September 12th

Kate's blood gas and x-rays came back normal.  She's doing well on the NIPV.  Hopefully she will be able to hang in there and stay on it.  One of the first things today the doctor and nurses told me was that she is feisty and has a good strong cry.  For being so tiny she can be heard clear across the room- which is pretty big.  It was so good to hear her cry.  I was able to spend a couple hours with her- she seemed like she was comfortable.  The respiratory therapist told me possibly next week I might be able to hold Kate, if she is stable on the NIPV. (She can't be held when she's on the other ventilator.) That was a surprise- I thought I was still a month away from being able to do that!  She told me Kate is amazing- that most 25 week babies are on the ventilator for at least a month. I know so many prayers in her behalf, her strong spirit, and the "Angel's Veil" have helped her do this well so far!  The doctor said she was going to give Kate a vacation tomorrow.  She wasn't going to run any tests on her and just let her have a day of rest.  No foot poking for blood gas and bilirubin tests- no x-rays.  Her bilirubin is creeping back up again- but they want to see if she can bring it back down.  She will be starting her full feedings on Friday and discontinue her IV fluids.  She gets a bath every few days- which consists of really quick cotton ball wipe downs. 

The three biggest organs/systems they worry about with preemie's are their brains, lungs, and digestive systems.  Kate is jumping hurdles!  Her lungs are definitely getting stronger.  She is doing great digesting my milk.  Hopefully she'll start putting on some weight now!  She should gain about 15 grams a day.  They have added 4 calories per ml to my milk to fortify it (it's been figured that generally mother's milk is 20 calories- she is now getting 24 calories).  Her brain looks good with no brain bleeds. Besides that there is not much they can do to predict her brain development until she grows and passes off developmental milestones throughout the next two years.  The other biggest concern for preemies is infections-  that is something we will have to constantly worry about and watch out for.  If she can stay on the NIPV and not go back to the tubes being in her lungs, her chances of infections drops by 50%. 

 

She doesn't liked to be bugged. 

 

 

Her favorite way to sleep- on her tummy.