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A Newborn’s Journal:

*Written by Mackenzie’s transitional moms
The first nine days
8-15-00: Today is my birthday!!! My birth mom named me Justine Hope. They say I’m just beautiful. I weighed 7 pounds and 2 ounces and measured 19 ½ inches long. I have beautiful soft golden brown hair.
8-17-00: I got to go home from the hospital today with my transitional family. The nurses were sad to see me go because I was such a good baby but my transitional family was glad to see me. They think I’m so sweet and just wonderful. They are a little worried because my appetite is very light.
8-18-00: I got to go to Gladney today to see my birth mom. She was so glad to see me. We had a good snuggle but she isn’t feeling too good just yet. Some of her friends came to see me and they thought I was so beautiful. I’m still only eating ½ to one ounce at a time.
8-19-00: We had a good day today. I started eating a little better this morning. I like to lay in my bed and look at my bear mobile. I’m very strong. I like to raise my head and look around. This afternoon we
went to a movie and I ate an ounce and a half at one feeding. Movies must agree with me.
8-20-00: We went to Gladney to visit with my birth mom this morning. She was so glad to see me. She was really glad that I am eating better. I’m really starting to get this nursing thing down. I’m going to see the doctor tomorrow. She may want to put me on a higher calorie food until I am eating a little more.
8-21-00: Today was a busy day! I went to see the doctor today and she said I was just a perfect baby girl. She said not to worry about my appetite that I had only lost two ounces which was normal for the first week. I like to sleep with my arm up by my face. My birth mom says she sleeps that way too. They think I am so beautiful.
8-22-00: I went to Gladney and had a nice visit with my birth mom today. Her friends got to see how pretty I am. I’m eating so much better. I eat about two ounces at a time now. I’m starting to act like a real baby. Crying and everything.
8-23-00: Last night I wasn’t feeling well. They gave me some tummy medicine and it helped a lot. I think I ate too much. Today I had a chance to go visit with my birth mom again. I had my first time in the swing today. I think I like it but it made me sleepy. Tomorrow is a BIG day for me. I get to go to my new home. I’m going to have a mommy and daddy and big brother. My transitional family sure is going to miss me.

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