First Feeding Appointment: Day 37 (1/12/11)

Martin snuggling with Terri Lynn

Hannah being fed in her carseat out and about!

First Feeding Appointment

Today is a busy day.  We just continued on after Hannah's scare yesterday!  She is acting totally normal for herself.  I had to teach my class at 10 am.  It was a feed Hannah in the bathroom while I pumped breast milk for her.  I tend to plan my day around Hannah's feedings every 3 hours.  I try to make sure I am awake at the right time so I can get Hannah fed in between appointments.  So far I'm getting good at it! 

At 1pm, Hannah had her first feeding therapy. It was at the Children's Therapy Program located at the Skagit Valley Hospital.  I was so excited Hannah got referred to feeding therapy.  The goal of her feeding therapy is to get her to suck and feed on her own (no more feeding tube!!!).  Rick came along to this appointment and both Rick and I were very impressed with the feeding therapist.  You can tell she loves children.  She was so proud of Hannah when she sucked on a pacifier.  Here is Hannah's homework: Have Hannah suck on a pacifier every time I feed her so she starts to see the sucking fills her tummy.  That is what we will be doing.  Hannah tires easily so she didn't suck very long for the feeding therapist. We need Hannah to have her suck instinct back.  I am happy to work with Hannah to help her quality of life to be so much better!! 

At 2:45 pm, I had an appointment with my nathropathic doctor.  I needed to get my thyroid levels checked as after I have a baby usually my thyroid levels change.  So far everything is good. I was so proud as I showed Hannah off to Dr. Bachman!

WE LOVE YOU, HANNAH GRACE KWANT!!!!

Joshua 1:9

 ⁹Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Love you Hannah! Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Hardest Day/Evening Yet: Day 36 1/11/11

Hannah Grace Kwant

My Precious Hannah!

Hardest Day/Evening Yet

We spent the morning doing our morning school routine.  In the afternoon, Sam ahd an appointment and Hannah Grace got to go.  It was so neat to bring Hannah along to show her off!  After we were done there I took Hannah and Sam to Wal-Mart, I need a few groceries. 

The rest of the day was mostly uneventful except for the fact that it was trying to snow all day.  Awana's was canceled because of the fear of snow.  (Thank goodness I was canceled because the rest of the evening would have been way more complicated.

Around 8:30,  Rick was just getting in bed and had the rest of the kids in bed except for Martin and Sam (they were watching TV),  Hannah had this stopping breathing episode so bad I ran in my bedroom and had Rick get out of bed to help me.  He grabbed Hannah and we started to try to remember CPR for babies!  I asked him do you want me to call 911? He said yes,  so I sat on the phone call 911 (it seemed like forever). I told Rick  the advice the 911 lady told me.  I was crying on the phone to the 911 lady and shaking.  My baby was in trouble and could die!  Anyway God heard our prayers and Rick got her breathing again.  She had foam around her mouth and she coughed a little.  Just as she was breathing better the firemen and ambulance came to the house. Martin and Sam were shocked to have these men show up.  I had not had time to tell them because I was stuck on the phone with the 911 lady.  The girls all were laying in bed when the red lights alerted them to what was up.  I think there was like 10  men that showed up to help Hannah breath.  We recognized a couple of the men because they are our neighbors!  We were blessed to know they came to help our baby girl.  Our neighbor, Jeff, told me later that after he heard the address over his pager he knew it was the Kwants and he reaced here as fast as he could!  It was a blessing to me to know how much he cared!

Anyway Rick carried Hannah from our bedroom to the living room to the Fireman who were there.  (Rick was in his under ware).  The men looked Hannah over and suggested they take her to the hospital to have her checked over.  We agreed to this and I would ride with Hannah in the ambulance.  I grabbed Hannah's car seat but forgot her feeding stuff.  Which ended up to be a bad thing!

