Ok people, World Prematurity Day is on November 17th when we focus everyone’s attention on the global problem of premature birth. I know it isn't today (DUH) but please help spread awareness!
Like their page on FB https://www.facebook.com/#!/WorldPrematurityDay and help make a difference! Thanks :-)
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
And we have half-a-smile!!!
Noah at his best, giving me a half of a smile. I've waited 3 months for it, and all I can say is that it was worth every minute! I love this kid!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Makes me wanna smile!!!
Noah...my little bug. I love you so much. You gave me one of the greatest gifts a woman could ask for...you made me a mom! More importantly, you just always know how to make a gloomy day better.
Many of you know that my aunt passed away 7 years ago on October 30th. This...was the first year that I was not brought to tears when remembering her. I remember calling my sister in tears a few days before my wedding and letting her know that "it was not fair!!!". What wasn't fair? The fact that my auntie got to be at everyone else's wedding but mine's :(. She got to be with them, share in their day, pinch their tities (inside joke)...but she wasn't there for me. I know she would hae loved to be, but God had other plans for her, and I can't ever doubt the plans He makes. So on my wedding day, I asked the florist to make a rememberance bouquet for her, and that little bouquet made me feel her presence, and that everything was going to be A-ok!
Fast forward to October 30th... Of course it was a tough day, but it was filled with great memories with family that I couldn't bare to let a tear drop. The best part of this day? Noah's 1st smile. It's like he knew just what I needed to get through the day! An added blessing to make me feel that whether I cry or smile, my aunt still knows just how much I love and miss her. He totally warmed my heart, and I will forever remember the day he smiled at us for the first time! Yes, I cried...but for once, they were tears of joy. I can't replace the memory of what has been lost, but I can add a happy memory to the same day, and give it just as much value.
Ma tante...you already know what I have to say...I miss you....wish you were here to see all of our accomplishments, and to see Noah and all the others. Your memory still lives on! Some days, I catch myself laughing just like you! You're in my heart, now and always!
Many of you know that my aunt passed away 7 years ago on October 30th. This...was the first year that I was not brought to tears when remembering her. I remember calling my sister in tears a few days before my wedding and letting her know that "it was not fair!!!". What wasn't fair? The fact that my auntie got to be at everyone else's wedding but mine's :(. She got to be with them, share in their day, pinch their tities (inside joke)...but she wasn't there for me. I know she would hae loved to be, but God had other plans for her, and I can't ever doubt the plans He makes. So on my wedding day, I asked the florist to make a rememberance bouquet for her, and that little bouquet made me feel her presence, and that everything was going to be A-ok!
Fast forward to October 30th... Of course it was a tough day, but it was filled with great memories with family that I couldn't bare to let a tear drop. The best part of this day? Noah's 1st smile. It's like he knew just what I needed to get through the day! An added blessing to make me feel that whether I cry or smile, my aunt still knows just how much I love and miss her. He totally warmed my heart, and I will forever remember the day he smiled at us for the first time! Yes, I cried...but for once, they were tears of joy. I can't replace the memory of what has been lost, but I can add a happy memory to the same day, and give it just as much value.
Ma tante...you already know what I have to say...I miss you....wish you were here to see all of our accomplishments, and to see Noah and all the others. Your memory still lives on! Some days, I catch myself laughing just like you! You're in my heart, now and always!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Bittersweet day...
Today is October 9th...Noah's expected due date! I have been dreading this day since October started, because I wasn't sure how I was going to feel when it came along! A few days ago, I went to the dr's for Noah's synagis shot. She kept asking me all of these questions like: "did he have any bleeding in the brain? any issue with his lungs? did he have problems with his heart? any surgeries? any eye problems?" and the only answer I had for her was "NO". She looks at me and says "wow, you are really lucky!". I'm not lucky, I'm blessed. God made a promise to me and my family, and He stuck to it. He told me that Noah would be fine, and he is. Why is it that people assume that "lucky" is a word that they can throw around so easily? Then she reminds me that...he was born 12 weeks early. Yes, I know that. I had him, remember?!
But when I left the office, my spirits were down. Even when I got home, Carl asked me what was wrong and I just shrugged it off. I really didn't KNOW what was wrong, but also knew that I wasn't being my regular self. It wasn't until I jumped on "The Bump" website and scrolled over to the "Preemie" message board, that I saw someone writing about having "due date blues". That's exactly how I was feeling. All the guilt of not being able to carry Noah full term came back. I cried hysterically in my bed while Noah was sound asleep in his bassinet. Why is it that I couldn't have had a full, healthy pregnancy? Why is it that mine had to be cut short, and make Noah spend 56 days in the hospital when he could have still been in my belly? What was wrong with me?
I sent a text message to Carl, my sister, and Laura to let them know how i was feeling. I just needed to get it out. Of course, they reminded me that this was just the devil whispering in my ear, and that I needed to be greatful and happy that Noah is here, healthy, and thriving. Of course I was greatful...i mean who wouldn't be? I had a son that was born 12 weeks early and came out of the hospital with no complications! It was never about not being greatful, it was just about me having a moment that had to do with ME and not Noah. It happens, I'm human too!
I wiped my tears, grabbed Noah, and kissed him. If he only knew how much joy he brings to my life. Even if he cries like crazy when he is hungry, is impatient, and doesn't like to be changed, I love him to pieces. He's my everything!
So today...even if it's his "expected due date", God had other plans for Noah. He didn't come early, he came right on time...God's time. He couldn't be more perfect, and we couldn't be any happier. I turn any negative feelings upside down, and remind myself to be greatful to have such an amazing kid. October 9th doesn't mean anything to me anymore. It's just a date on a calendar. The important one...is July 18th :-)
I love you Noah.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Day 81- October 7, 2011
...and we're back! I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted, but so much has gone on that I had no choice but to take a break from posting! Well...after 56 days in the NICU, our little man finally came home! It was a very emotional day because, even though we were happy to be leaving the hospital, we had made so many bonds with wonderful people who have taken care of our son as if he were their own! I tried my best to remember all of the nurses' names and give them all a card, and a little something that we had left over from Noah's baby shower. I hoped they appreciated the gesture.
Once we got home, Noah definitely gave us a run for our money, and let us see what we were "missing out on" while he was in the hospital. He woke up every 3hrs like clock work for feedings, and the rest of the time I promise I just watched him sleep and hoped he was breathing ok! Needless to say, the sleepless nights started as soon as we got home! Carl and I turned and asked each other questions everytime we heard him make a sound because we weren't sure if he was supposed to be making it or not. Carl stayed up with me for every feeding and diaper change (which i knew would go out the window in the next couple of weeks). Overall, I think our adjustment to having the 3rd person in our family home went as smoothly as expected.
Over the next few weeks, we got into a routine, with Carl doing night time shifts while I slept, and me picking back up between the 3-6am shift. We've adjusted our lives to meet the needs of Mr.Noah and have gotten familiar with his personality! He's an awesome kid! He only cries when he is either hungry or has a gas. We have yet to hear the "i'm dirty" cry because Noah doesn't feel the need to let us know that he is sitting in pee or poop. Actually, everytime we go to change him, he fusses. I'm assuming it's because the wipes are cold, and he doesn't like them all that much. Plus...he had gotten circumcised a few days before he left the hospital, and we were left to take care of it as it healed...which i'm sure hurt a little bit. Otherwise, life is great! I love being a mom! I hate waking up every 3-4 hours, but seeing this kid's big 'ol eyes looking up at me while I feed him, reminds me that I'm doing this for all the right reasons.
Carl and I know that Noah is definitely our best work yet. Carl keeps talking to Noah about his "baby sister"....but I don't know who that is! LOL. It is WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY to early to be talking about more kids. Can we wait until Noah turns 1 to even start talking about it? I want to enjoy my son, and provide him with the undivided attention that he so well deserves. I am so excited to see where God will take my family in the next year, and how much Noah will grow and hit every milestone that he is supposed to during that time.
I have to admit that our family is truly blessed. God has been awesome to us, even when we didn't deserve it. This goes to show you that God is a great God, and will never leave nor forsake you. He also will make sure to keep all of His promises that He makes to you. How can you not love Him? How can you not honor Him?! He is SO worthy to be praised. Lord, I thank you for my family and all of the blessings you have showered upon us. Thank you for making Noah be home, happy and thriving! Thank you that you made him in your image, with nothing missing, and nothing broken. Thank you for trusting Carl and I to raise Noah in your ways. We ask that you continue to show us the right way to become better parents, and also ask that you cover us with your blood. We pray for spiritual, emotional, and financial stability, and the ability to please you in everything that we do. We love and honor you Lord, and just want to thank you for your goodness. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Once we got home, Noah definitely gave us a run for our money, and let us see what we were "missing out on" while he was in the hospital. He woke up every 3hrs like clock work for feedings, and the rest of the time I promise I just watched him sleep and hoped he was breathing ok! Needless to say, the sleepless nights started as soon as we got home! Carl and I turned and asked each other questions everytime we heard him make a sound because we weren't sure if he was supposed to be making it or not. Carl stayed up with me for every feeding and diaper change (which i knew would go out the window in the next couple of weeks). Overall, I think our adjustment to having the 3rd person in our family home went as smoothly as expected.
Over the next few weeks, we got into a routine, with Carl doing night time shifts while I slept, and me picking back up between the 3-6am shift. We've adjusted our lives to meet the needs of Mr.Noah and have gotten familiar with his personality! He's an awesome kid! He only cries when he is either hungry or has a gas. We have yet to hear the "i'm dirty" cry because Noah doesn't feel the need to let us know that he is sitting in pee or poop. Actually, everytime we go to change him, he fusses. I'm assuming it's because the wipes are cold, and he doesn't like them all that much. Plus...he had gotten circumcised a few days before he left the hospital, and we were left to take care of it as it healed...which i'm sure hurt a little bit. Otherwise, life is great! I love being a mom! I hate waking up every 3-4 hours, but seeing this kid's big 'ol eyes looking up at me while I feed him, reminds me that I'm doing this for all the right reasons.
Carl and I know that Noah is definitely our best work yet. Carl keeps talking to Noah about his "baby sister"....but I don't know who that is! LOL. It is WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY to early to be talking about more kids. Can we wait until Noah turns 1 to even start talking about it? I want to enjoy my son, and provide him with the undivided attention that he so well deserves. I am so excited to see where God will take my family in the next year, and how much Noah will grow and hit every milestone that he is supposed to during that time.
I have to admit that our family is truly blessed. God has been awesome to us, even when we didn't deserve it. This goes to show you that God is a great God, and will never leave nor forsake you. He also will make sure to keep all of His promises that He makes to you. How can you not love Him? How can you not honor Him?! He is SO worthy to be praised. Lord, I thank you for my family and all of the blessings you have showered upon us. Thank you for making Noah be home, happy and thriving! Thank you that you made him in your image, with nothing missing, and nothing broken. Thank you for trusting Carl and I to raise Noah in your ways. We ask that you continue to show us the right way to become better parents, and also ask that you cover us with your blood. We pray for spiritual, emotional, and financial stability, and the ability to please you in everything that we do. We love and honor you Lord, and just want to thank you for your goodness. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Day 39- August 26, 2011
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 21% @ 1.5LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 12 oz
Day Nurse: Lillie
Night Nurse: Candi
This kid is making so much progress, it makes me so happy! All he needs to do now is poop...come on Noah, poop for momma!
Oxygen Level: 21% @ 1.5LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 12 oz
Day Nurse: Lillie
Night Nurse: Candi
This kid is making so much progress, it makes me so happy! All he needs to do now is poop...come on Noah, poop for momma!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Day 40- August 27, 2011 (Goodbye Nasal Canula!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: N/A
Oxygen Machine: N/A
Weight: 3lb 12 oz
Day Nurse: Lillie
Night Nurse: Candi
What a wonderful day! Noah was doing so good on his oxygen that they decided to go ahead and take him off the whole nasal canula!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Day 38- August 25, 2011 (Progress!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 23% at 2.0LPM!
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight:
Day Nurse: Lillie
Night Nurse: Candi
I woke up this morning wondering who was going to be Noah's day nurse. I had a feeling that it was going to be Lillie, but then thought against it because she told me that she is usually on the 5th floor. Well, I couldn't shake the feeling off and called the NICU to check. Low and behold, Lillie was his nurse...smh... but she was very nice today! Guess the talk really worked for the best! She really went above and beyond on some things today.
Anyway, the good news about today is that they started Noah back on the feeds! They started him at 6mL every 3 hours. Finally the doctor agreed with me and said that once an infection has set in, it's like everything stops; so pretty much Noah has to just get back on track with the feedings and his bowel movements will come back the way they were in the past (I am definitely speaing that into existence, because I need for him to get better). While I was holding him, he farted a few times, so i'm hoping that by the time I call tomorrow morning at 6:15, he has at least had some kind of bowel movement. I had a little chat with him, so i'm hoping that he listened :-)!
Other good news is that they reduced his oxygen from 3.5LPM to 2.0LPM today! That's a big change, and Noah seemed to be a little stunned by the change initially, but he was able to adjust fairly well! I'm praying that he is still at the same tomorrow morning. All he needs to get to is 1.0 for them to change this machine and move to level 2! How exciting of the possibilities to come in the next few weeks!
