Isabella Danielle, born at 24 weeks and 1 day, 1lb 11oz, 12.5in

Zachary Michael, born at 36 weeks, 5lb 13oz, 18.5in

Alexander Charles, FULL TERM, 7lb 1oz, 20in

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Baby Bella Day 33

Well Bella had a pretty good day. She is back up on her oxygen a little, but they lowered her rate. (That's the number of times the ventilator breathes for her) She is moving around a lot more, but seems to be either upset or in some pain. She closes her eyes tight and flings her arms around before putting them on her head, either over her eyes or over her ears. I don't think she likes being bothered so much. The other news today was that during one of her feedings she had a large amount of return on her feeds. She is on a regimen of 2ml every 3 hours and before they feed her they make sure there is nothing in her stomach. She has had almost no returns on her feeds in the past, but this afternoon she returned 5ml. That's not good, it means that she didn't process some of her feeds. After she did that at 2pm she was fed again at 5 and 8 and had no return. They are going to continue to watch that to make sure that she is digesting her milk properly. She hasn't had much poop after the ligation, so we are a little concerned.
Tonight she looked ok, except that her blood pressure was kind of high and she looked irritated. We checked her diaper and it was dry, gave her hugs, repositioned her, but she still didn't seem happy and still had high blood pressure. We were concerned, but sat around and she seemed to calm herself down a little. It's a little frustrating that there is almost nothing that we can do for her except talk to her, hug and hold her and pray. I know that the Lord is looking after her and she will be ok, I just wish there was something more I could do. Well, Machel and I are very thankful for all of the prayers and thoughts and caring that all of you are showing our little angel Bella.

Bella got a new cross for her station and I also took several pictures of her, the one I included was one of the only one's where she wasn't really upset :( Maybe tomorrow we get some smiles and some pretty eyes open!










3 comments:

Candice said...

Hang in there guys! It IS frustrating when you feel like you can do nothing to help your little one out, but that is what the doctors and nurses are for. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell them if you think she isn't acting like she normally does. You spend hours up there and know her better than anyone so be her advocate. I will say though that even after you get them home there are times you still feel like you can't help them out! :o) I guess that is part of being a parent and wanting to make everything perfect for them. Higher oxygen was normal for Rhys when they initially lowered his vent settings. It doesn't feel like it, but all these little baby steps eventually will get her home with you!

Take care you three!
Candice, Cody & Rhys

Unknown said...

You are helping her out by being there and telling her how strong she is and cheering her on to get better everyday. She looks great and if you have any questions ask the nurses and doctors, if she looks uncomfortable then tell them about it. They will listen and take everything you say into consideration. You guys are doing a great job and you have lots of people praying for Miss Isabella. Stay positive, seek God's guidance, and know that soon she will be home with you guys and this will all be a distance memory.

Love You guys,
Amber, Brian, and Aubrey

Jodi said...

Olivia used to get so upset to be bothered. There were times when we'd go visit her and literally sit by her isolette with the cover over it. She went through a stage where she just preferred to be in the dark (as a baby her age should have been) with only our voice to comfort her. That was frustrating because we wanted to hold her and hug her and tell her everything would be okay. Just wanted you guys to know that you continue to be in our prayers. Thinking back to those early times in the NICU almost brings me to tears. It is such a difficult thing to go through. Please know that so many people are rooting for you!