Happy Birthday Zoe Hope

Today is a very special day for a very precious little girl. Zoe Hope slept in for the first time. Yes you read it right. Both mum, dad and Henry were awaiting Zoe Hope to wake so we could sing to her.
When she finally woke 2 hours after her normal 5.30am start she was beaming smiles of happiness and joy (as always) and very proud to show that she now has two teeth.

We had an early start to the day with a planned picnic at the Riverside Park Olympic Park. It was a very relaxing and happy day spent with family and friends. Butterflies were everywhere (makes a change from the summer flies).

Zoe Hope had a great day enjoying the many familiar faces. A great day was had with the weather being fabulous from start to finish.

After the Picnic we took Zoe Hope home for a proper sleep however she was happy to play. Later in the afternoon we took her back to her first home - The NICU at Westmead Hospital. It was so wonderful to visit the many staff on her special day. They are such a hardworking team of nurses and doctors. We saw lots of staff that worked with Zoe Hope and remembered the many others especially today. Thank you NICU Westmead we will never forget you. During the end of our visit Zoe Hope finally gave in and crashed on mum's shoulder (15minutes). 

We had the special privilege of meeting two families that are currently going through very uncertain times with their newborns also in the NICU. They met Zoe Hope and were very happy to see that miracles do happen and there is hope to hold onto. Please pray for Noah,Colden and all the sick premature babies. Their parents need your strength in prayer also. We wish them all well and hope that they may feel supported and loved during this hard time.

She has had an amazing year thus far and we have all been on this journey of downs and ups. May 2012 be a great year ahead for us all.

God Bless and thank you for being there. We couldn't have travelled this long journey without the love and support of our fantastic families, friends and friends of friends.

We have set up a Hero Page for Zoe Hope's birthday to raise money for Miracle Babies. If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause please follow the link. Or is you would just like to look at the Hero Page enjoy.

http://miraclebabiesfundraising.org.au/amanda_dippenaar

Love Mandi, Jan, Tyler, Henry and ZOE HOPE xxxxx

Where has the past 4 months gone?

Well firstly apologies to those of you who have continuously checked Zoe Hope's blog for the latest news. After a rough winter with the colds etc we just got too bogged down into life at home and focused on the kids and their needs.

Zoe Hope is now 11 months old (birthday in 5 days time). Wow what a year! She now weighs 6.12kgs and has just gone into OO clothing size. She is now sitting up and has been doing so for about 5 weeks now. She got her first tooth last Monday and the second has nearly cut through.  She continues to be on oxygen at night time and this will continue until she has a review with her specialist early February.

Zoe Hope has been diagnosed with a hole in her heart which given some time may close on its own as she continues to grow or may need to be medically closed. We will have to wait and see over the coming months. She will be reviewed by her Cardiologist in April. She regularly attends physiotherapy to help with her motor skills and is doing very well.

She is now on three meals a day and continues to enjoy her milk. Zoe Hope has been going to play group Nurture Time with Miracle babies and this has been a wonderful time for mum and Zoe Hope to meet and mingle with other families of Premature and or sick babies.

She delights in time with all of us here at home especially her Great Grandmother and her grand parents who regularly come to visit. Henry and Tyler continue to enjoy the interaction with Zoe Hope as she giggles and smiles and watches their every move.

Zoe Hope was Dedicated on the 23rd October at  CABC West Ryde and this was a fabulous day for us all. (Photo below).

Zoe Hope has come so far over the past 11 months and we thank you all for your continued prayers and love and friendship as we travel this journey.  We praise God for all our children and the many miracles he blesses us all with.

We all would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and hope that you enjoy time with your loved ones and share in the many special moments together.

Love 'The Dippies'

Home weeks 15,16,17,18

At home having fun with my brothers. I am back on Oxygen for the time being and don't like it very much but know it helps my lungs whilst I get rid of my bad cough.

I have had another set back with another Bronchial infection so am currently on antibiotics. I will be able to get off the oxygen when my Dr allows me. I see him early next month but mum and Papa have done a new download on my machine for Dr Cooper so maybe he might let me off sooner (hope so!).

Well now I am 18 weeks corrected I have learnt how to scream to get up when I am supposed to be sleeping. I give the best smiles and have started to make more sounds with my mouth. I can even checkle (even if it is quiet) and I no longer have a dummy. I was very brave I only missed it for a few days. I rather like sucking my fist when I can get out of my wrap!

Thank you for all the lovely things that you have sent to me. My mum has put all the cards away safe so one day when I am bigger I can look at them.

Please continue to pray that I stay healthy so I can start to get out and see the real world soon.

