And A (perfect) Baby Makes Three

Well, our life has changed dramatically since our last post.  On, Friday, July 2, we welcomed our baby girl Ainsley Marie Kahler, to the world.  As most of you know Ainsley was not due until September 22nd, so this was a huge surprise - she was born at 28 weeks, 2 days.

We are so proud of her, she has done very well so far.  She is in the fabulous NICU at Salem Hospital.  We are so thankful for the amazing staff that is taking excellent care of her.  As you might expect there is a lot to learn and take in - we are working hard at appreciating each moment and taking it one day at a time.

The title of our blog - So Happy Together - was originally named when there were just two of us and we love how well it fits with Ainsley in the picture.  We are truly, so happy (thankful, blessed, amazed, overjoyed - there really aren't words) to be together - the three of us!

Thank you so much to all of our fantastic friends and family that have offered and given support so far.  It means so very much to us.  We are learning what Ainsley needs and what we need and ask for your patience.

So, Ainsley being of 28 weeks gestational age has certain developmental needs/concerns:

• Lung Development - She is currently using what is called a CPAP to aid in her breathing.  This is a tool that provides air pressure to keep her lungs inflated as she is learning how to breathe outside the womb.
• Brain Development - At this point the most important way to aid in brain development is to create a womb-like environment for long periods of time.  This means limiting sounds, dimming lights and covering her bed, and limiting physical touch.  One of the ways the NICU provides this is by using what are called "Cares" times - specific times during the day that the nurses will try to group together all of the baby's regular care (blood draws/tests, respiratory needs, vitals, diaper changes, IV adjustments, etc.). 
• Intestine/Digestion Development - At 28 weeks the intestinal system is not fully developed.  Currently, Ainsley is getting nutrition through IV and a small amount of breast milk.  She receives the breast milk through a tube going into her stomach. 

These are some of the main concerns/goals we are learning about for Ainsley right now.  We will continue to update as we learn more and as she grows.

As we work to learn how to best support our daughter's developmental needs and health we are really focusing on protecting that womb-like environment.  This means we are fiercely protective of those uninterrupted times.  This means we try to schedule our time with Ainsley around the "Care" times.

So, of course this affects if and when she can have visitors.  Currently we are planning no more (and sometimes less depending on how the day is going) than 2 visits per day.  Please feel free to text or call, just know that we may not be able to get back to you right away.  We really feel loved and supported by everyone, we just want to give you an accurate picture of what Ainsley needs to help with her development.

We need to get some sleep and so we are going to sign off for now.  We will do our best to update this blog as often as we can.

Birthday 7/2/2010 1:45PM
Weight at birth : 2lbs 12oz
Length: 15.5"
Apgar Score: 7 out of 10 -Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance, and Respiration
                     A healthy full term baby will be around a 9.

Ainsley has been fairly stable so far, we will keep you all updated on improvements.

We are learning that all of this is a day by day process, and there will be ups and downs. 

We really do appreciate you all so much - thanks for loving us and loving Ainsley!!