Baby update #2

All four Hoyts are doing really well hanging out at the hospital, and we're so grateful for our little ones.

Breastfeeding has presented a huge learning curve, to Mary, to Anna and Rachel, and even to papa Adam. Thanks for understanding our need for privacy and modesty during this "intimate" time at the hospital. We're anxious for you all to get to know them, and we know you are too! We appreciate your patience, as well as the cards, phone calls and treats you've sent our way. Again, keep your eyes peeled for the "all clear" email from us to let you know we're ready for visitors and drop-ins.

Anna is getting better and better both at the breast and at the bottle. Rachel is still having some challenges, though nothing out-of-the-ordinary for a baby born a few weeks early. Basically, her "swallow" skill is not as developed as her "suck" skill. Which means she tends to choke on milk/formula because she gets ahead of herself. And sometimes, when focusing on "suck" and "swallow," she forgets another important component: "breathe." But that little snafu happens infrequently, and they're monitoring her closely in the NICU.

We're here in the hospital till Sunday at midnight. We hope and pray Rachel can come home with us, but we understand they may need to monitor for an additional time.

The hospital staff is nothing short of amazing; between the Lactation Consultants, Occupational/Physical Therapists, Pediatricians, friendly nurses, and our OB/GYN and neonatologist whom we absolutely love, we are in great hands.

And your prayers to our Father are taking good care of us too!

Love,
Adam, Mary, Rachel and Anna Hoyt

P.s. A huge blessing: Adam's dad Phil was able to visit- this brings us unspeakable joy, since it was only 4 months ago that we were told he had a 7% chance of surviving to see his first grandchildren. Praise God for rewriting THAT script!!