Another BIG Day

Monday was another big day in the Westra Household. It started Sunday night with Jayden sleeping upstairs in her big girl bed, YEAH!!!! She went right to sleep with no crying. We think napping in different beds all week has prepared her for the switch. In the afternoon we had a special date with Miya. Helen DeVos put on a children's Christmas party for the patients and families. Miya got to come and spend time with just mom and dad for a while at the hospital doing crafts and being spoiled rotten. The Christmas party was lots of fun. Miya and dad made their first gingerbread house. Miya thought it was great and enjoyed liking her fingers, the knife, and the actual house. She left the party with a bag full of crafts and toys. Mom and dad left the party with much more gratitude and appreciation for the staff of Helen DeVos Children's hospital and Mrs. Helen DeVos herself as we were able to meet her.



After the party, Miya held Melanie for the first time(video coming...Jayden shut off the computer while it was uploading, have to start the process over...) It didn't last very long, but she was very excited to hold her. After holding her Miya read Melanie the book she made for her with Aunt Wendi. It's called Welcome to our World and has pictures and explanations of the "important" things Melanie needs to know about our house. For example, a picture of the the red barn tells Melanie that's where the bikes are. The picture of Miya says that she's three and that her favorite food is mac and cheese, nuggets and nugget dip-it, and pickles. It was precious watching Miya read that book to Melanie and start the bonding process. Three girls, all close in age is going to be very trying at times, especially during the teenage years, but I'm so excited to watch the close relationships these girls will develop as the get older.

Melanie had a big day too. She moved to NIM. YEAH!! One step closer to going home. Currently she is the only baby in her nursery (it can hold up to three babies). There is a nurse to about every three babies and they may all be in different nursery's so we don't see them near as often. Also, when Melanie's monitors beep it takes a while for a nurse to get there (if it's not urgent). This is good for me....to start to detach from the constant comfort of having a nurse within 5 feet of Melanie at all times. The room is much more quiet (very nice for visiting with Uncle Bruce and Brett). Jeff may go insane however since there are no other people to talk to, not even a nurse!


Melanie seems to like her new room....she finished her bottle today!! Jeff fed her at her 6:00 care time and she drank all 30ml. YEAH MELANIE!!! It was her first time finishing her meal!! She even gave a satisfying burp without too much pounding :)


We have so much to be thankful for. God is good!