Love from Zoe Hope

Home Week 14

Zoe Hope has unfortunately developed Bronchiolitis over the past week. She has had numerous visits to Doctors and the Children's Hospital Westmead. She is now back on oxygen for the time being as this will give her the breathing support she needs to try and get rid of the virus. She has not been her happy self at all and we hope that she greatly improves soon. She will be returning to her lung doctor next Tuesday for a review and her normal GP every two days.

Please pray that Zoe Hope gets well and keeps well. This is a set back for her after doing so well to be free of illness.

Home weeks 12 /13

Well Zoe is now 12 weeks and two days corrected (6 1/2 months). She is growing and smiling more and more each day. She likes to blow little bubbles when she is awake and tries really hard to make sounds with her mouth. She had her 6 month immunisations last Wednesday and spent the next day fairly unsettles with temperature etc. She has also had some unsettled days since due to the fact that she can now open her hands when she is awake instead of clenching her fists all the time. it is amazing how the brain works and how each little change can affect someone so small.

Please pray for Zoe to continue to put weight on. She is still very small. Today she weights 3.56kg.

Thank you to those who continue to keep in touch with us we are half way through winter and have been at home all this time in the hope that we can keep Zoe free of any sickness that is in the air. It is amazing how a cough sends chills up our spines these days! We have been fortunate that the Doctors Zoe has have had a special area for us to sit away from such coughs etc.

Zoe sends lots of smiles your way :-)

Home Week 11

Zoe Hope has had a fantastic week. She has come off the night oxygen and is now breathing air 24/7. We pray that she continues to keep well so that she doesn't have to go back on the O2.

She has also finally reached 3.5kg as of this evening. This is another great achievement. Her weight although slow is continuing to increase at her pace.

We are so privileged to have her in our lives to share with you all. She is very alert and enjoys following the sounds of mama, papa and her brothers Tyler and Henry.

She still sleeps quite a lot but has changed her routine (if you could call it one!) in the last few days and is feeding lots and awake a little longer. She is more settled of the evening now the prongs aren't needed so we are able to settle her in bed a lot earlier than before.

Home week 10

Zoe Hope now weighs 3.39kg. She has had a check up by her paediatrician and all is going well. She has grown another 2 cm and is now 49cm long. (She still looks so small). She will be ten weeks corrected tomorrow 3/07.
Zoe Hope went for a vision check early this week which was positive in that no issues were found with her eyes. She will go back in December for another check up.

Time has flown by so quickly. We still remain at home on a daily basis to avoid the dreaded colds and flu's that are currently circling this winter. Zoe has continued to thrive. She is trying very hard to make sounds with her mouth. She loves to smile and is now turning her head when she hears a familiar voice or follows mummy around.

Again thank you for your calls and messages. It is so nice to keep in touch with you all even if we are unable to see you.

Home 7, 8 and 9

Hi All

Zoe Hope has been home 9 weeks today. She is 8 weeks corrected in age and is continuing to blossom. She is smiling and beginning to make little sounds to communicate. She has coped really well off the oxygen now during the daytime. Zoe Hope remains on oxygen at nigh time. She is now just over 3kg. We have her paediatric appointment on Thursday so will confirm her weight then.

Zoe Hope has had a little dry cough and lots of sneezes but continues to keep well and healthy.

She has learnt to exercise her lungs every now and then to let us all know she is here.

We have kept in touch with a few families form the NICU and are pleased to say that most of their babies are now home.

Thank you for your conitnued support and encouragement whilst following Zoe Hope's journey.

Home Weeks 5 & 6

Wow it has been a busy few weeks. Zoe Hope had her paediatrician appointment last week. He was extremely happy with her progress thus far however she needs to gain more weight than she is so he set her a goal of 3.5 kg for her next visit. Today she weighs 2.9kg so she has to put on 600 grams in the next 22 days. Zoe Hope has proven to like challenges so lets see how she goes.

She had her eye check for ROP yesterday and the disease is now resolved so we are very pleased. She also had her appointment with the respiratory doctor who is happy with her progress. He has ceased some of her lung medicine now in the hope that will help her put weight on and also begin to ween her off the oxygen. Today was the first day she had no oxygen for 10 hours. She coped considerably well and was on the monitor so mum could see how she was going. She will be off during the day and back on oxygen at night for the next week until we get another download of her respiration. This is another big step forward for Zoe Hope.

We have seen glimpses of a smile this past few days and hope to see more and more. Her head control is getting better also. She has lost a lot of the stawberry blonde hair and has begun to sprout new hair on the top of her head (she has rubbed off all the hair on the back of her head).