I rode in the ambulance next to the driver.  I was  amazed that this driver did not know how to get to the hospital!  He told me he just moved to the area!  I was surprised they had him drive!  Oh well Hannah was breathing!  It was snowing alot on the way to the hospital so the driver had to drive slow.  While we were driving the EMT in the back of the ambulance asked me if Hannah normally did not move much, I told him yes that is just the way Hannah was made. I did not know until we got to the hospital that Rick left shortly after the ambulance left to met us at the hospital.  The snow was really coming down so Rick took our 4-wheel drive pickup. 

When we got the the emergency room.  We got Hannah out of the car seat and laid her on the isolette bed.  She lay there content.  Once in a while she would cry but not much.  We waited a bit for the Doctor. We told her all about Hannah and her Trisomy 18.  (Apnea breathing episodes can be normal for Trisomy babies). Anyway the doctor wanted to do a lung Xray and we could think about a blood draw for an infection.  We consented to the X-ray but skipped the blood draw.  We knew she did not have an infection she was acting normal and she had no fever.  We also did not want to poke her for no reason.  The X-ray went well.  They needed like to do two X-rays on each lung.  Some the the positions were difficult for Hannah to get into because of the way her limbs move.  Anyway when the X-rays came back clear, the docotr told us we could go home.  I was ready to go home because Hannah needing feeding and I needed to pump.  Hannah's feeding ended up 2 hours late!

The doctors told us should come up with a plan if Hannah stops breathing again.  Do we want to try to saver her?  Do we want to restart the heart? Do we want to put a breathing tube in?  All the questions we could never answer as we felt like Hannah's life is in God's hands not ours or the doctors. 

We got home and the kids all wanted to know how Hannah was doing.  The older kids could not sleep until they knew Hannah would be ok.  They were never so happy to see us come home with Hannah.   Right when we got home I got Hannah's milk ready and I sat down with Hannah and fed her and pumped milk for her and praising God we got more time with Hannah!

We know life could be short for Hannah but we want to be blessed with as much time as the Lord will bless us with! 

Thank you to Shylan for your visit!  It so much blessed us to have you visit and thanks for the meal.  I was so please to show Hannah off to you!

Psalms 118:23&24
²³This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
 ²⁴This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

With Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Hearing Test #2: Day 35 (1/10/11)

Heidi holding Hannah while I take a shower.

Heidi again with Hannah.  Hannah looks so cute! and so does Heidi!

Valerie taking a turn holding Hannah while mom showers!

Hannah getting ready for her hearing test at Skagit Valley Hosptial

Hannah again waiting for the lady and the hearing test.

Nathan came along when Hannah had her hearing test. He had to be very quiet.

Cassie and Heidi went to a sewing class and this is what Heidi made.

More of Heidi and her place mats she made. 

Nathan is so cute!

Cassie and Heidi wanted Hannah with the place mats.  I love this picture because it shows their love for her!

Terri Lynn loves books.  Here she is laying them all out and picking them up over and over again!

Hannah's Weight: 5lbs 5oz

Hannah's Length: 17 1/4in

Hearing Test#2

Today Hannah had a couple appointments.  The first appointment was at the WIC office in Stanwwod, WA.  Stacey at the WIC office got to meet Hannah.  She weighed Hannah and measured Hannah.  I explained a bit about Trisomy 18.  Stacey was so glad to see Hannah.  Stacey is so sweet and nice.  She got us the breast pump to use.  Stacey is a blessing to us! as our WIC counselor. This appointment was a 12.

The next appointment was in Mount Vernon, WA at 2pm. This appointment is a follow-up hearing test at Skagit Hospital.  Since Hannah did not pass her first hearing test when she was in the NICU (see this post) http://kwantfamilycorner.blogspot.com/2011/07/hannahs-day-4-121010.html    On our way to the hearing test.  I dropped Cassie and Heidi and Valerie off for their sewing class.  While they were at their class, I took Hannah and Nathan with me to the test.  