Oh...and Noah peed on my hand today, I couldn't believe it! LOL. Now I know I shouldn't have left the diaper opened!
I held Noah for about 2 hours today. Felt very natural. He's so cute...i fall in love with him everytime I take a look at him! Below are some pictures of today!
Oxygen Level: 23% at 2.0LPM!
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight:
Day Nurse: Lillie
Night Nurse: Candi
I woke up this morning wondering who was going to be Noah's day nurse. I had a feeling that it was going to be Lillie, but then thought against it because she told me that she is usually on the 5th floor. Well, I couldn't shake the feeling off and called the NICU to check. Low and behold, Lillie was his nurse...smh... but she was very nice today! Guess the talk really worked for the best! She really went above and beyond on some things today.
Anyway, the good news about today is that they started Noah back on the feeds! They started him at 6mL every 3 hours. Finally the doctor agreed with me and said that once an infection has set in, it's like everything stops; so pretty much Noah has to just get back on track with the feedings and his bowel movements will come back the way they were in the past (I am definitely speaing that into existence, because I need for him to get better). While I was holding him, he farted a few times, so i'm hoping that by the time I call tomorrow morning at 6:15, he has at least had some kind of bowel movement. I had a little chat with him, so i'm hoping that he listened :-)!
Other good news is that they reduced his oxygen from 3.5LPM to 2.0LPM today! That's a big change, and Noah seemed to be a little stunned by the change initially, but he was able to adjust fairly well! I'm praying that he is still at the same tomorrow morning. All he needs to get to is 1.0 for them to change this machine and move to level 2! How exciting of the possibilities to come in the next few weeks!
Oh...and Noah peed on my hand today, I couldn't believe it! LOL. Now I know I shouldn't have left the diaper opened!
I held Noah for about 2 hours today. Felt very natural. He's so cute...i fall in love with him everytime I take a look at him! Below are some pictures of today!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Day 37- August 24, 2011 (Remembering the Promise...)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 3.5 LPM @ 21%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 10 oz
Day Nurse: Kristen
Night Nurse: Candi
Oh what a stressful day this was today. It started off pretty well, until the doctor called to let me know what has been going on. Noah has been having some trouble stooling (pooping) over the past few days. All of this seems to have happened after he got the infection, was put on antibiotics, and stuck like 8 times for IVs. So the doctor calls and says that due to the fact that he hasn't been stooling, they are going to do a barium enema (a special X-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and the rectum) to determine if there was something that was stopping him from going to the bathroom, or if it was something else called Hirshprungs disease (which is a serious medical problem where the enteric nervous system is missing from the end of the bowel. When the ENS is absent, the region of the bowel that is aganglionic fails to relax causing a blockage in the bowel).
My heart sank. I automatically started thinking of the worst that could happen. If he did have this disease, he would need to have surgery ( I think even 2 surgeries) to get the problem fixed, and they wouldn't be able to do it now because of the fact that he is too little and there is a weight requirement for the procedure. I was at work when i got the news. Started crying, had to go to the bathroom and cry some more. Why was this happening? Everything seemed to have been gong in the right direction, and over the past 2 weeks, it just seemed like we got so many setbacks :-(. I called Carl and let him know what was going on. He told me to just pray, and everything will be ok. I didn't want to be at work anymore. I just wanted to run out of there and head to the hospital and just hold him and never let go. But i just sucked it up and stayed.
They said they were going to take him to radiology to get the testing done, and we wouldn't get the results until tomorrow. I left work and drove straight to the hospital. I'm screaming internally and just replaying everything that has happened over the past few weeks and how everything has been mild compared to what could have been worst. I'm thinking about the fact that I dont think I can handle much more, and that God will never give me anything that I cannot handle. I keep thinking that God made me a promise, and I just kept saying it over and over to Him; that He promised me that everything was going to be ok. So I start to calm myself down, and just thinking about the fact that everything will be just fine...because it has to be. As I was driving to the hospital, Florida Hospital phone number pops up on my phone. I dont know what to expect. But pick up the phone so quickly i don't think i let it ring the whole way. It was the doctor giving me a call back...he called to let me know that everything came back NORMAL!!!!
I cannot explain the relief I felt at that time. To God be the glory! God is not man that He should lie. He made me a promise, and although I'm human and feel emotions like sadness and anger, he is STILL God! I was so excited! Carl was calling me while the doctor was on the phone. I let the doctor know the whole story about God's promise to me, and then called Carl back. He let out a big sigh of relief!
I got to the hospital, pumped, and held my baby in my arms. I didn't want to let go! I didn't want for him to be anywhere else but to be in my arms! I love this little boy. I told God that I would rather He takes all the blessings He has for me and put them on Noah then for me to enjoy them for myself. I just want for everything to be ok, and I know it will be. Today was just a rollercoaster day. On the bright side, his oxygen LPM ws reduced to 3.5 and he gained 2 oz! :-).
I'm always going to give God all of the glory, because without Him...I don't know where we would be. Hallelujah!
Oxygen Level: 3.5 LPM @ 21%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 10 oz
Day Nurse: Kristen
Night Nurse: Candi
Oh what a stressful day this was today. It started off pretty well, until the doctor called to let me know what has been going on. Noah has been having some trouble stooling (pooping) over the past few days. All of this seems to have happened after he got the infection, was put on antibiotics, and stuck like 8 times for IVs. So the doctor calls and says that due to the fact that he hasn't been stooling, they are going to do a barium enema (a special X-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and the rectum) to determine if there was something that was stopping him from going to the bathroom, or if it was something else called Hirshprungs disease (which is a serious medical problem where the enteric nervous system is missing from the end of the bowel. When the ENS is absent, the region of the bowel that is aganglionic fails to relax causing a blockage in the bowel).
My heart sank. I automatically started thinking of the worst that could happen. If he did have this disease, he would need to have surgery ( I think even 2 surgeries) to get the problem fixed, and they wouldn't be able to do it now because of the fact that he is too little and there is a weight requirement for the procedure. I was at work when i got the news. Started crying, had to go to the bathroom and cry some more. Why was this happening? Everything seemed to have been gong in the right direction, and over the past 2 weeks, it just seemed like we got so many setbacks :-(. I called Carl and let him know what was going on. He told me to just pray, and everything will be ok. I didn't want to be at work anymore. I just wanted to run out of there and head to the hospital and just hold him and never let go. But i just sucked it up and stayed.
They said they were going to take him to radiology to get the testing done, and we wouldn't get the results until tomorrow. I left work and drove straight to the hospital. I'm screaming internally and just replaying everything that has happened over the past few weeks and how everything has been mild compared to what could have been worst. I'm thinking about the fact that I dont think I can handle much more, and that God will never give me anything that I cannot handle. I keep thinking that God made me a promise, and I just kept saying it over and over to Him; that He promised me that everything was going to be ok. So I start to calm myself down, and just thinking about the fact that everything will be just fine...because it has to be. As I was driving to the hospital, Florida Hospital phone number pops up on my phone. I dont know what to expect. But pick up the phone so quickly i don't think i let it ring the whole way. It was the doctor giving me a call back...he called to let me know that everything came back NORMAL!!!!
I cannot explain the relief I felt at that time. To God be the glory! God is not man that He should lie. He made me a promise, and although I'm human and feel emotions like sadness and anger, he is STILL God! I was so excited! Carl was calling me while the doctor was on the phone. I let the doctor know the whole story about God's promise to me, and then called Carl back. He let out a big sigh of relief!
I got to the hospital, pumped, and held my baby in my arms. I didn't want to let go! I didn't want for him to be anywhere else but to be in my arms! I love this little boy. I told God that I would rather He takes all the blessings He has for me and put them on Noah then for me to enjoy them for myself. I just want for everything to be ok, and I know it will be. Today was just a rollercoaster day. On the bright side, his oxygen LPM ws reduced to 3.5 and he gained 2 oz! :-).
I'm always going to give God all of the glory, because without Him...I don't know where we would be. Hallelujah!
Day 36- August 23, 2011 (Through the rain, under the bridge, between the lanes!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen level: 21% at 4.0 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 8 oz
Day Nurse: Kristen
Night Nurse: Candi
O...M...G! I got off work at 3:45 and left my job by 4:00. Why is it that I didn't get to the hospital until 6:00?!?! Some days, I hate Florida weather....and drivers! I know it was raining, but come on! This was ridiculous! I'm talking aboout bumper to bumper traffic! Even when i got off on the exit for the hospital, it ws STILL bumper to bumper. Imagine...they have quiet time from 6:30-7:30 and I get there at 6:00, and my breasts were basically about to fall off because I had to pump so BADLY! I was leaking while I was trying to get the pump working! So I pumped, and then i cleaned up, and it was like 6:20. I stayed in there until about 6:40 and then left him to sleep. He was wrapped up like a caterpillar in a cocoon, so cute! Noah, you better know how much I love you. Spent 2hrs to see you for 30 minutes...that's love! But you should also know that I would cross a burning bridge and swim through the deepest oceans to see your handsome face for half of a millisecond!
Mommy loves you :-)!
Oxygen level: 21% at 4.0 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 8 oz
Day Nurse: Kristen
Night Nurse: Candi
O...M...G! I got off work at 3:45 and left my job by 4:00. Why is it that I didn't get to the hospital until 6:00?!?! Some days, I hate Florida weather....and drivers! I know it was raining, but come on! This was ridiculous! I'm talking aboout bumper to bumper traffic! Even when i got off on the exit for the hospital, it ws STILL bumper to bumper. Imagine...they have quiet time from 6:30-7:30 and I get there at 6:00, and my breasts were basically about to fall off because I had to pump so BADLY! I was leaking while I was trying to get the pump working! So I pumped, and then i cleaned up, and it was like 6:20. I stayed in there until about 6:40 and then left him to sleep. He was wrapped up like a caterpillar in a cocoon, so cute! Noah, you better know how much I love you. Spent 2hrs to see you for 30 minutes...that's love! But you should also know that I would cross a burning bridge and swim through the deepest oceans to see your handsome face for half of a millisecond!
Mommy loves you :-)!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Day 35- August 22, 2011 (IVs, IVs, and more IVs!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 21% at 4.0 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 7 oz
Day Nurse: Kristen
Night Nurse: Candi
Poor Noah... today must have not been a fun day for him :-(. All of these IVs that they have been poking him with have blown, which cause for them to find another spot for them to insert it. Well...they started in his arm, then went to his scalp, then went to his scalp behind the right ear, then behind the arm...and all of those blew! Poor kid, he's inherited my veins! I had the same problem when I was in the hospital, and I ended up having an IV in the middle of my arm, where I wasn't able to bend it. I still have a mark to this day there...smh!
They kept poking him trying to find another spot, and they said that if they weren't able to find a spot, they would have to insert a PICC line again (to see what it is, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripherally_inserted_central_catheter). They ended up calling one more nurse to see if she could get it...and she did! This one is located behind his left ear. We are all hoping that this one stays. He needs to continue getting the antibiotics until Wednesday night, and then it will be all over. Praying that this one works out!
Oxygen Level: 21% at 4.0 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 7 oz
Day Nurse: Kristen
Night Nurse: Candi
Poor Noah... today must have not been a fun day for him :-(. All of these IVs that they have been poking him with have blown, which cause for them to find another spot for them to insert it. Well...they started in his arm, then went to his scalp, then went to his scalp behind the right ear, then behind the arm...and all of those blew! Poor kid, he's inherited my veins! I had the same problem when I was in the hospital, and I ended up having an IV in the middle of my arm, where I wasn't able to bend it. I still have a mark to this day there...smh!
They kept poking him trying to find another spot, and they said that if they weren't able to find a spot, they would have to insert a PICC line again (to see what it is, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripherally_inserted_central_catheter). They ended up calling one more nurse to see if she could get it...and she did! This one is located behind his left ear. We are all hoping that this one stays. He needs to continue getting the antibiotics until Wednesday night, and then it will be all over. Praying that this one works out!
Day 34- August 21, 2011 (Pick me up Daddy!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 21% @ 4.5 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lbs 8 oz
Day Nurse: Marise
Night Nurse: Terry
Oh boy! Carl and I were exhausted after such a long day with the baby shower, but when duty calls, we do what we have to do! After lunch/dinner with the family, and sending off Herline and the kids, we took a trip Babies 'R Us to exchange an item we received from the shower, and then took a quick trip to the hospital. Terry was Noah's nurse again, and she asked me if I wanted to help change the diaper and take the temperature, etc. By now, I'm pretty much a pro at this (lol, yea right!). Noah hates for his temperature to be taken, and always moves around when I take it, but i've gotten better at realizing that he will not break, and that it's ok for me to hold on to his arm while I take the temperature (I put the thermometer under his arm).
So...today was the big day! Terry was in the middle of taking a look at Noah's IV but he was not in the right position. She had already asked Carl to hold Noah's hands while she was looking at his IV and he easily volunteered for that one! Then she asked him to pick him up, and Carl looked at me and was ready to switch placed with me so that I can pick him up and finish helping the nurse do what she was doing. I laughed! Somehow, Terry told Carl to just keep holding Noah's hands, and all of a sudden she said "just put your hand behind his head, and your other hand under his bottom" and he did. Then she said "go ahead and lift", and he did!!!! She went ahead and fixed his bed, and turned his head in the right direction, and then he had to put him back down. It was such a special moment. Ealier that day, I asked Carl when he was going to hold Noah, and he said "soon", so i guess this was the first step. Terry let him know that it's a lot easier to hold a baby when they are layng on your chest as opposed to when they are up in the air wiggling LOL. Nevertheless, it was a great experience, and now he has the picture to prove it. I love this man.