Zoe enjoys watching Henry play up close and cuddles with Tyler, Mum and Papa.

We continue to remember how blessed we are to have her in our lives. Going back to the NICU this week was an opportunity to catch up with the doctors on duty and the nursing staff that had so much to do with Zoe Hope's care. She will not be forgotten.

Thank you again for your continued support, prayers and messages.

Home Week 4

Zoe Hope has had another great week. She is now 4 weeks corrected. She is the absolute delight of us all and we are enjoying her presence. She still sleeps quite a lot and at times as all new borns is unsettled whilst she adjusts to becoming her own little self. Her brothers continue to bond with her and are delighted when she is awake. Henry can't wait till she can play Lego with him and kick the soccer ball. Tyler just enjoys watching her sleep as do her Grandparents and Nan Nan.

Zoe Hope at home Week 3

Zoe Hope continues to settle into her own routine. Today she is 3 weeks corrected and doing everything a three week old would do (feed and sleep). When awake she is spending more time looking around her surroundings and getting familiar with the hustle and bustle of a busy home.

She had her eyes checked again on Tuesday. The ROP continues to resolve and stay stable. Zoe Hope will now have her next check in 3 weeks time.

A special thank you to those who continue to pray for Zoe Hope and also to the many of you who continue to follow her journey.

This week marks a special week for all families as it is National Family Week. Remember that we can choose our friends but not our family. Stick Together is the theme and so true. We need our families through both good and bad times. For many of us Family can also be represented with in the community including your Church family. So lets all STICK TOGETHER and find a way to spend time with someone and tell them how important they are.

http://www.familiesaustralia.org.au/familiesweek

Zoe Hope at Home week 2

Well this week has seen Zoe Hope continue to settle into home life with us all. The boys are loving having her around (wait till she really shows her voice!) and enjoy it when she is awake. She sleeps about 21 hours a day and the three awake hours are at night. We hope to adjust her night and day over the coming weeks but as you can all imagine she has been through so much already we are just pleased to have her with us.

She had her 4 month immunisations on Monday and other than being a little unsettled seemed to get through without any real issues.

Nurse Rosemary came to visit her star patient on Tuesday and was so thrilled to see how much she has continued to blossom. It was so nice to talk about our journey with Rosemary who was present during the birth and looked after Zoe Hope in the NICU many times.

The community nurses came to visit on Wednesday and were pleased to see that she now weighs 2.5kgs. This puts Zoe on the 3rd percentile for weight for her age of 1 week but at least she is now registering.

Today she is 18weeks old. Again we are so blessed to have her in our lives. We continue to keep her in a well controlled environment at home so that she can continue to build up her strength, grow and more importantly keep her healthy.

This organisation has been a great support for us!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T57qzirRBdo

Yesterday mum and dad ventured back into the NICU Westmead for Zoe's eye check and weight assessment.  This time we knew we were only to be there a short time (which went quickly with the staff coming to see how Zoe was doing now at home). Her eye check results were good with the ROP still resolving.  The specialist is pleased with her progress and so Zoe will now go to fortnightly assessments.

Zoe Hope has gained weight since being at home and is now 2415grams. We are so happy to see that the comforts of home are helping.

Life at home with Zoe Hope was a little daunting for the first few days adjusting to the oxygen as well as making sure she was still breathing etc. Not too much different from bringing home a newborn.

Zoe Hope was due to be born on the 24th April so her corrected age is 5 days old. Seems unreal to think of it that way but that will be the age that will be used for her milestones in the many months to come.

We are thrilled to have her home. Tyler and Henry adore their sister. As for Zoe Hope she is settled, sleeps really well during the DAY and at night like to snuggle with mum. She is adjusting to the environment at home however doesn't like to sleep in the dark so we have a light on for her every night. She loves to be in the family room with all the noise of the day too.  We are just so blessed to be enjoying her and getting to know everything about her.

We sincerely thank all of you for your messages and thoughts and prayers.

Week 1 at home

A little bit of tummy time in the morning for Zoe.

Day 109

Today was a great day for the Dippies. Zoe Hope was finally discharged into mum and dad's hands 24/7. Her eye check went well with a followup to be done again Wednesday next week. Zoe Hope had a few laps around the NICU this morning so that she could say farewell to the wonderful team of Doctors and Nurses. Due to shift work not all staff were on however we did see a few of the nurses that spent a lot of time with Zoe when she was so sick in NICU.

