January 21st, 2007 10:45 a.m.

Happy 3-week birthday, Lauren!

We finally feel like we can just relax and enjoy each other this weekend. On the doctors' rounds this morning, the neonatologist declared that Lauren was doing 'beautifully!" She has been unbelievably stable over the last few days - her heart rate, blood pressure, blood gas levels, and feedings are all in a normal range with very few aberrations. She's now getting about 1/2 her nutrition from her IV fluids, and 1/2 from breast milk, which is great progress! She's been gaining 1/2 oz per day over the past few days and on her way to being a 'big' 3-pounder. (yes, it's all relative!)

Grant's mom (Pat Carney) has been spending the weekend with us, which makes life so much easier. We've enjoyed many delicious dinners brought over by friends, Kaia has had a chance to 'kangaroo' with Lauren for 2-3 hours every morning, and Connor has been showered with love and kisses by us all. This morning Grant and Connor rough-housed and played so hard that Connor literally asked for a nap by grabbing his pacifier, blankey and pointing to his crib. The only hitch we've experienced this weekend was YET ANOTHER SNOW STORM! Can you believe it? What a winter! Pat is stuck with us for another night, so we ordered pizza and we're all just about to watch a little football together.