9/11 NICU Day 19

 

Today was such a good day. Olivia and I snuggled for almost two hours in the morning. I read to her, sang a little, and talked to her. She pretty much slept the whole time, but when I put her back in her incubator for care time..she was wide awake! I took a video but can’t figure out how I posted the last video so unfortunately it isn’t working. It looked almost like she was trying to smile! Maybe just a reflex but I like to be blindly optimistic. 

In other news, Olivia is up to 1 lb 11 ounces. Due to her reflux she is on continuous feeds and almost at her goal feed amount. The doctors also changed the type of feeding tube to combat the reflux. Her tube is an OD tube (oral duodenal so it goes a little past her stomach). The continuous feeds and new tube seem to have helped. Her brady and desat episodes decreased significantly today from yesterday. She is still doing well on her bubble cpap and for most of the day stayed at 21% (room air). Also her PICC line was removed this morning. It’s so nice seeing less wires, lines and tubes. 

To top off the day, Kevin also got to hold Olivia when we returned in the evening. I think we both agree this is our favorite part about visiting. The nurse was very encouraging stating that skin to skin contact (kangaroo care) works wonders in these preemie babies. Because Olivia is doing so well Kevin and I may be able to hold her twice in a day! 

Being super tired or having not brushed my hair and feeling frumpy doesn’t matter when I get to hold my sweet baby. I’ve been praying all evening for more days like today. So far the good days have definitely outweighed the bad ones. 


Praising and thanking God. I’m continually trying to remember that, and remembering to not be anxious. He is a good God. He’s a healer, creator, miracle worker & protector. He listens and knows us. How absolutely incredible is that. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.


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 cards, meals…I can’t say thank you eno
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 preparing Kev
Read more