Oxygen Level: 21% @ 4.5 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lbs 8 oz
Day Nurse: Marise
Night Nurse: Terry
Oh boy! Carl and I were exhausted after such a long day with the baby shower, but when duty calls, we do what we have to do! After lunch/dinner with the family, and sending off Herline and the kids, we took a trip Babies 'R Us to exchange an item we received from the shower, and then took a quick trip to the hospital. Terry was Noah's nurse again, and she asked me if I wanted to help change the diaper and take the temperature, etc. By now, I'm pretty much a pro at this (lol, yea right!). Noah hates for his temperature to be taken, and always moves around when I take it, but i've gotten better at realizing that he will not break, and that it's ok for me to hold on to his arm while I take the temperature (I put the thermometer under his arm).
So...today was the big day! Terry was in the middle of taking a look at Noah's IV but he was not in the right position. She had already asked Carl to hold Noah's hands while she was looking at his IV and he easily volunteered for that one! Then she asked him to pick him up, and Carl looked at me and was ready to switch placed with me so that I can pick him up and finish helping the nurse do what she was doing. I laughed! Somehow, Terry told Carl to just keep holding Noah's hands, and all of a sudden she said "just put your hand behind his head, and your other hand under his bottom" and he did. Then she said "go ahead and lift", and he did!!!! She went ahead and fixed his bed, and turned his head in the right direction, and then he had to put him back down. It was such a special moment. Ealier that day, I asked Carl when he was going to hold Noah, and he said "soon", so i guess this was the first step. Terry let him know that it's a lot easier to hold a baby when they are layng on your chest as opposed to when they are up in the air wiggling LOL. Nevertheless, it was a great experience, and now he has the picture to prove it. I love this man.
Day 33- August 20, 2011 (Baby Shower and Special Hold!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 21% at 5.0 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 7 oz
Day Nurse: Marisa
Night Nurse: Terry
What a wonderful day! Our baby shower was a total success! I really want to take the time to thank Herline, Laura, and Lisa for making Carl and I feel so special! Even though there were a few mishaps (LOL!) it was wonderful to see everyone, and enjoy their presence, on top of getting some awesome gifts that Noah will definitely be using when he comes home! Below is a picture of Noah's AMAZING looking AND tasting cake! It was done by the same lady that did my wedding cake. I don't think I'll ever go to anyone else as long as I am living in Orlando. She is FABULOUS!
The shower was awesome. I loved the games that were played, the cards of advice that everyone wrote, and the food was incredible. Carl and I were pooped that night, and didn't go to bed until about 3:00 in the morning because Carl HAD to clean, and I was breaking down gift bags and organizing the PILES of clothes I will have to wash in the next few days! Ayayay!
Anywho, after the shower, we made our way to see Noah. This was the first time I spent the day (daytime) without seeing him. The nurse asked if I wanted to hold him, and of course I said yes. Well, actually she first asked Carl and he said no. He still thinks that Noah is too small for him to want to hold him I guess. He says he doesn't want anything to happen to him, and I guess he would feel more comfortable later. The time is coming soon though...and once he starts, I know i will be fighting him for some time with Noah. So...i'll enjoy it while I can still hold him!
Herline came to visit Noah as well (with Aguillard and the kids of course!). Her and I had a chat a few days back about the fact that she couldn't wait to make a connection with Noah and for him to know who she was. So i told her that she should go ahead and hold him the next time she comes. Well since Carl declined to hold Noah, i figured this was the perfect time for Herline to hold him. She seemed so excited and said yes without hesitation! The nurse made her sit down, and then placed Noah in her arms. Of course there were still all the wires as well as the oxygen tube that came along with him, but she didn't seem to mind. My sister just saw Noah...her godson! She appeared to be so happy, and she chatted with him a little, and looked into his eyes. Noah didn't make a peep! Looked like he was wondering who is this new person holding me, but she kind of looks like the other lady who holds me all the time, so I guess it's all good! LOL. He's a good baby. Doesn't scream or yell unless he's uncomfortable, hungry, or has pooped. For the first time, I realized how tiny Noah really was. I mean, I've seen him in the isolette, and seen him when he is in my arms or during Kangaroo care, but never did I think that he was this small! But even if he is small, he is precious and I love him just the same, f not more. I was so glad that Herline held him...she's my everything, and her holding him warmed my heart. :-)
Oxygen Level: 21% at 5.0 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 7 oz
Day Nurse: Marisa
Night Nurse: Terry
What a wonderful day! Our baby shower was a total success! I really want to take the time to thank Herline, Laura, and Lisa for making Carl and I feel so special! Even though there were a few mishaps (LOL!) it was wonderful to see everyone, and enjoy their presence, on top of getting some awesome gifts that Noah will definitely be using when he comes home! Below is a picture of Noah's AMAZING looking AND tasting cake! It was done by the same lady that did my wedding cake. I don't think I'll ever go to anyone else as long as I am living in Orlando. She is FABULOUS!
The shower was awesome. I loved the games that were played, the cards of advice that everyone wrote, and the food was incredible. Carl and I were pooped that night, and didn't go to bed until about 3:00 in the morning because Carl HAD to clean, and I was breaking down gift bags and organizing the PILES of clothes I will have to wash in the next few days! Ayayay!
Anywho, after the shower, we made our way to see Noah. This was the first time I spent the day (daytime) without seeing him. The nurse asked if I wanted to hold him, and of course I said yes. Well, actually she first asked Carl and he said no. He still thinks that Noah is too small for him to want to hold him I guess. He says he doesn't want anything to happen to him, and I guess he would feel more comfortable later. The time is coming soon though...and once he starts, I know i will be fighting him for some time with Noah. So...i'll enjoy it while I can still hold him!
Herline came to visit Noah as well (with Aguillard and the kids of course!). Her and I had a chat a few days back about the fact that she couldn't wait to make a connection with Noah and for him to know who she was. So i told her that she should go ahead and hold him the next time she comes. Well since Carl declined to hold Noah, i figured this was the perfect time for Herline to hold him. She seemed so excited and said yes without hesitation! The nurse made her sit down, and then placed Noah in her arms. Of course there were still all the wires as well as the oxygen tube that came along with him, but she didn't seem to mind. My sister just saw Noah...her godson! She appeared to be so happy, and she chatted with him a little, and looked into his eyes. Noah didn't make a peep! Looked like he was wondering who is this new person holding me, but she kind of looks like the other lady who holds me all the time, so I guess it's all good! LOL. He's a good baby. Doesn't scream or yell unless he's uncomfortable, hungry, or has pooped. For the first time, I realized how tiny Noah really was. I mean, I've seen him in the isolette, and seen him when he is in my arms or during Kangaroo care, but never did I think that he was this small! But even if he is small, he is precious and I love him just the same, f not more. I was so glad that Herline held him...she's my everything, and her holding him warmed my heart. :-)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Day 32- August 19, 2011 (Such a big boy!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 21% @ 5 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 7 oz
Day Nurse: Norma
Night Nurse: Niyelle
Today, Noah made up for not opening his eyes yesterday. He stayed awake for a lot longer than in the past! When I came in, Noah was tugging on his oxygen prongs (as usual) as well as his feeding tube that is going through his nose! The nurse said that this hurts so she would get some of their magic tape and replace the one that was already falling apart. The tape that they put on their faces (which isn't really tape but the best way to describe it) so usually the nurses have some kind of lubricant that they use to get it right off. Well, this nurse didn't have it so she used alcohol wipes (which was fine). Noah wasn't too fond of the process but once I put the pacifier in his mouth and held on to both of his hands, he seemed to be comforted. He looked right at me, and I just kept telling him that he's doing such a great job being a big boy! He wasn't crying and staying still for the most part! Of course at times, he did squeal, but for the most part, I was proud of my little trooper!
The next part came was to take out his catheter because they had inserted it just to get a urine sample to send over to the labs in order to determine if the infection was getting worse or better, and if they needed to go up or down on antibiotics. Taking my catheter out wasn't a fun experience so I can imagine that his wasn't as fun either. Noah began to cry a little bit I just held on to his hands and put the pacifier in his mouth again, and he just focused on that! He was such a good boy today. I felt happy. It's like we were at the doctors. I forgot that the isolette was there for a moment! I guess I'm starting to see him for the big boy that's going to be coming home soon! After all of that, I stood looking at him and he began to cry and i gave him his pacifier and it seemed to soothe him, but not for long. I thought maybe he could be in an uncomfortable position or predicament and didn't know what to do. All I really wanted to do was pick him up and hold him in my arms and let him know everything was going to be ok! But of course, I couldn't. I went to the nurse and let her know about him crying, and she said that he just needs to be soothed. Babies at that age want to be held...so i guess my instinct was right! I just hope that Noah doesn't think I don't care because I didn't pick him up when he was crying. Anywho, she turned him to his side and rubbed on his back for a while for him to calm down, and then put the blanket over the isolette. He was able to go back to sleep soundly. I loved my visit today.
Oxygen Level: 21% @ 5 LPM
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 7 oz
Day Nurse: Norma
Night Nurse: Niyelle
Today, Noah made up for not opening his eyes yesterday. He stayed awake for a lot longer than in the past! When I came in, Noah was tugging on his oxygen prongs (as usual) as well as his feeding tube that is going through his nose! The nurse said that this hurts so she would get some of their magic tape and replace the one that was already falling apart. The tape that they put on their faces (which isn't really tape but the best way to describe it) so usually the nurses have some kind of lubricant that they use to get it right off. Well, this nurse didn't have it so she used alcohol wipes (which was fine). Noah wasn't too fond of the process but once I put the pacifier in his mouth and held on to both of his hands, he seemed to be comforted. He looked right at me, and I just kept telling him that he's doing such a great job being a big boy! He wasn't crying and staying still for the most part! Of course at times, he did squeal, but for the most part, I was proud of my little trooper!
The next part came was to take out his catheter because they had inserted it just to get a urine sample to send over to the labs in order to determine if the infection was getting worse or better, and if they needed to go up or down on antibiotics. Taking my catheter out wasn't a fun experience so I can imagine that his wasn't as fun either. Noah began to cry a little bit I just held on to his hands and put the pacifier in his mouth again, and he just focused on that! He was such a good boy today. I felt happy. It's like we were at the doctors. I forgot that the isolette was there for a moment! I guess I'm starting to see him for the big boy that's going to be coming home soon! After all of that, I stood looking at him and he began to cry and i gave him his pacifier and it seemed to soothe him, but not for long. I thought maybe he could be in an uncomfortable position or predicament and didn't know what to do. All I really wanted to do was pick him up and hold him in my arms and let him know everything was going to be ok! But of course, I couldn't. I went to the nurse and let her know about him crying, and she said that he just needs to be soothed. Babies at that age want to be held...so i guess my instinct was right! I just hope that Noah doesn't think I don't care because I didn't pick him up when he was crying. Anywho, she turned him to his side and rubbed on his back for a while for him to calm down, and then put the blanket over the isolette. He was able to go back to sleep soundly. I loved my visit today.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Day 31- August 18, 2011 (One Month Old!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 21%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 7 oz
Day Nurse: Norma, Gloria (smh...)
Night Nurse: Jessica
Happy 1 monthaversary to my honeybun! 1 month ago, you came into our lives, and with it brought an abundant amount of love that we have never felt before. You changed our lives for the better, and we could never imagine our lives without you in it! You are the love of our lives Noah, happy that you're here :-)!
Today wasn't the best of days for Noah though. They started him on antibiotics (yesterday) through an IV in his hand, but apparently it blew since the veins in their hands are so little. The night nurse, Jessica, moved the IV to his scalp. Nurse say that the veins up there are bigger, and it's a good place for them to have an IV although it isn't the nicest looking place to have it. He has to be on the antibiotics for 10 days. They found something growing in his urine. I haven't gotten the full update yet on what it is, but once I know, I will write it in the post for tomorrow.
He didn't seem to be in a comfortable position around 5:30, but that's the way he usually gets around 30 minutes before his feeding. I just felt like he was a little most squirmish then he has been in the past few days. When Gloria was changing his diaper and getting his temperature, he never opened his eyes, which was different to see. Jessica said that it was a good sign to see that he was a little squirmish because some babies get very lethargic when they are sick and on antibiotics. So please keep praying that the infection goes away and that it isn't a big setback. Jessica said that she won't be surprised if they reduce his flow tomorrow since he has been at 21% all day on 5.0 LPM.
She was a really nice nurse. Very thorough and willing to explain everything to me when I had questions. I really liked her. So, I will keep you posted on little man's progress! Oh, she said that his cultures from yesterday to today already looked better, so I have no doubt that this infection will pass soon, but she said they will still keep him on there for 10 days so that the bacteria doesn't build resistance to the antibiotics in the future.
I love you babycakes! Muah!