Where one journey ends another begins and so it is that we are now home and getting to know our daughter more and more. She has lots of medicines and feeding routine that takes quite some time not to mention getting a routine with the moving around using oxygen etc. Henry is quite glad to have his little sissy home and Tyler is excited and can't wait to see her when he returns from his dad's on Thursday.

We would really like to again thank all the Doctors, Nurses, Office staff and cleaners for making us feel like one of the team. We spent many days and nights walking the halls, sitting at Zoe's bedside and chatting, crying and even laughing with both staff and other parents. Wow what a journey and one that we will never forget. Thank you for being so professional and "Fair Dinkum". We appreciated your honesty, support, inclusion in Zoe's daily medical routines / progress and your kind friendship.

Thank you also to our many many followers for believing in Zoe Hope and sharing our journey thus far. We will continue to update the blog each week with new milestones and photos. We hope you will join us on the new journey away from NICU as Zoe Hope grows.

God Bless each and everyone of you.
Love the Dippies
xxxxx

Day 108

Zoe is still on track to be discharged tomorrow after her eye test. It has been a very long journey for Zoe in nicu but she has done extremely well under the circumstances. A big credit to mom, the nurses and doctors and everyone out there near and far.

Day 107

Zoe must have had a great day yesterday as she got to spend most of it with mom. As of 5pm last night mom has 'taken over' from the nurses and spent the night at hospital with Zoe. Only one more sleep before Zoe comes home, we are all very exited and looking forward to bring our daughter home so we can all be together.

Day 106

Zoe had a good day and she is looking forward to mom spending time with her as of tomorrow morning, untill she is due home on Tuesday after her eye test.

Day 105

Zoe had a good day and should enjoy her sleep for the first time without a feeding tube. Not long now.

Day 104

Zoe Hope has had another good day. She had x-rays of her lungs and a few other routine tests today for her respiratory physician. She is going well on the new level of oxygen so will probably go home on it.

She already has a team of physician who will be seeing her over the next few years so appointments are being organised and set up for all the follow up care once we are home sometime next week.

Please continue to pray for Zoe Hope as the road ahead is not necessarily an easy one. We will have to focus on keeping her healthy and free from illness.

Day 103

Zoe Hope has had another good day. (It may sound repetitive however good days are fabulous compared to where we have come from). She has had her oxygen level lowered to test if she can come home on that level. This will be reviewed over the next few days prior to Zoe Hope seeing a respiratory specialist. Zoe Hope will need to have oxygen 24/7 until her lungs grow and develop more lung tissue. There is no time set as it all depends on her keeping healthy. As winter is upon us Zoe Hope will be confined to a germ free environment at home as the usual colds we can all deal with are very serious for her because of the Chronic Lung Disease. She was again reviewed by the Occupational Therapist who looked at her gross motor. Zoe Hope will continue to have these checks every 4 months for some time. The Therapist was very happy with her progress thus far. Zoe Hope now has two sucks to a tube. She is coping with this very well. Overall she is doing remarkably well. Thank you to you all for your constant support, love and encouragement. Your prayers are also very special to us. Remember to thank God for all that you have each day.

Day 102

Zoe Hope has had a great day. She had a lovely bath today and was weighed. her new weight is 2265grams. What a fabulous weight gain! She has had some of her medicines ceased and has had the breathing and heart rate monitor turned off. Zoe Hope has had another eye test which continues to show improvement. She will be re assessed for her eyes again next Tuesday. Her hearing was tested today and all results showed Zoe Hope to have passed the test. This will be re assessed again when she is 11 months old. Today the doctors discussed a discharge plan with us. Now Zoe Hope will continue to work on her feeds and hopefully if all goes well will be home sometime next week.

Day 101

Zoe Hope has had another good day in Special Care. She is doing well with her feeds, oxygen and sleep. She has her eyes checked tomorrow and we hope they continue to show improvement.

100 Days Old Today

Zoe Hope has had a lovely day celebrating her 100th day with Dad, Mum, Tyler, Henry, Oupa, Ouma, Grandad and Nana. She was moved into SPECIAL CARE over night and is doing really well with her feeds. She now has one suck feed to a tube feed. Ouma and Nan baked cakes for the Doctors and Nurses to help them celebrate with us.

Keep up the fantastic work ZOE HOPE.

Day 100

Happy 100 Days today "Fairy Princess"

You have given so many people Hope.

Your strength and will to live is amazing for one so so small.

May you continue to grow and enrich ours and the lives of others.

We all LOVE you.

You are another example of God's many miracles.

Day 99

Zoe Hope had a great day Saturday with a bath and lots of sleep. She now weighs 2110grams. She is coming along leaps and bounds.

