Friday, May 02, 2008

Wonderful things come in tiny packages - an update on Danielle


Last night I was about to blog about Danielle. I wanted to tell you that she went home on Marathon Monday. She was doing so well after 9 weeks of bedrest in the hospital and the doctors were really surprised that she had made it to 32 weeks, so they decided to let her go home. Danni has been really enjoying at home bed rest . . . in fact, I think I recall her referring to this as pansy bed rest. The "real" hard times are being stuck inside of the same four, stark white walls, with alarms ringing and lights on around-the-clock.

Several weeks before she went home, while she was at Memorial Hospital, she bled again. She was just a few days over 27 weeks along and we were thrilled that she had made it as far as she did, but were obviously still quite concerned for the baby. Luckily, her bleeding stopped on it's own, but the doctor warned her: "This is kind of like baseball, it's three strikes and your out."

Before I had a chance to write an update I got a call from my mom last night. After many foul balls, she finally struck out. Danni started bleeding right after dinner. The ambulance came, started 2 IV's, strapped her to the gurny and headed to a trauma level hospital. She said they even rode with the sirens and lights flashing (Andrew would have LOVED it!).

Not long after her OB arrive, he rushed her off to surgery and delivered her baby. She was one day shy of 34 weeks. Perspective is such a funny thing. If this had been a completely normal pregnancy, we would have all been shocked when she delivered a 34 weeker. But, since we have all been praying our hearts out that she would be able to carry this little one just a little longer, we are so thrilled that she lasted for 10 1/2 weeks past her first bleed.

Her name is still to be determined. But she is a beautiful, tiny, little love. She was born at 4 lbs. 1 oz and 17 inches long. Danni was able to hold her for a second to kiss her and smell her and then she was taken to the NICU where they could help her breathe. She is on a CPAP machine that helps her lungs to breathe more efficiently.

Danielle is doing well. She is anxious to be able to get up and walk around again--like a normal person. She's been on her back for close to three months and she's ready to start running!

What an answer to so many prayers.

20 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Way to go Danielle! That is some seriously hard work to keep a baby in when your body wants him/her out. I love her little lips, so cute! We're so happy to hear that everyone is doing so well!

Tania said...

that is so great! Hooray!

Catie said...

We have been praying for mom and baby. I'm so glad to hear that all is well. We'll continue to keep them in their prayers. Miracles continue to amaze me.

Sarah said...

Yeah! We are so happy to hear that the baby is safely here. Tell Danielle congratulations for us! I love all of that dark hair. She looks like a Cowser girl.

Mimi said...

So glad she made it so far. I'm surprised she made it over a week at home. Miracles do happen. Tell Danielle congratulations - we are so happy for her little family and for yours. Hope you get to see that little niece soon.

April said...

I am so happy for Danielle. What an amazing blessing that she was able to go so long. I can't believe she was on bedrest for that long. What a miracle. Thanks for beautiful picture of Danielle and her sweet baby.

Mister Smoot said...

Well, this post answers lots of questions... thanks! I'm so glad to hear that everything went well. What a sweet pic of Danielle and the baby at the top. I can't believe how tiny she is!

Julianne said...

Sorry... that above comments was me... Julianne.

Ali Howell said...

I'm happy to hear that they are both doing well...they will still be in our thoughts and prayers. The staff at memorial hospital's NICU are wonderful. They took good care of our Addie and i have no doubt they will take good care of your niece until she is ready to go home! Congratulations to them on a beautiful baby!

Sarah Smith said...

I have tears in my eyes looking at that sweet little baby. I am so glad she held out for so long....that is truly amazing. Tell her congratulations from us! We miss you soooo much!!!

Sister Abby Bowler said...

Tell Danielle we love her! What a little miracle that sweet baby girl is!

allegra said...

your blog is always filled with uplifting stories and inspirational things. what a miracle baby..!! i still can't believe you ran the boston marathon... that is amazing. you go girl! i wish we could have gotten closer to you b/4 we have to leave for internship..i should be better about socializing at church:) good luck with everything in your family right now, and happy mothers day to you!!

Farmington Smiths said...

Looks pretty darn good for a 34 weeker! (From a NICU RN point of view.) Girls ALWAYS do better than boys, but remmember in the NIC-u it is two steps forward and one step backwards but before you realize it you will get there, be strong. even though it may be frustrating at times. She looks beautiful! Makes me so miss this kind of Nursing even more than I realized!

Linsey de Guzman said...

So glad everything went well! All the best to Danielle these next 3 months. How are YOU? We get back this Thursday and I'm excited to catch up!

Anonymous said...

Her name is Macie Paige and she's home! Just thought I'd throw out a little update...

Dad

Ashleigh said...

What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations to Danielle and that sweet little baby. It just fills me with emotion. I saw her name posted, Macie is perfect. She looks like a little Macie. Thanks again for sharing.

Sara said...

Okay, I know you're busy and everything but it's been two months. Don't you think you should post something?

Love you sweets!!

Kelly and Kimberly said...

Jen, I demand an update (maybe that will work).

Danielle Lindorf said...

Jen- This is getting embarrassing! Macie is four months old now, and healthy. She is chubby and a happy little girl. It's time to update this blog of yours!!! I know Harvard is awesome, but you can do it!

JoEllen said...

Do you get these comments emailed to you? I don't have your email, but I've been wanting to hear from you... how's HBS going? Did you guys move or stay put? What does Michael think? How are your boys?