Oxygen Level: 21%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 7 oz
Day Nurse: Norma, Gloria (smh...)
Night Nurse: Jessica
Happy 1 monthaversary to my honeybun! 1 month ago, you came into our lives, and with it brought an abundant amount of love that we have never felt before. You changed our lives for the better, and we could never imagine our lives without you in it! You are the love of our lives Noah, happy that you're here :-)!
Today wasn't the best of days for Noah though. They started him on antibiotics (yesterday) through an IV in his hand, but apparently it blew since the veins in their hands are so little. The night nurse, Jessica, moved the IV to his scalp. Nurse say that the veins up there are bigger, and it's a good place for them to have an IV although it isn't the nicest looking place to have it. He has to be on the antibiotics for 10 days. They found something growing in his urine. I haven't gotten the full update yet on what it is, but once I know, I will write it in the post for tomorrow.
He didn't seem to be in a comfortable position around 5:30, but that's the way he usually gets around 30 minutes before his feeding. I just felt like he was a little most squirmish then he has been in the past few days. When Gloria was changing his diaper and getting his temperature, he never opened his eyes, which was different to see. Jessica said that it was a good sign to see that he was a little squirmish because some babies get very lethargic when they are sick and on antibiotics. So please keep praying that the infection goes away and that it isn't a big setback. Jessica said that she won't be surprised if they reduce his flow tomorrow since he has been at 21% all day on 5.0 LPM.
She was a really nice nurse. Very thorough and willing to explain everything to me when I had questions. I really liked her. So, I will keep you posted on little man's progress! Oh, she said that his cultures from yesterday to today already looked better, so I have no doubt that this infection will pass soon, but she said they will still keep him on there for 10 days so that the bacteria doesn't build resistance to the antibiotics in the future.
I love you babycakes! Muah!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Day 30- August 17th, 2011 ( Dippin'...and Lillie?!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Weight:
Day Nurse: Lillie?
Nurse:
I called this morning to find out how Noah was doing, and the person that answered the phone was named Lillie...Lillie? Isn't this the nurse that was banned from working with my son? I am so confused and my heart is beating pretty fast! *sigh*. I will have to update this later to let you know what happened.
Dr. Bernstein called me today and let me know about the results of all the tests that were done yesterday. Pretty much, he did a chest X-ray on Noah, and saw that his right lung was looking a little bit hazy. Because of this, they went ahead and increased his LPM again to 5.0. The reason as to why they went ahead and increased it is because they wanted to give him a little bit more support and to see if the haziness would reduce itself. Noah is working kind of hard breathing because of the haziness in his right lung, so I understand the reason why he is doing what he is doing. Also, the white blood count had increased, which apparently shows sign of possible infection. Yesterday, Nurse Holly said that normal count would be .5, and that Noah's was at 1.1. She said that usually when babies have infections, the number is elevated to like 20, 30, 70, etc. So his being at 1.1 wouldn't be something to worry about too much but that Dr. Bernstein may want to go ahead and start some antibiotics just to rule out infection. When Dr. Bernstein called this morning, he said that the levels were a little bit more elevated, and so he decided to give him some antibiotics. Besides that, Noah is pretty stable. He tolerated the blood transfusion from yesterday, has been tolerating his feeds well, and his oxygen percentage was still about 24%.
Dr. Bernstein said that he would go ahead and do another chest Xray tomorrow morning to see if there is any change. Hoping for more positive news...
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Weight:
Day Nurse: Lillie?
Nurse:
I called this morning to find out how Noah was doing, and the person that answered the phone was named Lillie...Lillie? Isn't this the nurse that was banned from working with my son? I am so confused and my heart is beating pretty fast! *sigh*. I will have to update this later to let you know what happened.
Dr. Bernstein called me today and let me know about the results of all the tests that were done yesterday. Pretty much, he did a chest X-ray on Noah, and saw that his right lung was looking a little bit hazy. Because of this, they went ahead and increased his LPM again to 5.0. The reason as to why they went ahead and increased it is because they wanted to give him a little bit more support and to see if the haziness would reduce itself. Noah is working kind of hard breathing because of the haziness in his right lung, so I understand the reason why he is doing what he is doing. Also, the white blood count had increased, which apparently shows sign of possible infection. Yesterday, Nurse Holly said that normal count would be .5, and that Noah's was at 1.1. She said that usually when babies have infections, the number is elevated to like 20, 30, 70, etc. So his being at 1.1 wouldn't be something to worry about too much but that Dr. Bernstein may want to go ahead and start some antibiotics just to rule out infection. When Dr. Bernstein called this morning, he said that the levels were a little bit more elevated, and so he decided to give him some antibiotics. Besides that, Noah is pretty stable. He tolerated the blood transfusion from yesterday, has been tolerating his feeds well, and his oxygen percentage was still about 24%.
Dr. Bernstein said that he would go ahead and do another chest Xray tomorrow morning to see if there is any change. Hoping for more positive news...
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Day 29- August 16, 2011 (Our 1st bath!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Machine:Nasal Canula
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Weight: 3lb 6 oz
Day Nurse: Holly
Night Nurse: Jessica
I got to give a bath for the first time today! How exciting :-)! Holly was such a nice nurse, and let me help while she was giving him a bath. Well...she pretty much showed me how to do everything, and I think that Mr. Noah enjoyed it! For a few minutes, everything appeared to be picture perfect. I got to see my son without a whole bunch of wires on him (except the nasal canula) and soap him up, wash his hair, and wrap him up in a blanket after his bath. It was a beautiful moment. These have become the best moments of my life. Seeing Noah continue to grow and become a big boy brings a smile to my face each and every time. I'm so greatful that God has made me this little guy's momma.
On another note, he received a blood transfusion today...his hermadocrite lowered from 29 to 24.1 so the doctor went ahead and ordered for a blood transfusion of 24mL. It's always hard to see what your kid would need another person's blood in order to have a little boost, but if it's going to make him better, then I have no objection. He appeared to tolerate it pretty well, and his oxygen was still at around 24% on about 3.5LPM.
Today was a good day, and my baby smiled!
Day 28- August 15, 2011 (Movin' on down....!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Oxygen Level: 24%
Weight: 3lb 4 oz
Day Nurse: Holly
Night Nurse: Leslie
We are moving on down....to the liters per minute! Noah got turned down from 4.0 LPM to 3.5 LPM today! How exciting! So far, he has been doing very well with tolerating the change. There was a lot done today. He had an eye exam today and everything appeared to be fine, his LPM was reduced, and he had some blood work done to see how high/low his hermadocrite was. Everything turned out fine. His doctor said that he may need a transfusion, but he is holding off on it until he knows for sure that the hermadocrite level continues to dwindle.
In other news, today was my first day back at work. Man that was rough trying to get up at 6:45 this morning! My day went by pretty well though, but knowing that I was going to get to see my baby at the end of the day made it all worth it! Oh man...I need to get some sleep!
Noah gained 2 more ounces today! He is such a good boy. I'm so excited for him...and for us as parents! Keep it up handsome :-)
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Oxygen Level: 24%
Weight: 3lb 4 oz
Day Nurse: Holly
Night Nurse: Leslie
We are moving on down....to the liters per minute! Noah got turned down from 4.0 LPM to 3.5 LPM today! How exciting! So far, he has been doing very well with tolerating the change. There was a lot done today. He had an eye exam today and everything appeared to be fine, his LPM was reduced, and he had some blood work done to see how high/low his hermadocrite was. Everything turned out fine. His doctor said that he may need a transfusion, but he is holding off on it until he knows for sure that the hermadocrite level continues to dwindle.
In other news, today was my first day back at work. Man that was rough trying to get up at 6:45 this morning! My day went by pretty well though, but knowing that I was going to get to see my baby at the end of the day made it all worth it! Oh man...I need to get some sleep!
Noah gained 2 more ounces today! He is such a good boy. I'm so excited for him...and for us as parents! Keep it up handsome :-)
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Day 27- August 14 2011 Smiling :-)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level:
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 2 0z
Day Nurse: Danielle
Night Nurse: Ashleigh
I woke up this morning at 4am, and called Ashleigh to see how he was doing, and if his oxygen had come down any from the 36% that she told me about last night. Well, by the time I called, he was on 28%! Oh that felt great! She did let me know that she was going to turn him on his back, so his oxygen may be higher during day shift. I told her thanks, and that I would call later to see how everything was going.
Well, I had a hair appointment at 8am, and when I got to the girl's house, she wasn't there. Who does that?! Anyway, I am not going to dwell on that, and I will get back to Noah. So since I was already in the area, I decided to stop by the hospital and see Noah now, and then go home and rest...since i start work tomorrow :-(. When I called to get an update, guess who picked up the phone?! Danielle! She is only one of our favorite nurses, yes she is! I promise I was thinking about her yesterday and hoping that she was going to be his nurse, but it ended up being Lori #4, so I was really excited when I heard that Danielle was going to be taking care of him today because she is absolutely awesome! Even my parents have been asking about her!
I got to see what they do in the morning (since i'm never here this early), and change his little cute diaper. Thank goodness he didn't have a present in there for me. Apparently last night, he pooped a LOT for Ashleigh. She said he pooped on the ceiling of his isolette! LOL. Noah is definitely getting a reputation of being a pooper. He gained 15 grams last night, and his diaper weighed 34 grams! Who poops more than they gain in weight? That's Carl's son! LOL.
Also, I was soooooooooo happy because I got to see Dr.Lugo today! Awwww, I miss him! He is such a nice man. Don't get me wrong, I like Dr. Bernstein, but Dr.Lugo is just more personable. He got to know us as a family, whereas Dr. Bernstein gets to know the patient and that's about that. They are both good doctors, just have different approaches. Anywho, last week I wrote him a thank you card and asked one of the nurses to pass it on to him. I was hoping he got it, but didn't know because I have yet to see this nurse again. Well I heard his voice in the hallway, and when he walked into Noah's room, he said "I have been looking for you all week! You wrote something that was very nice and meant a lot to me, thank you" as he gave me a kiss and a hug. I was so happy that he did receive the card I wrote thanking him for making us feel at ease as parents, and for taking such good care of Noah. Seeing Dr.Lugo today made me smile, and he really made my day...at 9:45 in the morning! I thank God for great doctors like him. They are simply awesome. It's easier to see a great nurse love what she does, than a doctor who is down to earth and not so "technical" when it comes to everything. That's Dr. Lugo, and that's why we love him so!
Oxygen Level:
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 2 0z
Day Nurse: Danielle
Night Nurse: Ashleigh
I woke up this morning at 4am, and called Ashleigh to see how he was doing, and if his oxygen had come down any from the 36% that she told me about last night. Well, by the time I called, he was on 28%! Oh that felt great! She did let me know that she was going to turn him on his back, so his oxygen may be higher during day shift. I told her thanks, and that I would call later to see how everything was going.
Well, I had a hair appointment at 8am, and when I got to the girl's house, she wasn't there. Who does that?! Anyway, I am not going to dwell on that, and I will get back to Noah. So since I was already in the area, I decided to stop by the hospital and see Noah now, and then go home and rest...since i start work tomorrow :-(. When I called to get an update, guess who picked up the phone?! Danielle! She is only one of our favorite nurses, yes she is! I promise I was thinking about her yesterday and hoping that she was going to be his nurse, but it ended up being Lori #4, so I was really excited when I heard that Danielle was going to be taking care of him today because she is absolutely awesome! Even my parents have been asking about her!
I got to see what they do in the morning (since i'm never here this early), and change his little cute diaper. Thank goodness he didn't have a present in there for me. Apparently last night, he pooped a LOT for Ashleigh. She said he pooped on the ceiling of his isolette! LOL. Noah is definitely getting a reputation of being a pooper. He gained 15 grams last night, and his diaper weighed 34 grams! Who poops more than they gain in weight? That's Carl's son! LOL.
Also, I was soooooooooo happy because I got to see Dr.Lugo today! Awwww, I miss him! He is such a nice man. Don't get me wrong, I like Dr. Bernstein, but Dr.Lugo is just more personable. He got to know us as a family, whereas Dr. Bernstein gets to know the patient and that's about that. They are both good doctors, just have different approaches. Anywho, last week I wrote him a thank you card and asked one of the nurses to pass it on to him. I was hoping he got it, but didn't know because I have yet to see this nurse again. Well I heard his voice in the hallway, and when he walked into Noah's room, he said "I have been looking for you all week! You wrote something that was very nice and meant a lot to me, thank you" as he gave me a kiss and a hug. I was so happy that he did receive the card I wrote thanking him for making us feel at ease as parents, and for taking such good care of Noah. Seeing Dr.Lugo today made me smile, and he really made my day...at 9:45 in the morning! I thank God for great doctors like him. They are simply awesome. It's easier to see a great nurse love what she does, than a doctor who is down to earth and not so "technical" when it comes to everything. That's Dr. Lugo, and that's why we love him so!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Day 26- August 13, 2011 (Another dip in the rollercoaster)
Noah Stats
Oxygen Level: 24-36% :-(
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 1 oz
Day Nurse: Lori (another one...again!)