- Your Cross-

The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bare." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bare it's weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then open that other door and pick out any cross you wish." The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed, and he did as he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered. The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in." When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more blessed than you imagined. - Author Unknown-

Day 98

Zoe Hope continues to thrive on her breast milk. She will be weighed again tomorrow and we know has definitely reached 2+kg. She is enjoying the swing room and sleeping well. Her eyes are looking a real crystal blue at present and her hair is a little more strawberry. We are so lucky to have such wonderful care at Westmead and are very thankful to all the nursing staff and doctors. Not only do they take fantastic care of Zoe hope but they also support us on our journey as best they can. :-)

Day 97

Zoe Hope continues to blossom. She is coping on three hourly feeds. Her oxygen has been reduced slightly and she is really settled when not disturbed. Miracle babies were there again today for parent support group and it was again another worthwhile time spent talking with other parents of premature babies. Please continue to pray for all the sick children who are fighting illness and disease. Life is so precious and we should live everyday as a new day and continue to be thankful for what we have.

Day 96

Zoe Hope had yet again another great day. She is now on three hourly feeds and appears to be enjoying them. She had a bath today. Her baths are now every three days. She really relaxed and enjoyed it. Mum enjoyed it and also dressing up her bed with the many colourful covers and wraps to choose from that have been donated.

Day 95

Zoe has had another great day. Her eye test came back with further improvement of the ROP disease so we are all very happy. She will still be on the oxygen therapy and the specialist will see her again next week. She continues to feed well on three sucks every 24 hours. She is still on two hourly feeds to be reviewed tomorrow.

Day 94

Zoe Hope has had another great day today. She is now on 3 suck feeds a day. She had her first attempt at breastfeeding today followed by her push feeds. Doctors are awaiting the results of her eye test tomorrow. We pray that her eyes are still on the mend. Zoe Hope is coping with the lower oxygen on the slow flow. She still has a lot of times where she breathes up (breathing fast and shallow). This is due to her Chronic Lung Disease. Zoe Hope will need time to grow and develop her lungs and get them stronger. Doctors say that her lungs will continue to improve as she gets older and moving around. She is at a higher risk and more vulnerable to any lung infection that comes her way meaning colds, flu, coughs etc Thank you to all of you who are supporting us in prayer, love and friendship.

The first of many spa treatments!

Can I please sleep now?

                                                           

This water is so so relaxing.....

Day 93

Another good day was had by our Fairy Princess. Zoe Hope enjoyed her bottle feed of breast milk this morning and a bath in a big tub. She was also able to have Kangaroo Care and enjoyed having her nails cut "Thank you nurse Rosemary". Zoe Hope has had the caffeine stopped (it was to help her remember to breath as she grew but as she is now corrected 37 weeks today she no longer requires this reminder). She has put on a good amount of weight in the past week. She now weighs 1998grams. This is an amazing growth from her birth weight of 550grams. Well done Zoe Hope! We have seen a lot of changes all positive in the past 7 days. Now it is all up to Zoe Hope to continue to improve. Her oxygen has also been slightly reduced again today and doctors and nurses alike are calling her a "little champion". Now Zoe has to wait until her eyes are checked again on Tuesday PM. Her other focuses will continue to be her saturation, suck feeds and extending time between feeds. All this means that both doctors and nurses are preparing Zoe Hope for the road home. From the beginning of Zoe's care neither doctors, nurses or ourselves have discussed the time frame of Zoe going home due to how sick little Zoe Hope was when she was born so early. It has only been since her coming off CPAP and moving to a proper feeding schedule that both doctors and nurses have really begun to prepare us for the journey towards bringing our little girl home. Although this may still be a while off we know that the staff at the NICU only have Zoe's best interests at heart and will make sure she is ready when she is ready. We have been so lucky that this journey which we are still on has allowed us to form very strong relations with the staff at the NICU as it has also become our second home. We admire all the staff we have dealt with thus far. We also thank the wonderful ladies who are and have been knitting and sewing for the NICU. Your voluntary donations of time and much needed bedding and clothing have been greatly appreciated by the nursing staff at the NICU. Thank you also to you from us as we get to see all your donations everyday and Zoe Hope is able to make good use of these items whilst there. Please thank God for all the miracles that surround us all and also for continuing on this very special journey with Zoe Hope.

Day 92

Zoe had a good day in the swing room and she is doing well with her bottle feeds per day. She is getting 10 push feeds per day and two bottle feeds. Dad had a good 2 hours with Zoe tonight with his first bottle feed and also his first kangaroo care session with Zoe, most enjoyable and relaxing. Tomorrow is full on again, with cares and a bottle feed at 10am, bath at 12pm, Kangaroo care with mom at 4pm ( I think) and then bottle and cares at 8pm.

