10/9 NICU Day 47

Our little girl is doing good today. Her exam, assessment, and labs all suggest that she does not have an infection. However, the X-ray shows what the radiologist is calling “possible pneumatosis “. The doctor is not convinced. His exact words were “my level of concern for infection is very low” but because of the radiologist they will “remain cautious” and watch her closely for any changes. Because she was placed on fluids she was changed to the intensivist team (the team of doctors she was previously with before being downgraded). I feel like maybe there are other qualifications but according to the nurse today, just being on IV fluids can change your status. 

Olivia was very calm today during our visit. She didn’t appear to be in any discomfort or pain. In fact she was all swaddled and happily sucking her pacifier when we arrived early this morning. She didn’t have any events the entire time we were with her and was even back to room air on her bubble CPAP. I know that this is yet another bump in the road on this NICU journey. All the doctors have tried to prepare us for the not so great times or the times we have to be patient. It’s still difficult. We are reassured that she isn’t causing the doctor to be concerned and that the nurses still say she is doing amazingly for her gestational age. Apparently many other babies have a more difficult time getting to 31 weeks. And so while I continue to pray over and worry for my baby…I also say little prayers for the other babies in the NICU. It really isn’t easy…but as one nurse described why she loves the NICU-“it isn’t every day or in everyone’s line of work that you get to see miracles take place.” 

Popular posts from this blog

Last Days of Summer

Image
Being in North Carolina provides some decently warm days well into the end of September and even part of October. We have been lucky enough to soak in a ton of sun during these last summer days. We started September off with an impromptu trip to the beach-just the three of us. It was so much fun being able to just pick up and leave. It wasn't long ago that we were tethered to oxygen lines and equipment.    We also spent many days at the local "water park" beating the heat and hanging out with her older cousin, Branson. Both babies love the outdoors. Olivia has gotten to a point that she knows when shoes are going on her feet-we are going outside. It's been a blessing to have such nice weather and so many nice parks close by. We will have to get really creative with activities once the weather starts to cool off! Disclaimer-no she cannot reach the peddles, but she likes to climb on the bike and be pushed around the yard. She's getting big but not that big yet!    M...
Read more

12/28 DISCHARGE DAY!

Image
  I think I’m still in shock that we are actually in the car…driving Olivia home! Of course I’m not driving-I’m just snapping all the pictures.  This is a huge appreciation post to all the staff at the NICU, friends, family, strangers, coworkers…people who prayed for us, advocated with us, listened, cried,  and laughed with us, held our hands through the difficult times, and celebrated the wins.   As we were wheeling through the halls…back tracking the way Kevin and I came speeding up over four months ago…so many emotions. When we arrived…Olivia was given  60% survival chance.  The day she was born that percent had jumped to 80%.  And here we are today…a living breathing miracle and proof of the power of God. This is not the birth story I hoped for, or the first four months of motherhood I envisioned-but I would never ever take back what I’ve gained. We are so thankful for Olivia!  Thank you to everyone again for support and prayer, kind words and...
Read more

8/23 Baby Girl's arrival

Image
 8:12 AM on Monday August 23 baby Olivia made her unexpected arrival into the world. She came into the world in a fury of fists and kicks and attempt at loud cries that surprised all the doctors being that she was only 24 weeks and 3 days gestation. Let me briefly begin with how we got here... August 19, Thursday, I started to notice very mild cramps midday. Being a first time momma I have my OB on speed dial. They scheduled an appointment for Friday and suggested I take it easy but continue to monitor everything. Nothing was intense or constant. No bleeding or abnormalities. I had been on my feet all day and very busy at work, I didn't think much of it either. I got home, pounded water, rested on the couch and everything subsided. The next morning while in the waiting room of the office my cramping came back out of no where. The midwife who evaluated me figured maybe I had an infection and had me prepped to check. Within minutes though, she had me get dressed and was preparin...
Read more