11 3/4in long. To learn more about Brady and her family click here.
Donna Childress
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:45 am
Erik & Nikki, I have beenpraying daily for you guys and your beatiful baby girl. I love you guys so much and I know God will continue to bless you. What a miracle this little Brady is. I can’t wait to see you guys but I know that you have a lot going on and are staying very busy. Remember I’m in Savannay every day at work so if you need ANYTHING please do not hesitate to call me and I will come running. I love you all. Kiss that precious girl me. Donna
aunt ls
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
hey guys. this is now my homepage so that i can get the updates whenever i use my computer. i’m so excited that brady is doing well. i’m sure you guys have gotten a little more rest recently. know that i’m thinking of all three of you often. love you!
Erica White
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
NiKKi,
i been thinkin bout little brady alot.
i am so happy to hear she is doin well.
ill keep her in my prayers always:)
i wanted to come see her the other day when i
was visitin my emmie but i didnt want to bother.
well.give her a hug for me.
ill be back to read the updates.
♥
Keith Albert
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Nikki and Erik My whole family has been tracking Brady Faiths progress daily. All of you have been in our thoughts and prayer since you mom told us about little Brady Faith arriving. We can wait to meet her face to face.
Jerri Lynn Thomas
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Nikki I wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your family everyday. I am glad to hear that she is doing well. She really is a gift from God and I am so proud of you two in being as strong as you are. GOD BLESS YOUR LITTLE ANGEL and remember that God is there with her, and is going to heal her. Talk to you later I will be keeping up with her updates.
Elizabeth VonWaldner
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I am so glad to read and hear that Brady is continuing to do great! God is so good! Love and Prayers!
Elizabeth
Abby Traywick
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I asked about her today and they said she is doing well. She is on room air which I thought was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hoping to see you today, maybe tomorrow! I am so glad she is doing so well.
Amber Munn
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Nikki –
I am so glad to hear that she is doing so well and I love being able to keep up with her progress on here. The pictures are just amazing to see her that small and doing so wonderful. We will keep her in our prayers and let us know if you need anything.
Esther Griffin
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Eric and Nikki – We haven’t had the chance to meet yet. I just came to work at Savannah Christian. I wanted you to know that you’ve been in my thoughts and prayers. I’ve been checking on you daily here at the site. Thank you for the updates and for the photos. She’s a precious baby girl.
Bekki Araujo
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Hey,
Bekki
so glad to hear that everything is going so well. Me and my fellow camp staff members have been praying for her a lot. The Nature specialist here at camp was a 12 week premature baby, so I’ve been sharing Brady’s updates with her.
Brady Faith is a beautiful little girl!
Ammy Allmond
July 24th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Eric & Nikki –
What a testimony of ‘Faith’ the two of you are to those of us who personally know you and to those who are beginning to know you through this website. I thank God that you have His saving knowledge and His grace. Brady Faith is such a loved child of God and of all of us in your Rothwell Family.
May God continue to help your (our) Brady Faith grow and become stronger each day. As she grows in strength, so the rest of us grow ’spiritually’ in strength as we pray for all of you and watch the Hand of God at work in Brady Faith’s life.
Thank you for your witness to all of us as you are steadfast in your love and knowledge of our Lord and Savior and all that He is doing in your life and the life of your baby girl.
I love all 3 of you so very much.
God bless,
“Miss” Ammy
Michelle McDonald
July 24th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Hey Nikkie and Erik! I just wanted to say how proud I am of you! I don’t know what I would have done if Lily had come into the world this early. You two are truly blessed to have each other and this precious little girl. Believe me she will be the joy of your life, even in her terrible two, as Lily is! May God continue to bless you; Brady will come out of this. I just know there was a reason she came this early; just look at her quick progression! This site is wonderful! We love ya!
Tiffany Allmond
July 25th, 2008 at 9:23 am
What a wonderful story! I have just “updated” myself by reading all of your entries and I have been so touched. This one especially warmed my heart because I think this is a fear all new mommies have. I know I dread the first diaper change on a newborn. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for you to be so close to Brady Faith and yet not be able to pick her up and comfort her.
When I’ve shared y’alls story with friends and co-workers, the very first thing I say to them is that both Nikkie’s and Erik’s faith in God is remarkable. I know that He chose you two to be parents for Brady because y’all will do exactly what He asks of you and will follow Him every step of Brady’s battle and beyond. You are going to go through times of wondering if you are doing the right thing and question if you’re a good mom and dad, now and many years from now, just know that you are both wonderful parents because you are bringing Brady Faith up in a loving, good, Christian home.
I love you and cannot wait to see Brady in your arms…where she belongs.
Love,
Tiff