Day 91

13 Weeks old today! Zoe Hope is continuing to cope with her two hourly feeds. She will keep this feeding schedule over the next 24 hours and all being well will be adjusted to third hourly feeds early next week. Her oxygen has been turned down again and she is still maintaining good saturation for her eyes. The Speech Therapist came in to assess Zoe Hope today. Unfortunately she is unable to assess her speech however will focus on the breathe, suck and swallow skills needed in order to get her feeding orally. She will be able to have an attempt at a bottle over the weekend just to help start the idea and see how she goes. Zoe Hope has all the reflexes required so just needs to be given time to coordinate these life skills. (The things we take for granted once learnt!) We have met so many lovely families in the NICU all having different journeys with their child/children and pray that they continue to be strong and positive.

Sorry about the missing photos will try to fix asap. :-)

Day 90

Zoe Hope has enjoyed another good day in her cot. She is still in the intensive care room with all the fabulous nurses who have cared for her excited to see her graduated to a cot. She is still on low flow and is maintaining high saturation for her eyes. Zoe Hope was dressed in a 00000 sized body suit today (very big but so cute). We can now take in some of her premie clothes to wear. She should be on 2 hourly feeds by tomorrow and is coping so far with the change of feeding. we hope this continues. Overall a positive day. Please pray that Zoe Hope copes with all the changes she has had this week and that her eyes continue to improve with the oxygen.

Day 89

Today Zoe Hope graduated into a cot. This is just fabulous. She is still on low flow and her feeds have been progressing so that she now has to wait a little longer for milk. She is currently on hourly feeds.

Mum was trained by Nurse Ann today to do Zoe Hope's push feeds. Now mum can give her milk to her through the gastric feeding tube when she is there.

The Occupational therapist also spent some more time assessing Zoe Hope today. She is doing well and showing signs that she should be considering her being extremely premature. We were happy to hear this news.

What another fabulous day Zoe Hope has had and may they continue to be good days at Zoe Hope's pace.

Sadly today one of the nurses Amerdeep who has been looking after Zoe Hope is leaving the Westmead NICU unit and transferring to the Royal Women's. We wish her well in her move and will miss her very much as will all her current colleagues.

Please continue to pray for all the sick babies around the world and all the medical staff who attend to them each day.

Day 88

What a day! Zoe Hope has now been on low flow since 2pm yesterday. She remains stable and doctors are very happy with her. She was getting a little tired this afternoon however doctors have said that if need be she can go onto high flow which gives a little pressure with oxygen. She had her eye test today and the doctors are pleased that the disease is showing some improvement. She will still continue having her eyes checked for the time being to see that the eyes continue to respond. Still needing her sats up but with a lowered target so maybe a little less oxygen for now. Zoe Hope was so calm during this procedure today. Good on you Zoe! Zoe Hope has also had her feeding changed. She has been on a continuous feeding tube for quite a while now so she will now be weened from this feeding method. She will move towards feeding every 2 hours and then 3 hourly over the next 3 -4 days depending on how she responds. Overall doctors and nurses continue to be pleased with Zoe's progress thus far. This is quite a lot of change for Zoe Hope so please pray she continues to thrive.

Day 87

Today Zoe Hope has graduated to low flow. Both nurses and doctors will watch how she handles being off the CPAP remembering she needs high saturation for her eyes. Her eyes will be checked again tomorrow. Zoe Hope will also be assessed by the Occupational Therapist tomorrow to see how she is developing and moving. Both mum and dad had a fun afternoon with Zoe Hope pulling out her feeding tube yet again. Nurse Krista was quite shocked as it had not been noticed. We are sure Zoe was laughing. She has really begun to show some attitude especially with the CPAP on for so long now. Hopefully she will realise it was for her own good. Nurse Krista had to change the bedding twice today because Zoe was up to mischief. Mum had kangaroo care which was bliss. Zoe is now beginning to make little sucking noises with her lips. It is rather cute. Dad enjoyed bantering with Krista who gave as good as she got. We had such a lovely afternoon. Thanks Krista!

Day 86

Zoe Hope's current weight is 1762grams. She is doing really well on the low flow oxygen so doctors have allowed her to have 10 hours on and then CPAP for 6. Zoe Hope enjoyed a lovely bath today and has graduated to a larger bowl for this. She enjoyed the water however, was glad to be back in the crib surrounded by warm towels to get dry. She had a nice cuddle with dad and was all dressed up in a yellow bonnet and dress. We continue to pray that she stays in good health and keeps growing. We can sit and do sit for hours and just watch her every breath and movement. Isn't she just precious!

