Kaylee Lynn Gravagna has arrived

We are pleased to announce the birth of the newest member of the Gravagna Family...

KAYLEE LYNN GRAVAGNA

Born at 1:43pm October 4, 2011

8lbs 4oz 21 1/2 inches

Her entrance into the world was fairly "easy", however after she joined us the nurses and doctors detected that she was not breathing as she should.  She had inhaled some amniotic fluid and she was trying to get that moving.  Mommy was able to hold her for about an hour before they took her up to the nursery to run some tests.

Mommy & Kaylee

Dr. White, Mommy & Kaylee

Official weight - 8lbs. 4oz & 21 1/2 inches long

After mommy and daddy were moved from the labor and delivery room to the room we were to stay in the rest of the time, a nurse came in and explained to us that Kaylee was sick.  My first thought was - SICK?! What do you mean - sick?!  That was not in our plan, she was supposed to be healthy, no problems and she was supposed to be in our room with us - not still in the nursery. 

She explained to us that Kaylee's tummy was disdained (which I really didn't know what that meant, but it means her tummy was bigger then a normal baby of her size) - they didn't know why her tummy was so big, but they didn't want to take any chances and made the decision to admit her to the NICU.  Again - mommy had a break down because no mommy or daddy wants to see their new born sent to the NICU - but the doctors and nurses know best!

Before Kaylee was swept away to the NICU they brought her into our room and we were all able to hold her and kiss on her.  Daddy finally got to hold her for the first time too!

Taylor came in during that time as well and she was such an amazing Big Sister.  She wanted to hold her and carry her around.  She gave lots of kisses to her too!

We also have such an amazing priest at our church that he came up around 8:30ish to check on mommy and especially Kaylee.  He was able to visit Kaylee in the NICU and he blessed her and has added her to his prayer list.

All the grandparents have either had a chance to either hold her or at least touch her.  Kaylee knows she is very loved!!

On day 2 I was finally able to start feeding her around 3pm. She took to breast feeding like a champ.  She loves to eat and I love to feed her.  She is such a mellow baby and very content when she is in mommy & daddy's arms. 

They have continued to monitor her belly size, bilirubin levels, breathing. On day 3 they decided that all of her levels were at a point they felt comfortable sending her home - we were ecstatic!!

Once we got home - we started getting into our own groove.  We took Kaylee and Taylor to the doctor for their checkups.  Taylor is a healthy 3 1/2 year old and Kaylee checked out perfectly too! Our family of 4 is now very healthy and very happy to be together!

Taylor is an amazing big sister.  She always makes sure Kaylee is covered with a blanket or has her binkey very close by - unless she's trying to shove it in Kaylee's mouth. 

We want to thank everyone that sent their thoughts and prayers as we went through this difficult time.  Our family and friends have been amazing during this time and there are not enough "Thank You's" that we can give to those that were there for us.  My parents kept Taylor for several days while Mommy was on bed rest and they kept her while we were all in the hospital.  Brian's mom came into town and has been a huge help in getting our house put back together since I have not been able to do much housework since the middle of September.  Our parents - especially our mom's are both amazing women and there would have been NO way that we would have gotten through this rough time.  So THANK YOU to our moms - You're the best and we love you!!