Cheyenne’s World

For shame, for shame. I am so far behind that I figure no one is even looking any more. But just in case…

Cheyenne has her baby sister! And she’s almost two months… Isabella Jean arrived Dec. 22, and is doing very well. Cheyenne has mostly gotten past the “jealousy” part of a new sibling, and loves to talk to “sissy” now. She calls her “Bella Jean” most of the time, and never forgets to include “sissy” when giving out hugs and kisses at bedtime. Its very sweet… now if only I’d capture it on camera and post it, right?

Anyway, I have some pictures of Isabella that I’d like to share, including some with Cheyenne. An album can be found at the link below. Enjoy!

Isabella’s Facebook album>

Also, we had one of the biggest snow storms in recorded history in this area, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take Cheyenne out in the snow. After all… it may be a very long time before she sees this much again! Here are some pictures of her out in the big snow.

I thought I would give a little update. Cheyenne is doing good. As you read in her Daddy’s update, she is gaining weight.

Cheyenne came to visit us for the first time. Her mama had a doctor appointment, so papaw and mamaw got to babysit for a while. Yes, we took pictures

Both mama and baby have had good checkups. Praise God for answered prayers. Thanks to all of you who continue to keep them (and Aaron) in your prayers daily, and for all the encouragement you have given to them.

Here I am in Ohio! I have the privilege of helping out Nikki and Aaron with Cheyenne. I have the 1 am - 7 am shift. We are getting along fine She is eating good, and going back to sleep pretty quick. The first night, I held her most of the night because I was afraid I wouldn’t hear her if she woke up (yes, they do have the monitor) but I felt better holding her. We both slept on the couch.    Last night, she woke up only when it was time to eat, then right back to sleep.  She is a good baby.

I will miss her when I leave!

Time for another update.

Some big things happened over the weekend for Cheyenne. First, grandma and grandpa Thomas came to visit. Also, great-grandpa and great-grandma came to visit (Nikki’s grandparents). Pictures will be posted later.

Then, great Aunt Susie and Uncle Ray, cousin Becky and John visited. Also, great Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Gary came. Yes, that was a lot of visitors for one day, but the aunts and uncles have been anxious to meet Cheyenne.

Saturday night, Aunt Laura and Uncle Justin came. They were able to spend the night and visit again on Sunday after church services.

As for Cheyenne’s health update: The doctors took her off the oxygen, and took out her feeding tube. Unfortunately, the feeding tube had to be put back in because she was having trouble eating.

Aaron called a little while ago and said the oxygen also had to be started again. Cheyenne is having a little trouble with the eating / swallowing / breathing thing. She was working too hard at it, so the doctors decided to start her on oxygen again to help her out. Also, a smaller feeding tube was exchanged for the one she had. This really is not a “step backward”, just something to help Cheyenne get better, and ease some problems.

David and I have not held Cheyenne for 2 days, because so many others wanted to hold her. We decided that was enough handling, but today we hope to be able to hold and rock her again! We did get several more pictures, and even a video clip or two. Kris will post pictures later

Edit:  Kris here…I’m adding a couple of the pictures to this post so you can see them!

Cheyenne had a “temper tantrum” - that’s her daddy’s words - last night and kicked the IV out of her foot! I just wish I could have been there to hear that cry They decided she was doing so well, they would not try and put it back in. She still has an IV in her hand, so they can give her whatever she needs through that.

Aaron was able to leave the hospital and attend services last night. Nikki stayed with Cheyenne.

On the agenda for today: Try feeding Cheyenne a little milk through a feeding tube and see how she tolerates that. Also, Aaron and Nikki may get to hold Cheyenne for the first time later today. We are hoping to get pictures of that. We will share pictures if we do.

I just talked with Aaron on the phone and he said Cheyenne had a good night last night.

Thanks to all who have continued to keep Cheyenne, Nikki, and Aaron in their prayers. God has heard and answered favorably! Please, keep it up:-)