Night Nurse: Ashleigh
Today, Noah had a pretty uneventful day. He didn't have a bowel movement for Lori (although when I changed him at 6pm he had a small stool...) and his oxygen was about 25% the majority of the day. I didn't Kangaroo with him today because I knew that I needed to leave right after talking to the night nurse to go buy the breast pump for work that starts Monday. I wish I did though, I just love being able to hold him. Even if there are a whole bunch of wires around him, I don't care. To me, he's the most precious baby in the entire world.
As usual, I called around 11:30pm to get an update on how he had been doing, and also to see if he had gained any weight. When I called, Ashleigh let me know that Noah was up on his oxygen. He had been having a few desats (desaturations) and so she had to bump his oxygen up to 36%. I'm tearing up writing about this. I know that this ride has bumps in it...but I just wish that it didn't. The last time they went up on his oxygen like this is when they bumped him up to 6.0LPM. The nurse said that she mentioned the above information to the nurse practitioner and she said to just keep monitoring it for right now, and that they may do a chest X-ray if it continues. They were already supposed to be doing a chest X-ray tomorrow for Monday labs. I'm praying that Noah's system can adjust and his oxygen level can be reduced.
This journey is hard. I know that we put everything in God's hands. I try my best not to worry about anything, and be strong in everything. I look for the silver linings in all the news the doctors and nurses give us, pray over Noah everyday before I leave, and we pray for him at night. But some days, I feel sad, I cry, and I want to be left alone. I get mad at the nurse for giving me bad news, and just wish that things were better. I guess that's how I feel right now.
Lord, please watch over Noah tonight. Let him know how much we love him and care for him. Please continue to speak life over him, and help him to regulate his breathing pattern so that he requires less assistance from the oxygen machine. We know that you are the doctor by excellence and are able of any and everything. Please watch over our little boy, and let him continue to get bigger and stronger. We know that he has great purpose on his life and that despite these bumps that feel major but are truly minor, everything will be alright. Thank you for being who you are. For being the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. We love you and will continue to praise your name. Thank you in advance for making our little boy all better. In Jesus' name we pray...Amen.
Oxygen Level: 24-36% :-(
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 1 oz
Day Nurse: Lori (another one...again!)
Night Nurse: Ashleigh
Today, Noah had a pretty uneventful day. He didn't have a bowel movement for Lori (although when I changed him at 6pm he had a small stool...) and his oxygen was about 25% the majority of the day. I didn't Kangaroo with him today because I knew that I needed to leave right after talking to the night nurse to go buy the breast pump for work that starts Monday. I wish I did though, I just love being able to hold him. Even if there are a whole bunch of wires around him, I don't care. To me, he's the most precious baby in the entire world.
As usual, I called around 11:30pm to get an update on how he had been doing, and also to see if he had gained any weight. When I called, Ashleigh let me know that Noah was up on his oxygen. He had been having a few desats (desaturations) and so she had to bump his oxygen up to 36%. I'm tearing up writing about this. I know that this ride has bumps in it...but I just wish that it didn't. The last time they went up on his oxygen like this is when they bumped him up to 6.0LPM. The nurse said that she mentioned the above information to the nurse practitioner and she said to just keep monitoring it for right now, and that they may do a chest X-ray if it continues. They were already supposed to be doing a chest X-ray tomorrow for Monday labs. I'm praying that Noah's system can adjust and his oxygen level can be reduced.
This journey is hard. I know that we put everything in God's hands. I try my best not to worry about anything, and be strong in everything. I look for the silver linings in all the news the doctors and nurses give us, pray over Noah everyday before I leave, and we pray for him at night. But some days, I feel sad, I cry, and I want to be left alone. I get mad at the nurse for giving me bad news, and just wish that things were better. I guess that's how I feel right now.
Lord, please watch over Noah tonight. Let him know how much we love him and care for him. Please continue to speak life over him, and help him to regulate his breathing pattern so that he requires less assistance from the oxygen machine. We know that you are the doctor by excellence and are able of any and everything. Please watch over our little boy, and let him continue to get bigger and stronger. We know that he has great purpose on his life and that despite these bumps that feel major but are truly minor, everything will be alright. Thank you for being who you are. For being the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. We love you and will continue to praise your name. Thank you in advance for making our little boy all better. In Jesus' name we pray...Amen.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Day 25- August 12, 2011 (3lbs baby!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 25%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 1 oz
Day Nurse: Dawn
Night Nurse: Ashleigh
We made it to 3lbs!!! Woot Woot! Apparently the 1354 grams that my baby was last night WAS 3lbs, but according to the chart in my "My Early Arrival Baby Journal", a baby isn't 3lbs 0 oz until they have reached 1361 grams! The nurse said that those are just estimates. Should I call this journal a fraud too?! LOL. Nah, I actually really like it, so I will let it slide.
Besides being a 3lb big boy, Noah had a pretty quiet day! He slept most of the day, opened his eyes for a few minutes after I called his name, and then went back to sleep. I tried to Kangaroo with him today but he seemed somewhat uncomfortable about 20 minutes in. He sounded really congested, and was running a small fever. Once we placed him back in the isolette, the nurse suctioned his nose and mouth, and found some adult size boogers in his nose! Guess that's what was stopping the oxygen from flowing freely! Thanks Nurse Ashleigh for helping him out with that :-)
Oxygen Level: 25%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 3lb 1 oz
Day Nurse: Dawn
Night Nurse: Ashleigh
We made it to 3lbs!!! Woot Woot! Apparently the 1354 grams that my baby was last night WAS 3lbs, but according to the chart in my "My Early Arrival Baby Journal", a baby isn't 3lbs 0 oz until they have reached 1361 grams! The nurse said that those are just estimates. Should I call this journal a fraud too?! LOL. Nah, I actually really like it, so I will let it slide.
Besides being a 3lb big boy, Noah had a pretty quiet day! He slept most of the day, opened his eyes for a few minutes after I called his name, and then went back to sleep. I tried to Kangaroo with him today but he seemed somewhat uncomfortable about 20 minutes in. He sounded really congested, and was running a small fever. Once we placed him back in the isolette, the nurse suctioned his nose and mouth, and found some adult size boogers in his nose! Guess that's what was stopping the oxygen from flowing freely! Thanks Nurse Ashleigh for helping him out with that :-)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Day 24- August 11, 2011 (Level 2 in the works?!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 24-28%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 2lb 15 oz
Day Nurse: Debbie
Night Nurse: Kyla
We are almost to 3lbs! Maybe tomorrow? Only 7 more grams baby! Today, both of the nurses made a comment that got me excited and antsy at the same time! The only thing holding Noah in Level 3 is the fact that he needs to get his breathing regulated and under control. He pretty much needs to get from 4.0 LPM down to about 1-1.5LPM and they will then go ahead and move him to Level 2! Woot Woot! Do you know what Level 2 means?! It means that we are closer to going home! What they do in level 2 is pretty much fatten up babies and teach them how to suck, swallow, and breathe all at the same time during feedings. Noah has been doing really good with the pacifier in his mouth now that his feeding tube is going through his nose. I think he's got the sucking and breathing part down, I guess now we just have to see if he knows to swallow when there is food in his mouth. I'm so excited about all of the upcoming steps that we will be going through together! I know that patience will be of the upmost importance, and I will definitely have that when it comes to the last stages because I don't want to get home and have to come back. As bad as i want Noah home, I want him to stay here. So today...i'm just excited to have heard this news, and I know that God will work everything in due time. Noah will come home when it's time for him to step foot in this house.
I'm thankful...that I serve an Almighty God that has never left me, nor forsaken me.
Oxygen Level: 24-28%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 2lb 15 oz
Day Nurse: Debbie
Night Nurse: Kyla
We are almost to 3lbs! Maybe tomorrow? Only 7 more grams baby! Today, both of the nurses made a comment that got me excited and antsy at the same time! The only thing holding Noah in Level 3 is the fact that he needs to get his breathing regulated and under control. He pretty much needs to get from 4.0 LPM down to about 1-1.5LPM and they will then go ahead and move him to Level 2! Woot Woot! Do you know what Level 2 means?! It means that we are closer to going home! What they do in level 2 is pretty much fatten up babies and teach them how to suck, swallow, and breathe all at the same time during feedings. Noah has been doing really good with the pacifier in his mouth now that his feeding tube is going through his nose. I think he's got the sucking and breathing part down, I guess now we just have to see if he knows to swallow when there is food in his mouth. I'm so excited about all of the upcoming steps that we will be going through together! I know that patience will be of the upmost importance, and I will definitely have that when it comes to the last stages because I don't want to get home and have to come back. As bad as i want Noah home, I want him to stay here. So today...i'm just excited to have heard this news, and I know that God will work everything in due time. Noah will come home when it's time for him to step foot in this house.
I'm thankful...that I serve an Almighty God that has never left me, nor forsaken me.
Day 23- August 10, 2011 (Jen is such a sweet Nurse!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 24%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 2lb 14 oz
Day Nurse: Jenn
Night Nurse: Anna
I knew there was a reason as to why I loved Jenn! Have you ever been around someone whose spirit was so sweet that you couldn't help but just gravitate towards them? If you're reading this, your answer should be yes because you should be thinking of me! J/K. Anywho, that's Jenn. She is a wonderful nurse. She takes care of Noah as if he were her own. She makes it a point to remember what I say to her, and the experiences I've gone through in addition to treating Noah like the little prince he is :-)
Today, we get to Noah's room and on the board that has his name on it (which really looked bland and boring before because it only said his name in red letters), Jenn decided to spice it up and all an ark with animals in it on his board! How sweet of her to do something like that! If Noah only knew how lucky he was to have such an awesome nurse! It warmed all of our hearts, especially the message that she wrote under it: One of God's beautiful blessings. She hit it right on the nail! Noah surely is a great blessing from God! Every moment that he has been in our lives, he has brought nothing but positivity, love, and a closer bond between all of us!
Jenn, thanks for being an awesome nurse. I hope that you get to be Noah's nurse again before he leaves Level 3, but if he doesn't, please know that you have forever touched our lives! Thanks for loving what you do :-)
" Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription" - Val Saintsbury
Oxygen Level: 24%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 2lb 14 oz
Day Nurse: Jenn
Night Nurse: Anna
I knew there was a reason as to why I loved Jenn! Have you ever been around someone whose spirit was so sweet that you couldn't help but just gravitate towards them? If you're reading this, your answer should be yes because you should be thinking of me! J/K. Anywho, that's Jenn. She is a wonderful nurse. She takes care of Noah as if he were her own. She makes it a point to remember what I say to her, and the experiences I've gone through in addition to treating Noah like the little prince he is :-)
Today, we get to Noah's room and on the board that has his name on it (which really looked bland and boring before because it only said his name in red letters), Jenn decided to spice it up and all an ark with animals in it on his board! How sweet of her to do something like that! If Noah only knew how lucky he was to have such an awesome nurse! It warmed all of our hearts, especially the message that she wrote under it: One of God's beautiful blessings. She hit it right on the nail! Noah surely is a great blessing from God! Every moment that he has been in our lives, he has brought nothing but positivity, love, and a closer bond between all of us!
Jenn, thanks for being an awesome nurse. I hope that you get to be Noah's nurse again before he leaves Level 3, but if he doesn't, please know that you have forever touched our lives! Thanks for loving what you do :-)
" Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription" - Val Saintsbury
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Day 22- August 9, 2011 (We are down to 4.0 LPM!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 2lb 14 oz
Day Nurse: Jenn
Night Nurse: Anna
Noah appeared to have a peaceful day today. They had ordered a chest X-ray for this morning in order to determine if he was receiving too much oxygen in his little lungs, and to see if they could reduce the amount of oxygen that he was getting (pretty much reducing it from 6.0 LPM to 5.0 LPM). I don't know if you remember that sometime last week, Dr. Lugo wanted to go ahead and reduce his LPM to 4.0 but then all of a sudden, Noah was needing a lot more oxygen and they had to increase his level to about 40%. Because of that, they had decided to increase his LPM from 5.0 to 6.0. That was a hard day for me. A little dip in our NICU rollercoaster. But today.....Dr. Bernstein reduced him down from 6.0 to 4.0!!!! Woot Woot! I think the lowest this machine goes is to 2.0, so we're pretty much halfway there! I think from here, he either gets another kind of canula, and then it's open crib time (i may sound redundant if i wrote this in yesterday's update...sorry!).
Other changes that happened today is that they moved his feeding tube from his mouth to his nose. This is good for him because when the feeding tube was in his mouth, he usually kept his mouth open while sleeping. Having the feeding tube in his nose allows him to keep his mouth closed while sleeping, and possibly taking a pacifier without any inhibitions. It also helps that his mouth is closed so that he can retain as much oxygen as possible. I'm excited for the change and hope that it all works out for the best. Like i always say, God is driving this train so we have no reason to worry!
Noah...I love you, you've made me One Happy Momma :-)
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 2lb 14 oz
Day Nurse: Jenn
Night Nurse: Anna
Noah appeared to have a peaceful day today. They had ordered a chest X-ray for this morning in order to determine if he was receiving too much oxygen in his little lungs, and to see if they could reduce the amount of oxygen that he was getting (pretty much reducing it from 6.0 LPM to 5.0 LPM). I don't know if you remember that sometime last week, Dr. Lugo wanted to go ahead and reduce his LPM to 4.0 but then all of a sudden, Noah was needing a lot more oxygen and they had to increase his level to about 40%. Because of that, they had decided to increase his LPM from 5.0 to 6.0. That was a hard day for me. A little dip in our NICU rollercoaster. But today.....Dr. Bernstein reduced him down from 6.0 to 4.0!!!! Woot Woot! I think the lowest this machine goes is to 2.0, so we're pretty much halfway there! I think from here, he either gets another kind of canula, and then it's open crib time (i may sound redundant if i wrote this in yesterday's update...sorry!).
