NATALIE IS HOME!!!

[Hippoharbor]

Natalie came home on Wed. She is ~5 lbs. She is on an oxygen tank and two monitors; has periods where she becomes bradycardic with low heart rate, but rebounds well. Her dad says she tires easily, so is exhausted with doctors' visits,etc; this makes trying to BF every 3-4 hours difficult...hard to keep her awake! It sounds like she is doing really well. Her parents are having a hard time trying to find clothes to fit (most they have found are either for less than 5lbs or less than 12 lbs).
Mom, Dad, Carter and Natalie are delighted to have her home. Jera and Krystof are both great people and are the only ones I know that could handle this situation so well (2.5 yr old, 1.5 yr old and Natalie). By the way, Natalie is 4 days old (corrected), given original due date of 12/26.

Stay strong Natalie. You have this entire BBB community praying for you and your family.

[lisams]

Thanks for the update!

Happy Homecoming Natalie! What an amazing little girl who has touched so many! I continue to send my thoughts and prayers!

[missym]

Woo-hoo! Such wonderful news - thanks for the update!! Jera, your family is in my prayers. What a strong, independent little girl you have.

Missy, mom to Gwen 03/03 and Rebecca 09/05

[annasmom]

What fabulous news!! What a way to begin a New Year!!! Many blessings to the whole family!!

[tiikeri2]

*~*Happy Dancing!!!*~*

Miracles do happen, and Natalie, you are living proof! Welcome home, and congratulations to your family!!!

Hang in there, baby. Eat well, rest well, and keep on growing!

Praising God with you,

Kay

[CiderLogan]

What wonderful news - and a perfect way for Jera's family to start the new year!

Jenny
Mom to Julia, 8/03
...and another one due 5/29/06!

[bcky2]

that is so wonderful! what a perfect way to start out the new year!

[ellies mom]

Thank you so much for the update. I was really looking forward to hearing this.

I'm so happy that the family finally has Natalie home, in time for the New Year no less. She truly is a miracle baby.

[mommy_someday]

What a miracle! Happy new year to Jera & family and welcome home, little Natalie!!!! :)

[JenaW]

Hi guys

Thanks so much for thinking of us, and thanks Michelle for updating. Yes Natalie is home - she came home on Wednesday. We had to stay an extra day because she was having several low heart rate alarms over the weekend. We are all exhausted, but so very happy. I will try to post more in a few days once things settle downa bit. My parents are coming for the weekend and are planning on taking Carter and Maddie home to their house for a few days, so maybe next week I can post an update with some new pics.

Until then, thank you so much for all of your prayers. natalie is living proof that God does exist and prayers can make a difference and miracles do happen!!! I feel so overwhelmed with emotion when I remember that she should not even be here, and it makes all the sleeplessness and insanity SO WORTH IT!!!!

More to come.....

Jera

[lmintzer]

Jera,
A warm welcome home to little Natalie from us! My heart just swells with joy for you. I can't imagine the wide range of emotions you must be experiencing right now. Sending wishes for continued strength and growth for you precious precious little one.

Happy New Year to you and your family!

(BTW, Baby Gap's smallest size worked really well for Joshua for his first month. He came home at 5 lbs. 1 oz.)

[new_mommy25]

We love you Natalie! You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

[daniele_ut]

Congratulations Jera!! I remember how exciting it was to finally leave the hospital with our baby, and we only spent 21 days there!

We had good luck with The Children's Place preemie size clothes when Logan came home at 6lbs.

[mudder17]

Oh Jera, I am so happy for you and your family! Welcome home Natalie!!!!

Natalie certainly is living proof that miracles can happen with prayers and faith in God! I will continue to pray for you and your family and look forward to an update and pictures in a few days!

Sending you lots of love!

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png
Kaya's a cousin! 10/1/05, 5lb13oz

[calebsmama03]

COngratulations Jera and welcome home Natalie!!! You continue to be in our prayers as you grow stronger and bigger :) FWIW, Gap and Gymbo have "just born" sizes that are up to 7lb, I think. Also seen some "just born" at Walmart.
Lynne
Mommy to C 3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]
And Miss Purple, 5/05

[Momof3Labs]

Wonderful news, Jera! Take care of yourself - I'm sure that this time has been hard on you!

[kaylinsmommy2]

Congratulations, Jera! Welcome home Natalie. Your strength and love (and sleeplessness) amazes me.

"ma meee" "mama" and, occasionally, when she's ... confused :"dada" to Kaylin 6/5/04

http://b2.lilypie.com/9KMlm7/.png[/img][/url]

[Roleysmom]

This is wonderful, wonderful news! May 2006 be a year of health, happiness, growth and thriving for Natalie and for you all. I'm so glad she's home!

Paula -- mom to Roley Julia, January '02

[kensjen]

I am SO EXCITED to hear that Natalie is home!! What a blessing she is and what a wonderful holiday homecoming. Can't wait to hear more about her days at home. :)

[SweetTooth]

Jera,
So happy to hear that Natalie is finally home! I am continuing to think of you & your family & wish you a wonderful new year. Natalie - stay strong & healthy. :)

[alexsmommy]

WONDERFUL!!!! This brought tears to my eyes as I remember the sheer relief of having the baby at home and not feeling as torn between where my energies should be. Continued prayers to this strong family of a happy, HEALTHY winter season.
Alaina
Alex 2-4-03

[JFC]

Welcome home Natalie!!!

What a wonderful update - we're so glad all is going well! Our thoughts will continue to be with Natalie and your whole family.

[McQ]

Welcome home Jera and Natalie!!! Woohoo!!!

Allison
~ mama to Declan and Meghan

[cinrein]

Welcome home sweet Natalie! Such wonderful news!

Cindy
DD 2003

[RwnMayfair]

Happy homecoming, Natalie! And I'm so happy for you and your family, Jera. :)

-Melissa

Taran, November 20, 2003
Elowen, August 20, 2005

http://lilypie.com/pic/051122/0DU8.jpg http://b3.lilypie.com/11Vom5/.png
http://lilypie.com/pic/051122/bQLg.jpg http://b1.lilypie.com/9Ogqm5/.png

[jk3]

I'm so happy she's finally home! Best wishes for the new year!

Jenn
DS 6/3/03

[dr mom]

Welcome home Natalie - you have the strength of an entire community's prayers and love. Way to grow! :)

What a great New Year's gift, to have your little girl home at last!

[jerseygirl07067]

What wonderful news! I can't imagine how joyful you and your family must feel right now.

Marcy