At the test, we were put in a room and the testing lady got all her stuff ready.  She kept saying, "Hannah needs to be asleep for the  test to be accurate."  I kept praying she'd stay asleep.  I was told to have her in her car seat when she comes because they want her in the car seat for the test.  (I usually leave the car seat in the car and we carry Hannah everywhere).  I was thankful that Hannah was sleeping!  Nathan was told he needs to be very quiet! and my cell phone needed to be turned off.  I snapped a few pictures of Hannah already for the test before I turned off my cell phone.   

The test began and Nathan and I waited and waited and waited some more.  It was long and boring.  The lady got Hannah's right ear to pass the test but she could not get the left ear to pass.  She even tried twice to run the test on her left ear.  I was disappointed but oh well. We still think Hannah is perfect just the way God made her!  Well the testing lady gave me a referral to have Hannah's ears tested at Children's in a couple weeks. 

After her appointment I stopped by to pick the girls up from their sewing class.  Heidi was all excited because her place mats were done! 

Thank you to Dana for the visit and for the loaning of your battery operated breast pump.  I am so so thankful for the used of this breast pump.  I can pump in the van in private and not worry about finding a place to plug the other breast pump!  Dana you have blessed me!

James 3:17 & 18

¹⁷But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

 ¹⁸And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Snow!! and Church is Canceled: Day 34 (1/9/11)

Cassie's 13yr old pictures a couple weeks late. Oh well at least we got them done!  Cassie is beautiful!

Cassie is beautiful and the snow in a background is so pretty also!

Terri Lynn playing with her new toy!  The boys had fun with Terri Lynn as they said she looked like she was on the toilet!  The boys have alot of fun with Terri Lynn.

Nathan holding Hannah while It's snowing outside!

Terri Lynn pumping breast milk!  So funny and cute!!  You can tell she is copying mommy!

Hannah in the snow with mommy!

The kids made snow chairs and here they are sitting on their snow chairs!  With Hannah!

Snow chairs with out Hannah!

Nathan in his snow chair!

Valerie in her snow chair!

Hannah Grace in her own snow chair!  The kids had to make a snow chair for their baby sister!  How thoughtful!  You can tell they love her so much!

Terri Lynn in her snow chair!

Terri Lynn just had to hold Hannah while she was sitting in her snow chair!

Cassie with the snow chairs!  It is so cute how Nathan is taking care of Terri Lynn here in this picture!

Cassie and Hannah in the snow!

Hannah was ready for church, then church was canceled!

Cassie changed Hannah into the skirt that she made for Hannah Grace.  The skirt is so cute!

Another sweet picture of Hannah and Cassie!

Snow!! and Church is Canceled

Today we had fun in the snow.  We did not know for sure that church would be canceled because there really was not that much snow at our house.  But since church had more snow they canceled Sunday School and then Church.  It was a great day to stay home and play in the snow.  We really don't get much snow here but when we do the kids really have fun! 

I am so thankful that Hannah got to see snow and we got to enjoy Hannah in the snow.  I am thankful that I did take her out in the snow. 

The children spent the morning making snow chairs for each of them and Hannah.  I spent the morning resting with Hannah and feeding her and pumping for her.  I should have taken a nap but I didn't!

When the snow chairs were done, I took Hannah out to see the snow.  Then we decided to take pictures!  Later Cassie, Hannah and I went our again to see what else the kids were doing outside.  I had Cassie hold Hannah for a picture! 

After Hannah was fed again. Cassie changed and diapered Hannah.  (diapering Hannah was a challenge because her hips don't open up much so we need to be very careful or it may hurt her).  When Cassie was changing Hannah's diaper, I told her to put on the skirt she made for Hannah!  The skirt is so cute and prefect on Hannah!  Good job sewing for Hannah, Cassie!  I love you so much! 

Psalms 118:24-29

²⁴This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

 ²⁵Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
 ²⁶Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
 ²⁷God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
 ²⁸Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
 ²⁹O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Love you sweet girl!,  Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Going to Costco with Hannah on a Saturday!: Day 33 (1/8/11)

One of my favorite pictures of Hannah and Terri Lynn

Hannah's special fingers.  This is Hannah's left hand.

Hannah's right hand.  Her middle fingers are fused together. 