Other changes that happened today is that they moved his feeding tube from his mouth to his nose. This is good for him because when the feeding tube was in his mouth, he usually kept his mouth open while sleeping. Having the feeding tube in his nose allows him to keep his mouth closed while sleeping, and possibly taking a pacifier without any inhibitions. It also helps that his mouth is closed so that he can retain as much oxygen as possible. I'm excited for the change and hope that it all works out for the best. Like i always say, God is driving this train so we have no reason to worry!
Noah...I love you, you've made me One Happy Momma :-)
Day 21- August 8, 2011 (Projectile Stool! LMBO!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 2lb 13 oz
Day Nurse: Jennifer :-)
Night Nurse: Jana :-)
Oh Noah had 2 awesome nurses today, and Jennifer is BACK! She was one of the nurses that took care of him when he was teenu tiny in the other NICU unit (the admitting unit). She is one of the sweetest nurses I've met, and it's crazy how she had been on my mind for the past few days because I wanted for her to write a little something and sign Noah's "Early Arrival baby book". Jennifer is young, but she knows a lot of methods and practices that some of the older nurses do not know.
She stated that Noah should be having a bowel movement for each feeding (which definitely hasn't been happening in the past!) and showed us a method to go ahead and have him be able to do that! Pretty much it's just pulling his legs up to his abdomen and applying some pressure, while wiping his little booty. This should stimulate him to have a bowel movement. The reason as to why it is good to press on their abdomen is because they probably don't have enough strength to get it out themselves, but with the added pressure, they are able to release what they've been holding on to.
Carl and I were standing there watching her demonstrate how it should be done. After about 2 minutes, Carl pretty much gave up on her and said that Noah isn't going to have a bowel movement. Low and behold, a few minutes later, Noah pooped. This poop came straight from his butt and shot clear across the isolette! Ewww...is an understatement! You all know that Carl doesn't run, but i THINK i saw him running a little to get to my side. The nurse had to clean the "windows" of the isolette because this little guy wanted to poop on them. I've never laughed so hard at Noah! LOL. This is one for the books!
Other then that, today was a pretty relax day. The nurse let me hold him during shift change, so i was able to hold him for like 2.5 hours. Awesome bonding time :-).
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 2lb 13 oz
Day Nurse: Jennifer :-)
Night Nurse: Jana :-)
Oh Noah had 2 awesome nurses today, and Jennifer is BACK! She was one of the nurses that took care of him when he was teenu tiny in the other NICU unit (the admitting unit). She is one of the sweetest nurses I've met, and it's crazy how she had been on my mind for the past few days because I wanted for her to write a little something and sign Noah's "Early Arrival baby book". Jennifer is young, but she knows a lot of methods and practices that some of the older nurses do not know.
She stated that Noah should be having a bowel movement for each feeding (which definitely hasn't been happening in the past!) and showed us a method to go ahead and have him be able to do that! Pretty much it's just pulling his legs up to his abdomen and applying some pressure, while wiping his little booty. This should stimulate him to have a bowel movement. The reason as to why it is good to press on their abdomen is because they probably don't have enough strength to get it out themselves, but with the added pressure, they are able to release what they've been holding on to.
Carl and I were standing there watching her demonstrate how it should be done. After about 2 minutes, Carl pretty much gave up on her and said that Noah isn't going to have a bowel movement. Low and behold, a few minutes later, Noah pooped. This poop came straight from his butt and shot clear across the isolette! Ewww...is an understatement! You all know that Carl doesn't run, but i THINK i saw him running a little to get to my side. The nurse had to clean the "windows" of the isolette because this little guy wanted to poop on them. I've never laughed so hard at Noah! LOL. This is one for the books!
Other then that, today was a pretty relax day. The nurse let me hold him during shift change, so i was able to hold him for like 2.5 hours. Awesome bonding time :-).
Day 20- August 7, 2011 (Some Nurses Lie...)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: Low 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight: 2lb 11 oz
Day Nurse: Jenn
Night Nurse: Lynda
Day Nurse: Jenn
Night Nurse: Lynda
So...the nurse Peggy that got me all excited thinking that my snickerdoodle weighed 2lb 13oz and had gained 99 grams in one night is a FRAUD! Noah didn't gain 99 grams...smh...he gained a few, but surely not that many. When the night nurse (Lynda) came in to weigh him, all of a sudden he was down to 1205 grams when the day before he was at 1300....um...really?! I should have known to ask Peggy to do a repeat because i've never heard of Noah gaining THAT much in one day. Come to find out he really weighed 2lb 11 oz. She's lucky she wasn't him nurse tonight, because i sure would have told her about her error! LOL. Now i know...if it sounds too good to be true...it probably is! How can you make such a mistake on this cutest face in the whole entire world?!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Day 19- August 6, 2011
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: 25-30%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Bowel Movement: Yeppers!
Weight: 2lb 13 oz!!!! Woot, Woot! He weighs 1300 grams! If he had added 4 more grams, we would have been at 2lb 14oz! 3lbs....we're coming for ya! :-)
Day Nurse: Lori (another one!)
Night Nurse: Peggy
Noah absolutely made my day today! Got there, Kangaroo'd with him for about an hour, and I guess that he was so happy to see me because his oxygen level was in the high 90s! So much that the nurse had to continue reducing his oxygen level. Pretty much what happens is what if Noah's Oxygen stats are above 96 for about 5 minutes, then the nurse can reduce his oxygen level (so that it can get closer to 21%). If his oxygen stats are lower than 84, then the nurse will increase his oxygen level. By the time our Kangaroo time was over, his oxygen level was down to 26%.
The nurse he had today was really nice! She was very talkative and provided us with a lot of information about her job as well as the NICU in general. There are 3 floors of the NICU: 2130 is where the babies are admitted (and considered level 3), 2140 is split between level 3 babies (like Noah that still need time to develop and are probably on some type of oxygen machine, etc) and level 2 babies (those who are in open cribs and are in preparation to go home), and I'm guessing 2150 where level 3 babies are but they are those who are more sick. Noah is currently in the 2140s, which apparently is a great place to be because it means that he just needs to continue to eat right, get his oxygen under control, and then hopefully be moved over to level 2. I am very greatful about the fact that my baby is growing and becoming bigger and stronger each day, however, I still want to pray for those babies and families that are in the 2150s. Having a baby born prematurely is one thing. and complications make it even harder. I pray that these families rely on the Ultimate Doctor and have strength that things will get better. Not all the babies in the 5th floor are that sick, but some are, and that just breaks my heart :(. Babies are so precious.... *sigh*
Ok...let's move on to some happy news! My Noah gained 99 grams today! This placed him at 2lb 13 ounces as you saw above! They started putting some fortifiers in my breastmilk to provide him with more nutrients and calories! i guess it is really working because he is making some awesome gains! Yesterday, he was still at 2lbs 10 ounces...so today...I'm a really REALLY happy Momma :-).
Oxygen Level: 25-30%
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Bowel Movement: Yeppers!
Weight: 2lb 13 oz!!!! Woot, Woot! He weighs 1300 grams! If he had added 4 more grams, we would have been at 2lb 14oz! 3lbs....we're coming for ya! :-)
Day Nurse: Lori (another one!)
Night Nurse: Peggy
Noah absolutely made my day today! Got there, Kangaroo'd with him for about an hour, and I guess that he was so happy to see me because his oxygen level was in the high 90s! So much that the nurse had to continue reducing his oxygen level. Pretty much what happens is what if Noah's Oxygen stats are above 96 for about 5 minutes, then the nurse can reduce his oxygen level (so that it can get closer to 21%). If his oxygen stats are lower than 84, then the nurse will increase his oxygen level. By the time our Kangaroo time was over, his oxygen level was down to 26%.
The nurse he had today was really nice! She was very talkative and provided us with a lot of information about her job as well as the NICU in general. There are 3 floors of the NICU: 2130 is where the babies are admitted (and considered level 3), 2140 is split between level 3 babies (like Noah that still need time to develop and are probably on some type of oxygen machine, etc) and level 2 babies (those who are in open cribs and are in preparation to go home), and I'm guessing 2150 where level 3 babies are but they are those who are more sick. Noah is currently in the 2140s, which apparently is a great place to be because it means that he just needs to continue to eat right, get his oxygen under control, and then hopefully be moved over to level 2. I am very greatful about the fact that my baby is growing and becoming bigger and stronger each day, however, I still want to pray for those babies and families that are in the 2150s. Having a baby born prematurely is one thing. and complications make it even harder. I pray that these families rely on the Ultimate Doctor and have strength that things will get better. Not all the babies in the 5th floor are that sick, but some are, and that just breaks my heart :(. Babies are so precious.... *sigh*
Ok...let's move on to some happy news! My Noah gained 99 grams today! This placed him at 2lb 13 ounces as you saw above! They started putting some fortifiers in my breastmilk to provide him with more nutrients and calories! i guess it is really working because he is making some awesome gains! Yesterday, he was still at 2lbs 10 ounces...so today...I'm a really REALLY happy Momma :-).
"A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's"- Princess Diana
Day 18- August 5, 2011
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight:
Isn't this the cutest thing ever? It's Noah's current bathtub! Yes, this is where my baby gets fresh and clean! If he's anything like his father...he probably takes 45 minute baths in there! LOL.
Noah, I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvveeeeeeeee You! Thanks for making me a mommy :-)!
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight:
Isn't this the cutest thing ever? It's Noah's current bathtub! Yes, this is where my baby gets fresh and clean! If he's anything like his father...he probably takes 45 minute baths in there! LOL.
Noah, I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvveeeeeeeee You! Thanks for making me a mommy :-)!
Day 17- August 4, 2011 (It's a Poop-fest!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: High 20s, 30s, 40 :-(
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Bowel Movement: Oh yea...
Weight: 2lb 10 oz
Day Nurse: Lori
Night Nurse: Doreen
Today was kind of a little dip in our roller coaster in the NICU. Dr. Lugo called to let me know how well Noah was doing and how he wanted to reduce his Liters Per Minute (LPM) from 5.0 to 4.0. The goal of this LPM is to get down to 2.0 LPM and then I think they will think of changing Noah's oxygen machine to maybe a more advance Nasal Canula, or an open crib. Well...Noah's oxygen stats started to decrease to less than 84, which means that he neeed more help breathing. When this happens, the nurse has to increase his oxygen level (or percentage). She kepts increasing it from mid 20s, to 30s, and finally hit 40...she contacted the Dr and he actually said to INCREASE his LPM to 6.0 :-(. Once Noah got to 6.0, he was doing much better and Lori was able to wean him down from 40 all the way down to 33%! By the next morning, his oxygen level was down to 25% at 6.0. It was just a little sad to know that my baby had to increase his LPM on the same day that the Dr thought to decrease it. I would hope that he continues to improve on this in order to not have to go back to the CPAP! So please continue to keep Noah in your prayers, so he can get his act together and learn how to breathe effectively so he reduce his oxygen levels (in due time of course!)
Now...for today's entertainment...I was changing Noah's 5 o'clock diaper and he had a little bit of poop in there. I went ahead and wiped his little booty, but it seemed as if he wasn't done with his bowel movement. I told the nurse that maybe we should hold off and wait until he was finished, but she told me to go ahead and change it. Well...while i was in the process of cleaning up Noah, he decided to fart in my hand and start his pooping movement all over again! Thank goodness I had a diaper under the 1st one so it was able to catch his 2nd dose because it...was...HUGE! We all were disgusted but laughing at the same time. Noah decided to have a poopfest today. I'm going to see if this continues to be a routine.
Last but not least, we finally got to see Auntie Laura! Thanks so much for coming to visit my little man ;-)
Oxygen Level: High 20s, 30s, 40 :-(
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Bowel Movement: Oh yea...
Weight: 2lb 10 oz
Day Nurse: Lori
Night Nurse: Doreen
Today was kind of a little dip in our roller coaster in the NICU. Dr. Lugo called to let me know how well Noah was doing and how he wanted to reduce his Liters Per Minute (LPM) from 5.0 to 4.0. The goal of this LPM is to get down to 2.0 LPM and then I think they will think of changing Noah's oxygen machine to maybe a more advance Nasal Canula, or an open crib. Well...Noah's oxygen stats started to decrease to less than 84, which means that he neeed more help breathing. When this happens, the nurse has to increase his oxygen level (or percentage). She kepts increasing it from mid 20s, to 30s, and finally hit 40...she contacted the Dr and he actually said to INCREASE his LPM to 6.0 :-(. Once Noah got to 6.0, he was doing much better and Lori was able to wean him down from 40 all the way down to 33%! By the next morning, his oxygen level was down to 25% at 6.0. It was just a little sad to know that my baby had to increase his LPM on the same day that the Dr thought to decrease it. I would hope that he continues to improve on this in order to not have to go back to the CPAP! So please continue to keep Noah in your prayers, so he can get his act together and learn how to breathe effectively so he reduce his oxygen levels (in due time of course!)