All worn out!

Day 85

Another peaceful day was had by Zoe Hope. She has rested well and enjoyed being snuggled up in her crib surrounded by pink bedding.

She continues to be on CPAP for 6 hours and low flow for 8. There are no other changes except that her milk has gone up by 0.4mls/hr.

Day 84

Zoe Hope has purchased a clip on bear to support Bandaged Bear Day attached to Pink the big teddy next to her crib. She has had another great day with doctors happy for her to try low flow for 8 hours and CPAP for 6. She had another Kangaroo Cuddle with mum who enjoyed listening to Zoe's little squeaks and hiccups. Zoe Hope continues to grow and blossom more and more as each day passes. Please continue to pray that we all keep our strength, patience and good humour. It has been twelve weeks since Zoe Hope was born. Wow that is amazing to see how much she has changed during that time. Each day remains a blessing and we thank God for being on this journey with us all and our families, friends and followers.

Fundraiser - Bandaged Bear Day

Bandaged Bear Day

Today is Bandaged Bear Day.

Zoe Hope's bear blanket and photos were there along side a collection of very special and significant bears to the Morrow family in order to raise money for the Westmead Children's Hospital.

The Children's Hospital Westmead cares for sick kids. There are many children in need of special medical treatment who require day to day help to get well or just to get through the battle of illnesses until they are at peace. God Bless these precious children.

Thank you to Katrina and the many volunteers for supporting a good cause.

Have you a special bear? Take it out of the cupboard and spend some time telling someone about your bear. It is good therapy no matter how old you are.

Day 83

Zoe had a good day with lots of sleeping and good saturation, just what the doctor ordered for her eyes.
She is now on 6 hours of c-pap and then 6 hours of low flow O2 via nasal prongs, last being far more comfortable. Dad had a quick cuddle tonight and he would just like to remind you all about his beautiful little daughter Zoe Hope.

Day 82

Another great day for Zoe Hope. She had a very busy morning this morning being a Fairy Princess. She had lots of photographs taken today by a professional photographer who volunteers for Miracle Babies. thank you to Daniel and the Miracle babies team for allowing this special occasion to happen. We dressed Zoe hope up in a nice dress from the NICU and lovely Nurse Armardeep helped change all her bedding as she missed her nappy whilst mum was changing it. The Nurse Suzette helped take our the feeding tubes that were due to be changed so that the photos are of our little Zoe Hope's face - no mask - no tubes - just Zoe. What a delight to see. We shall post some of these once the photos come back from Daniel.

Today doctors are going to give Zoe Hope a break from CPAP every 6 hours. She must however keep her saturation levels high for her eye therapy so she will go on low flow. This will be continually monitored.

She also has a bone scan today to check her bones as she was born so young she is at a higher risk of bone disease often caused from a lack of calcium. This is a standard check - x-ray.

Well after such a busy day she has been sleeping soundly.

Today we would like to encourage you to pray for all those people who give up their own time to help support others in need.

Day 81 (see notes)

It appears the hospital is a day ahead so we have again adjusted the days. Sorry for any confusion. We went through both notes and blog however can't find where the error occurred so are now back in line with the hospital.

Anyway about Zoe Hope's day: today she has had a great day. She had Kangaroo Care with mum and loved every minute. Mum dressed her in this little dress.

The NICU has lots of little items of clothing/ bedding that volunteers make so the babies can all look great. Thank you to all the volunteers who continue to make a difference in the workplace with the bright colours and much needed items for all who spend a great deal of time there. Thank you also to the nursing staff who have an extra job of washing and drying these items so they are ready to use again and stay in the NICU unit.

Zoe Hope had her eye test late today. She still has grade 2 ROP but is hasn't progressed further. The doctors have asked she continue with what ever method keeps her saturation levels high. This means she is most likely to stay on CPAP a little longer. She will be re assessed next week. Although a long process this treatment is required to keep her eyes healthy.

Overall she has had a good day.

Day 79

Yesterday we posted Zoe's weight incorrectly so her current weight is a big 1635grams.
Go Fairy Princess! That's right she has put on quite a bit this past week. It must be all the good milk and sleep she has had.

Late tomorrow she is scheduled to have her eyes checked again. We pray that the result will again show them to be stable. Once the result is know we will see whether the CPAP will continue or not.

Overall she has had a great day and a lovely cuddle with mum late this afternoon.