A better view of her fused fingers!

Just a good picture!

Hannah's famous hook finger! On her left hand!

This is another one of my favorite pictures!  She is hanging with daddy!

Here is the side view!  Rick loved spending time with his special little girl!

Going to Costco with Hannah on a Saturday

We spent many days just relaxing at home.  Making sure Hannah was fed every 3 hours around the clock.  We had not been to Costco since before Hannah.  We decided to as a family go to Costco.  We needed a few things and we were all up for a trip to Costco.  I was trying to be as normal as we could with a special needs baby.  So our normal is making a trip to Costco 2 times a month. 

When we came home from Costco, we just relaxed at home.  I decided I needed close-up pictures of Hannah's special hands and fingers.  The pictures turn out great on the close-up settings on my camera. In my mind I was thinking: we are not sure how long we will be blessed by Hannah so I want to treasure every part of her. 

Today was a great day of family time and relaxing!

Thank you to Louise for the visit!  We are so thankful you did visit us and also for the meal you brought! You blessed us!

I John 4:7-13

⁷Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

 ⁸He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
 ⁹In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
 ¹⁰Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
 ¹¹Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
 ¹²No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Hannah's Tongue Twister by Heidi ♥

Hannah

Hannah has a hook.

That is helpful.

Hannah can hear now!

Hallelujah!

Hannah is happy to be with Him in Heaven!

By Heidi Alice Kwant (Hannah's sister)

Hannah is One Month Old!: Day 32 (1/7/11)

Hannah and Nathan! 

Hannah's 1 Month old!  Praise the Lord!

Hannah Grace is One Month Old!

We Praise God our Heavening Father for Hannah's One month birthday!  She is one month old by the grace of God.  We are so thankful to be her parents and her family.  God hand-picked our family for Hannah Grace!  What an honor to be chosen for such a mighty act!  God is good all the time! And All the time God is good!

I had a meeting at the learning center for advisors.  I took Hannah of course to my meeting.  I feed Hannah during the meeting.  My sweet friend Bev held Hannah for some of the meeting! It gives me much pleasure to share Hannah Grace!

Thank you to Nicki for coming to visit!  You did not come to do our hair! You came to see our precious Hannah!  Thanks so much you truly have blessed us!

Psalm 150

 ¹Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
 ²Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
 ³Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
 ⁴Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
 ⁵Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
 ⁶Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

The Love Shown Us: Day 31 (1/6/11)

Cassie holding Hannah!

My friend, Dalee, holding Hannah and her sweet daughter Olivia!

Olivia is 5 months old and Hannah is almost 1 month old. 

I am talking to Hannah!

I am talking to Hannah while I am feeding her!

My precious treasure!

Hannah crying!  I was trying to take a picture of her hands but she was not happy! I don't really have too many picture of Hannah crying.

Valerie lost a tooth today!

Sam and Martin playing with Hannah.  They were trying to get her to smile.  I love this picture of the boys playing with her!

This is one of my favorite pictures.  Hannah in her big brothers arms all safe and snugly!  Sam is talking to her!

The Love Shown Us

Dr. Levine called today to have me increase Hannah's feedings by 5 mils.  I should increase her feeds at every feeding.  I did this later in the day but Hannah Grace spit up alot.  I think her stomach needs to get used to the extra milk!  Dr. Levine is so kind to call and talk to me about Hannah Grace!

I did school in the morning with the children.  I did what we could.  I'm not going to worry if we don't get to all our school. Hannah Grace and her needs are important right now. 

Today we had many visitors.  I love our friends and family and the kindness they show.  We sure have felt abundance of love from many.  I know many are praying for our family and for Hannah Grace. 

Thank you to Dalee, Bradee, Samuel, Lindsee, Olivia, and Nadalee,  Aunt Jill, Uncle Sy and Ingrid, Julie, Korey, and Erika,  Lori, Liberty and Maggie for your visit.  Your love and kindness truly means so much to us! 

2 Thessalonians 3:13

¹³But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Love you Hannah Grace,  Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)