Now...for today's entertainment...I was changing Noah's 5 o'clock diaper and he had a little bit of poop in there. I went ahead and wiped his little booty, but it seemed as if he wasn't done with his bowel movement. I told the nurse that maybe we should hold off and wait until he was finished, but she told me to go ahead and change it. Well...while i was in the process of cleaning up Noah, he decided to fart in my hand and start his pooping movement all over again! Thank goodness I had a diaper under the 1st one so it was able to catch his 2nd dose because it...was...HUGE! We all were disgusted but laughing at the same time. Noah decided to have a poopfest today. I'm going to see if this continues to be a routine.
Last but not least, we finally got to see Auntie Laura! Thanks so much for coming to visit my little man ;-)
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Day 15- August 2, 2011
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight:
Bowel Movement: Yup
Day Nurse: Nilza
Night Nurse: oops, can't remember her name :S
Noah had some pretty good Nurses today. It's always a great feeling to have nurses that love what they do, and are good at what they do take care of your child. Nilza brought her Latin flavor today, and we absolutely loved it. She was so good about letting me hold him, without having to Kangaroo since there wasn't much time between the time I was there and shift change. Earlier when I had called to get an update on how Noah was doing, she didn't sound like the nicest person, but once I met her, everything was fine. This is why it's really important to meet the nurses, in my opinion. Not everyone has the luxury to be able to come to the hospital everyday. Some people don't live here, others have children at home, others have a wacky work schedule that only allows for them to have time to come and see their babies during the weekend. I am so grateful that I don't work during the summer and was able to come and see Noah when it was convenient for me to do so.
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight:
Bowel Movement: Yup
Day Nurse: Nilza
Night Nurse: oops, can't remember her name :S
Noah had some pretty good Nurses today. It's always a great feeling to have nurses that love what they do, and are good at what they do take care of your child. Nilza brought her Latin flavor today, and we absolutely loved it. She was so good about letting me hold him, without having to Kangaroo since there wasn't much time between the time I was there and shift change. Earlier when I had called to get an update on how Noah was doing, she didn't sound like the nicest person, but once I met her, everything was fine. This is why it's really important to meet the nurses, in my opinion. Not everyone has the luxury to be able to come to the hospital everyday. Some people don't live here, others have children at home, others have a wacky work schedule that only allows for them to have time to come and see their babies during the weekend. I am so grateful that I don't work during the summer and was able to come and see Noah when it was convenient for me to do so.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Day 14- August 1, 2011- What's up with these nurses?!
Noah's Stats:
-Oxygen level: 25%
-Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula! Woot Woot!
-Weight: 2lb 7oz (lost 4 grams today)
-Bowel movement: Yes! 1 with the use of glycerin, and 1 on his own :-)
-Day Nurse: Glorida (grr.....)
-Night Nurse: Lori :-)
Carl and I went to see Noah after taking care of some insurance business earlier today. It felt really good to be able to spend some time with my little family. It's rare that Carl and I get to spend that much time together in Noah's room because of the fact that we are the only ones that can bring people in to see our little handsome man, and there can only be 2 people in the room at a time.
Noah has made good progress today and they moved him up from the CPAP to the Nasal Canula (again!)! I was very hesitant about shift because he was still having some difficulty getting his oxygen to 21% like i thought it should be, but apparently babies can switch from the CPAP to the Nasal Canula for other reasons. By the time we got there, the Respiratory Therapist had already made the change, and Noah appeared to be a lot more awake and alert on the NC as opposed to the CPAP. I was so happy to be able to see his little face! He is so adorable and melts my heart everytime I see him :-)!!!
We went to go visit Noah during the day, so we got the chance to meet Gloria (grr....). Do you remember Lillie?! Well...Gloria isn't as bad, but surely did a few things that I felt weren't right. Of course I am the "Nurse Police" and like to see and/or talk to all of Noah's nurses. Gloria did answer each and every question that I asked her, however. when I went up to ask her the first question, she was texting away on her phone! Mind you this lady is NOT a youngin' so I don't get it! I am not agist, but....shouldn't you know better?! Then, when i went to ask her a second question, she was playing Mahjong on her laptop! Note to the wise: If the parent of a child who is in the NICU comes to visit their child...have the decency to at least ACT like you are doing your job! I understand that you work a 12 hour shift and that things get quiet and boring, but...that's no excuse. I just feel like I shouldn't be catching you doing this stuff! Am I being anal?! Probably so, but still... I just feel like I shouldn't be catching you doing that stuff! I'm grateful that she was only the Day Nurse because I don't know if she could stay awake to do a 12 hour night shift!
Last but not least, my parents have once again made a nurse fall in love with them! Lori, Noah's Night Nurse, sounded so excited when she told me how she thought my parents were so cute and how she had a great time chatting with them. I have to admit...my parents ARE pretty loveable! I don't know who had more fans at the hospital...them or Noah?!
-Oxygen level: 25%
-Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula! Woot Woot!
-Weight: 2lb 7oz (lost 4 grams today)
-Bowel movement: Yes! 1 with the use of glycerin, and 1 on his own :-)
-Day Nurse: Glorida (grr.....)
-Night Nurse: Lori :-)
Carl and I went to see Noah after taking care of some insurance business earlier today. It felt really good to be able to spend some time with my little family. It's rare that Carl and I get to spend that much time together in Noah's room because of the fact that we are the only ones that can bring people in to see our little handsome man, and there can only be 2 people in the room at a time.
Noah has made good progress today and they moved him up from the CPAP to the Nasal Canula (again!)! I was very hesitant about shift because he was still having some difficulty getting his oxygen to 21% like i thought it should be, but apparently babies can switch from the CPAP to the Nasal Canula for other reasons. By the time we got there, the Respiratory Therapist had already made the change, and Noah appeared to be a lot more awake and alert on the NC as opposed to the CPAP. I was so happy to be able to see his little face! He is so adorable and melts my heart everytime I see him :-)!!!
We went to go visit Noah during the day, so we got the chance to meet Gloria (grr....). Do you remember Lillie?! Well...Gloria isn't as bad, but surely did a few things that I felt weren't right. Of course I am the "Nurse Police" and like to see and/or talk to all of Noah's nurses. Gloria did answer each and every question that I asked her, however. when I went up to ask her the first question, she was texting away on her phone! Mind you this lady is NOT a youngin' so I don't get it! I am not agist, but....shouldn't you know better?! Then, when i went to ask her a second question, she was playing Mahjong on her laptop! Note to the wise: If the parent of a child who is in the NICU comes to visit their child...have the decency to at least ACT like you are doing your job! I understand that you work a 12 hour shift and that things get quiet and boring, but...that's no excuse. I just feel like I shouldn't be catching you doing this stuff! Am I being anal?! Probably so, but still... I just feel like I shouldn't be catching you doing that stuff! I'm grateful that she was only the Day Nurse because I don't know if she could stay awake to do a 12 hour night shift!
Last but not least, my parents have once again made a nurse fall in love with them! Lori, Noah's Night Nurse, sounded so excited when she told me how she thought my parents were so cute and how she had a great time chatting with them. I have to admit...my parents ARE pretty loveable! I don't know who had more fans at the hospital...them or Noah?!
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice; once for herself, and once for her child" - Sophia Loren
Day 13- July 31, 2011 (Glycerin is a No-No)
Noah's Stats:
-Oxygen Level: Between 25-28% today
-Weight: 2lb 7oz
-Bowel Movement? Ohhhh yea!
- Amount of ml per feeds: up to 15 ml (half an ounce!)
-Day Nurse: Nilza
-Night Nurse: Lori
Went to go and see Noah at the hospital today. Before I got there, I called to get an update on him and the nurse (Nilza) tells me that she had to go ahead and give him a glycerin because of the fact that he did not have a bowel movement in 24 hours. First off...she was wrong about that because when I spoke to Mary Edith around 5:00 this morning, she told me that he had a bowel movement for her...and she works 7:30pm the night before until 7:30 am. I don't think Nilza knew what she was talking about, but wanted to go ahead and give Noah a glycerin because she was bored. Well...i tried to warn her about what happened last time a nurse gave him a suppository! Of course, Noah pooped right through the diaper and the sheets! LOL. This is what happens when you don't listen! Oh well...at least he had a good bowel movement :-)
-Oxygen Level: Between 25-28% today
-Weight: 2lb 7oz
-Bowel Movement? Ohhhh yea!
- Amount of ml per feeds: up to 15 ml (half an ounce!)
-Day Nurse: Nilza
-Night Nurse: Lori
Went to go and see Noah at the hospital today. Before I got there, I called to get an update on him and the nurse (Nilza) tells me that she had to go ahead and give him a glycerin because of the fact that he did not have a bowel movement in 24 hours. First off...she was wrong about that because when I spoke to Mary Edith around 5:00 this morning, she told me that he had a bowel movement for her...and she works 7:30pm the night before until 7:30 am. I don't think Nilza knew what she was talking about, but wanted to go ahead and give Noah a glycerin because she was bored. Well...i tried to warn her about what happened last time a nurse gave him a suppository! Of course, Noah pooped right through the diaper and the sheets! LOL. This is what happens when you don't listen! Oh well...at least he had a good bowel movement :-)
Above pic is of Nilza changing Noah's full and nasty diaper.
Noah's through the sheet performance LOL
"Being a full time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs...since the payment is pure love"
-Mildred B. Vermont
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Day 12- July 30, 2011 (Chloee came to visit!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: CPAP
Weight:
Chloee came to visit Noah today! So sad that she wasn't able to actually see him though :-(. In the NICU, you have to either be over 15 years of age or a sibling with all of your immunization papers in order to get in to see the babies. Unfortunately, Chloee is neither of those, although she could pass for his big sister! LOL. She has been asking questions about Noah since the day she realized that her mom left to come to Orlando because Noah was born. Well...that's a lie. She's been asking questions about him since she found out that I was pregnant!
I remember how scared I was to tell her that I was pregnant, like she was my kid and was going to be heartbroken that she wasn't the center of my life anymore. But...she took it pretty well! She was really excited...until she found out it was going to be a boy! LOL. The funniest question Chloee asked me was "Are you going to have a white baby or a black baby?". This is when I remembered that she was 6 years old!
Even though Chloee wasn't able too see Noah, she did come to the hospital with her mom and Aguillard, and waited in the waiting room watching movies until we were ready to go. The night they got there, I didn't get to see her until I left Noah's room and was headed home. She then gave me this picture and told me that she colored it for Noah! How sweet of my cutie pie to do something like this for her little cousin! She just doesn't know how much that picture meant to me! To make it even more awesome, when we got to my parents' house, she kept asking me if i wanted Noah's gift now or later....Chloee bought Noah an outfit! She is such a sweet girl :-)...my baby girl! Even though my sister is her mother, I still love her as if she was my own.
Chloee, you are such a loving and thoughtful child. There's never a time when seeing you doesn't bring a smile to my face. The love I have for you is unconditional. I love you like you were my own, and Noah is so lucky to have such an awesome big cousin like you to show him how to get things done around here! Thank you so much for being who you are...the best niece/goddaughter in the entire world. Tatie Jessica loves you!
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: CPAP
Weight:
Chloee came to visit Noah today! So sad that she wasn't able to actually see him though :-(. In the NICU, you have to either be over 15 years of age or a sibling with all of your immunization papers in order to get in to see the babies. Unfortunately, Chloee is neither of those, although she could pass for his big sister! LOL. She has been asking questions about Noah since the day she realized that her mom left to come to Orlando because Noah was born. Well...that's a lie. She's been asking questions about him since she found out that I was pregnant!
I remember how scared I was to tell her that I was pregnant, like she was my kid and was going to be heartbroken that she wasn't the center of my life anymore. But...she took it pretty well! She was really excited...until she found out it was going to be a boy! LOL. The funniest question Chloee asked me was "Are you going to have a white baby or a black baby?". This is when I remembered that she was 6 years old!
Even though Chloee wasn't able too see Noah, she did come to the hospital with her mom and Aguillard, and waited in the waiting room watching movies until we were ready to go. The night they got there, I didn't get to see her until I left Noah's room and was headed home. She then gave me this picture and told me that she colored it for Noah! How sweet of my cutie pie to do something like this for her little cousin! She just doesn't know how much that picture meant to me! To make it even more awesome, when we got to my parents' house, she kept asking me if i wanted Noah's gift now or later....Chloee bought Noah an outfit! She is such a sweet girl :-)...my baby girl! Even though my sister is her mother, I still love her as if she was my own.
Chloee, you are such a loving and thoughtful child. There's never a time when seeing you doesn't bring a smile to my face. The love I have for you is unconditional. I love you like you were my own, and Noah is so lucky to have such an awesome big cousin like you to show him how to get things done around here! Thank you so much for being who you are...the best niece/goddaughter in the entire world. Tatie Jessica loves you!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Day 11- July 29, 2011 (Kangaroo Care!!!!)