Thank you for your support, prayers and friendship. It is appreciated.

All dressed for bed

This is Zoe Hope after her bath today. She went quickly to sleep hoping that CPAP wouldn't go back on. Not so lucky today. Anyway she is in her first little premie outfit mum and dad bought for her. They were so excited to dress her and lucky it was put on today because it may not fit next week the way she is growing.

Day 78

Zoe Hope had a great day today. It was her bath day and because earlier this morning she pulled all her feeding tubes out and made a mess of her crib she had to be changed bed and all. Hence we just bathed her quickly today. After that she had a nose rest from the CPAP and was happy to look around and listen to mum and dad talking to her.

She was weighed outside the crib for the first time today. She now weighs 1580grams. What an achievement. Nurse Alice then let mum and dad have a quick hold before she went back into her crib and onto CPAP.

Please continue to pray for Zoe Hope's eyes and lungs and that she stays healthy.

Day 77

Zoe Hope has had another good day today. She is sleeping quite a lot which is great.

She continues with the CPAP for now until her eyes are again reviewed sometime next week.

Nurse Rosemary had her nicely wrapped this evening in pink.

Please continue to pray for Zoe Hope and also pray for the families in NICU that are far from home whilst their babies are

Day 76

Zoe had another good day on c-pap, more important is the 1500g mile stone she reached today. That's over 3 times her minimum weight, go girl. Mom and dad both had a little cuddle tonight, though short it was good to hold her for a little while.

Day 75

Zoe Hope had an interesting day today. She was trialled again on high flow which was to see if she could keep her oxygen saturation high. This didn't show a good percentage so she is again tonight back on CPAP. It was worth the try remembering that she needs the CPAP for stability in her saturation to benefit her eyes.

She is having good sleep so we are sure that this is accounting for her growth and stable weight gain.

Today the Miracle Babies support group was on again and mum got to share with other parents the journey in NICU. It is a very testing time for everyone involved and it is really nice to be able to download with other parents in similar situations although every ones journey is different. We are so lucky to have volunteers from Miracle Babies who too have been in this situation and still give up their precious time to support us.  Thank you.

Day 74

Zoe Hope has had another good day today. She is not liking the CPAP but needs it for her eyes.

She and mum had much needed Kangaroo Care today.  Both enjoyed it immensely. Zoe then spent about 10 waking minutes listening to mum talking and singing nursery rhymes to her.

Doctors are particularly pleased with her consistent weight gain and we pray that this continues.

Day 73

Today was a big day for Zoe Hope with her eye check. She coped reasonably well considering the procedure. Mum watched today and it isn't nice but is necessary. Zoe Hope still has stage 2 ROP and this means that the disease hasn't worsened. She will be monitored weekly and will remain on oxygen therapy for the meantime.

Overall she has had a good day. She continues to grow and thrive.

Zoe Hope was very privileged to have Nurse Bernadette look after her today. Nurse Bernadette is also a "miracle" baby. She was born at 27 weeks 24 years ago also at Westmead Hospital. She too travelled a long and hard journey with her family and is now a trained nurse and specialising in the NICU.

Please continue to pray for all the babies in the world especially the children currently affected in Japan.

Day 72

Today Zoe Hope is again resting well. The doctors are still keeping her oxygen saturation levels stable by keeping her in CPAP. She is able to get her oxygen turned up or down depending on her saturation levels which need to stay 98 - 99 percent at all times if possible.

Her next eye check is tomorrow and we pray that the ROP disease hasn't progressed any further.

Day 71

Zoe Hope has had another great day today.

She had an adventure over night and was moved across the hallway into another ICU room. Her first move in 10 Weeks. She doesn't seem to mind the change.

As you can see she enjoys her dummy. This photo was taken after her wash today. She was tired.

She is still on CPAP continuously however gets to have a little bit of time off just to rest her nose.

Her new weight is 1420grams. We are hoping to break 1500 this time next week.

Please pray that Zoe's eyes have stabilised and not worsened.

Day 70

Zoe had a good day, after the results of the 24 hour c-pap test it has been decided to keep her on c-pap for the time being in order to keep her saturation at a maximum and more important to keep it consistent. Zoe hope also received the dreadful rota virus immunisation today, this is the last for now. Zoe is growing stronger each day, keeping this in mind the road ahead for her is still long, please keep praying for her.

Again thanks for all your support, it all adds up big and small.

Sleeping Beauty

"I love my dummy and can feel my nose when having a rest from CPAP"
photo: 9th March 2011

Zoe Hope's 1st Barbie

Zoe Hope is on slow flow photo taken Wednesday
9th March.