We were pleasantly surprised this morning when we walked into Lauren's room to find that she was no longer on the ventilator!! So, she is now breathing on her own, with only minimal support from the bubble Cpap machine. (In the NICU world, this is a huge step because it means that she is strong and mentally coordinated enough to handle the big job of breathing.) We do, however, realize that she may have to go back on the 'vent' if she isn't fully capable of keeping her lungs completely inflated. (It is normal for preemies to bounce between the two machines at first.) We will know more this afternoon about how she is processing the oxygen she is breathing on her own when we get the results of the latest blood gas test. For now anyway, it is a welcomed return to some sense of "normalcy" if such a state exists at this time.
They have increased the volume and frequency of the feedings as well. And, we did receive the results of the latest brain scan, which was clear of any bleeds. (Ventilators tend to elevate a preemies' blood pressure, which can burst the tiny blood vessels in the brain causing damage.)
So, needless to say it is a good day.
We are not out of the woods by any stretch, but we remain confident that this episode is behind us. I was able to touch her hand this morning for the first time (partly because I have been a bit scared of all the wires and IVs). She wrapped her small fingers about half way around my index finger and shook it a little bit, sort of like a hand shake. So, we've now been formally introduced. We hope she is stable enough on the Cpap for Kaia to hold her today...
Thanks for hanging with us through all of this...
Grant and Kaia
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11 comments:
Out with the bad air...in with the good air! Amazing that something we do with such disregard is a major accomplishment for the little one. One small breath for Lauren...one big sigh of relief for the rest of us. Hang in there!
Love, Clay and Celeste
Good news!!!! It must have been quite emotional to finally touch your daughter after all these weeks and ups and downs.
Kacy
Fantastic news! We are thinking of you! Matty
Hi sweet family,
Dean couldn't be more happy than to have this great news on his birthday! Wonderful! Sweet little Lauren, we can't wait to see you and continue to keep you continuously in our hearts and prayers. Grant and Kaia and Connor, that goes for you too!
Love love love,
Nora and Dean
Way to go Lauren! Such good news and a wonderful little 'hello'. You are in our thoughts every day, can't wait to meet you.
Lots of Love,
Ann-Marie and Ash
We're off to England and then India today, so we were quite relieved to read your good news. We will continue to try to access your blog; we've become addicted to these daily updates. And, of course, you will be in our thoughts constantly. Stay strong. We send loving thoughts to all of you. Fran and Gerry
Yay! I love these good days! I hope you guys sleep really well tonight.
Sending love and support,
Wendy (& Miles)
Go baby, go! How wonderful to hear about Lauren's progress! She's a real trouper -- just like her mom, dad, & big bro. Lots of love and strong, healthy thoughts to all of you.
-Dennis & Erica
This kid is so bigtime it's scary. Fired up for the good news.
Grant, Kaia, Connor, and Lauren,
Learning aboout Lauren's recent progress is wonderful. It seems each of you are breathing a bit easier, but especially Lauren. May you all continue to know God's love and strength. Keep fighting sweet girl!
Love,
Susan and Gary
Hi,
It is 8 p.m. and GranD and GranDoc are hoping that Lauren continued to hold her own with the Cpap today. Such good news this morning! We have been hoping these good days continue and that you are able to catch up on much needed sleep because of this good day. With much reluctance Dad and I packed for the India/Africa trip set for Monday. I am hoping that Nay Nay is with you tonight.
Huge hugs and kisses all round and special loving thoughts to our strong baby grandgirl.
xxxxoooo GranD and GranDoc Histand
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