Noah's Stats:
-Oxygen Level: 25%
-Oxygen Machine: CPAP
-Weight:
-Day Nurse: Carrie
-Night Nurse: Mary Edith
Today was the first day that I got to hold my son! It was an AMAZING experience! Kangaroo care is a method of holding a baby that involves skin-to-skin contact. Noah only had on a diaper and was placed inside my shirt, between my "pillows" and covered by warmed blankets. I was a little nervous at first because of the fact that Noah has so many wires stuck unto him that I didn't know how they were going to get him to me while still being connected. The nurse, Carrie, was really sweet and made me feel very comfortable. Can you imagine having a child for the past 11 days and never getting to hold them in your arms? This is something that I have been waiting for! Holding Noah's hand and rubbing on his back is fine and dandy, but getting to hold my boy made me feel....like a mom!
Carrie got him all set up, put him in my shirt, and not once did he make a fuss! I got to hold him for 1 hour. I just closed my eyes and listened to his heart beat against mine. It was so peaceful. His machine never made one sound either! They say that Kangaroo Care is good for reasons such as maintaining body warmth, regulating heart and breathing rates, and weight gain. All of these are things that Noah can benefit from, especially regulating his breathing rates. After the hour, Carrie came to take him from me and he cried :(. It was an awesome bonding moment and I can't wait to do it again!
-Oxygen Level: 25%
-Oxygen Machine: CPAP
-Weight:
-Day Nurse: Carrie
-Night Nurse: Mary Edith
Today was the first day that I got to hold my son! It was an AMAZING experience! Kangaroo care is a method of holding a baby that involves skin-to-skin contact. Noah only had on a diaper and was placed inside my shirt, between my "pillows" and covered by warmed blankets. I was a little nervous at first because of the fact that Noah has so many wires stuck unto him that I didn't know how they were going to get him to me while still being connected. The nurse, Carrie, was really sweet and made me feel very comfortable. Can you imagine having a child for the past 11 days and never getting to hold them in your arms? This is something that I have been waiting for! Holding Noah's hand and rubbing on his back is fine and dandy, but getting to hold my boy made me feel....like a mom!
Carrie got him all set up, put him in my shirt, and not once did he make a fuss! I got to hold him for 1 hour. I just closed my eyes and listened to his heart beat against mine. It was so peaceful. His machine never made one sound either! They say that Kangaroo Care is good for reasons such as maintaining body warmth, regulating heart and breathing rates, and weight gain. All of these are things that Noah can benefit from, especially regulating his breathing rates. After the hour, Carrie came to take him from me and he cried :(. It was an awesome bonding moment and I can't wait to do it again!
"Motherhood is priced of God, at a price no man may dare to lessen or misunderstand" - Helen Hunt Jackson
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Day 10- July 28, 2011 (A better day?)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: Low 20s
Oxygen Machine: CPAP
Weight:
Was today a better day then it was yesterday? Definitely. I was able to sleep without having someone come in and wake me up at 12, 4, 8, and every other hour under the sun when a doctor wanted to come see me! But...I still woke up on my own at 4, ready to go to work if I had to! Instead, I just called the NICU and checked up on Noah to see how he was doing. Of course, everything was fine. When I woke up around 9:30, I had to take my medication. Oh, i didn't tell you guys that the doctors gave me like 16 million medications to go home with?! Ok maybe not 16 million but I am on 6 blood pressure medications, oxycodone (as necessary), an iron pill, and a watere pill. From the person who doesn't like to swallow pills?! This is a lot. At least 2 of them are patches, but everything else needs to be swalled....sigh. Here is a pic of my cocktail!
Carl went to work today, so i had to keep myself busy. What did I do? Re-arrange the blocks I had gotten for our maternity pic session (which was scheduled for August 21st) about 20 times to take a good pic. How did I do?
The doctor said that I can't drive for 1-2 weeks, which means I wil have to be dependent on someone to take me to the hospital to see Noah. Thank goodness for my awesome parents! They have been so supportive (as always!) this whole time. My dad came to pick me up around 1:30 (even though I wanted to be there by 2 for feeding and diaper changing...) and we spent a good amount of time at the hospital. Carl later came to the hospital to see Noah and to pick me up. He is an awesome dad! Even though he thinks that Noah is little, he has now begun to touch him without feeling like he is going to break him. I have the best two men in my life :-)
Oxygen Level: Low 20s
Oxygen Machine: CPAP
Weight:
Was today a better day then it was yesterday? Definitely. I was able to sleep without having someone come in and wake me up at 12, 4, 8, and every other hour under the sun when a doctor wanted to come see me! But...I still woke up on my own at 4, ready to go to work if I had to! Instead, I just called the NICU and checked up on Noah to see how he was doing. Of course, everything was fine. When I woke up around 9:30, I had to take my medication. Oh, i didn't tell you guys that the doctors gave me like 16 million medications to go home with?! Ok maybe not 16 million but I am on 6 blood pressure medications, oxycodone (as necessary), an iron pill, and a watere pill. From the person who doesn't like to swallow pills?! This is a lot. At least 2 of them are patches, but everything else needs to be swalled....sigh. Here is a pic of my cocktail!
Carl went to work today, so i had to keep myself busy. What did I do? Re-arrange the blocks I had gotten for our maternity pic session (which was scheduled for August 21st) about 20 times to take a good pic. How did I do?
The doctor said that I can't drive for 1-2 weeks, which means I wil have to be dependent on someone to take me to the hospital to see Noah. Thank goodness for my awesome parents! They have been so supportive (as always!) this whole time. My dad came to pick me up around 1:30 (even though I wanted to be there by 2 for feeding and diaper changing...) and we spent a good amount of time at the hospital. Carl later came to the hospital to see Noah and to pick me up. He is an awesome dad! Even though he thinks that Noah is little, he has now begun to touch him without feeling like he is going to break him. I have the best two men in my life :-)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Day 9- July 27, 2011 (I'm going home... bittersweet)
Noah's Stats:
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: CPAP
Weight:
The day has finally come...I'm going home. I really don't know how to feel about this because it's not like I get to go home and I don't have to come back to this hospital...I actually have to drive a pretty good distance to get over here, and that's a big difference from walking down the hall to see him. My blood pressure this morning was 130/94. It's not where the doctors wanted it to be, but it has been pretty consistent and they felt comfortable sending me home with plenty of medication. Carl went to work that day, so my parents came to pick me up. I didn't know I had to much stuff to to take home from the hospital! It felt like I had moved in with all the bags I was packing up! The ONE thing I was happy about is that I wouldn't have to eat this nasty behind food that the hospital kept giving me! Yuck! But it was really hard to know that I would be leaving Noah behind :'-(.
I stopped by to go and visit him. I wish he were back on the nasal canula as opposed to the CPAP because this thing just covers all of his super handsome little face. I spoke life over him over and over and over. He was getting a blood transfusion that day because his breathing was off and they say that most of the time, this will help stabilize them. It was only 20ml, but it would take about 4 hours for the transfusion to be done. My parents got to the hospital, and it was time to go. I dont know how many times I delayed us leaving by going to the NICU to get little containers, and waiting for the nurse to provide me with information on how much Noah weighed since birth, etc. I finally went back to the room, got all my prescriptions, and called for transportation. Once they came, we got everything loaded up on the wheelchair and made our way downstairs. I tried my best to hold it in. I know I was with my parents, and really didn't want them to see me cry and then start to cry. The hallway to get downstairs was really long, so i just kocked my head to the side and let the tears flow slowly. Why am I leaving without him? I know he needs all the care that this wonderful team of nurses and doctors can give to him that I can't, but why can't I just stay until he's ready to go home? I felt like I had a hole in my heart. Would he know that I wasn't there? Would he feel like he was abandoned? Am I not being a good mother? All of these thoughts ran through my mind as we made it downstairs. I wanted to run back upstairs and let Noah know how much I love him, that I was sorry if I did anything that made him come early, that I would live my life making sure that his would be the best it could be. I was sorry....so sorry for leaving him, and never wanted for him to feel like he was abandoned by me, because he wasn't. If i could, I would have taken him with me, but i'm not an expert and can't make him get bigger and stronger without all of the methods and procedures that they can at the hospital. This was the feeling I dreaded...it had now become a reality.
I got in the car, and my dad began to pray for Noah before we left the parking lot. I couldn't hold it any longer and cried my heart out. They tried to console me, and I finally came to terms with it. When I got home, it felt like something was missing in the house. No one was kicking in my belly anymore, I wasn't walking around with my sunflower seeds, or throwing up...but I missed all of that. Instead, it was just Carl and I. I teared up a little, but knew it wasn't going to do me any good right about now. Carl really helped with the transition. I have a great husband. That night, i took my medication, called the NICU to see how Noah was doing, prayed with Carl, and went to bed. Tomorrow would be a better day.
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: CPAP
Weight:
The day has finally come...I'm going home. I really don't know how to feel about this because it's not like I get to go home and I don't have to come back to this hospital...I actually have to drive a pretty good distance to get over here, and that's a big difference from walking down the hall to see him. My blood pressure this morning was 130/94. It's not where the doctors wanted it to be, but it has been pretty consistent and they felt comfortable sending me home with plenty of medication. Carl went to work that day, so my parents came to pick me up. I didn't know I had to much stuff to to take home from the hospital! It felt like I had moved in with all the bags I was packing up! The ONE thing I was happy about is that I wouldn't have to eat this nasty behind food that the hospital kept giving me! Yuck! But it was really hard to know that I would be leaving Noah behind :'-(.
I stopped by to go and visit him. I wish he were back on the nasal canula as opposed to the CPAP because this thing just covers all of his super handsome little face. I spoke life over him over and over and over. He was getting a blood transfusion that day because his breathing was off and they say that most of the time, this will help stabilize them. It was only 20ml, but it would take about 4 hours for the transfusion to be done. My parents got to the hospital, and it was time to go. I dont know how many times I delayed us leaving by going to the NICU to get little containers, and waiting for the nurse to provide me with information on how much Noah weighed since birth, etc. I finally went back to the room, got all my prescriptions, and called for transportation. Once they came, we got everything loaded up on the wheelchair and made our way downstairs. I tried my best to hold it in. I know I was with my parents, and really didn't want them to see me cry and then start to cry. The hallway to get downstairs was really long, so i just kocked my head to the side and let the tears flow slowly. Why am I leaving without him? I know he needs all the care that this wonderful team of nurses and doctors can give to him that I can't, but why can't I just stay until he's ready to go home? I felt like I had a hole in my heart. Would he know that I wasn't there? Would he feel like he was abandoned? Am I not being a good mother? All of these thoughts ran through my mind as we made it downstairs. I wanted to run back upstairs and let Noah know how much I love him, that I was sorry if I did anything that made him come early, that I would live my life making sure that his would be the best it could be. I was sorry....so sorry for leaving him, and never wanted for him to feel like he was abandoned by me, because he wasn't. If i could, I would have taken him with me, but i'm not an expert and can't make him get bigger and stronger without all of the methods and procedures that they can at the hospital. This was the feeling I dreaded...it had now become a reality.
I got in the car, and my dad began to pray for Noah before we left the parking lot. I couldn't hold it any longer and cried my heart out. They tried to console me, and I finally came to terms with it. When I got home, it felt like something was missing in the house. No one was kicking in my belly anymore, I wasn't walking around with my sunflower seeds, or throwing up...but I missed all of that. Instead, it was just Carl and I. I teared up a little, but knew it wasn't going to do me any good right about now. Carl really helped with the transition. I have a great husband. That night, i took my medication, called the NICU to see how Noah was doing, prayed with Carl, and went to bed. Tomorrow would be a better day.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Day 8- July 26, 2011 (An Ode to My Nurses!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: Mid 20s
Oxygen Machine: CPAP
Weight:
Ahhhh....my nurses! There have been so many over the past 8 days in the hospital. I must take the time out to salute the most memorable ones, who have made this experience very....interesting, despite the circumstances.
On the Mission Stephanie: This nurse right here tried to get me to swallow pills. I told her I don't swallow pills and she went to get some pudding to help me out. She told me "Oh you're going to swallow pills today!". This was on Day 2. She had about 6 spoons in a cup and told me to turn around. She was going to put the pill in one of the spoonfuls of pudding, and I wouldn't know which one it was in. Now...for most people, pudding goes down in 1 gulp. For me...i chew pudding, so this wasn't going to work. Of course, I found the pill each and every time, and after 30 minutes of trying to swallow the pill, she realized it wasn't going to work, called the doctor to prescribe another pill, and kept it moving. Thank you so much Stephanie for your effort. I truly appreciate you!
The Gold Toothed Lady: I can't believe I forgot her name, but she was one of the SWEETEST nurses I had. She always came in looking fresh, and kept my water cup and orange juice supply full! LOL. Now the gold teeth....i dont know why she even had them! On her 2 front teeth to make it worse! The 1st day she was my nurse, she let me know that she talked really fast, and I assumed that I could keep up with her, but with the amount of medication that I had in my system, sometimes she really DID talk too fast! Once my family came to visit me and were in the room, she began to WHISPER fast. Who the hell does that? How the hell am I supposed to understand what you are saying?! All I kept doing was looking in her mouth and picking up the important words she said, and then rephrasing everything to make sure I understood what she was saying. Yes, I know she was probably whispering for privacy reasons, but boy oh boy am I glad her breath didn't stink because she came so close to me when she was whispering that she almost bit off one of my eyeballs! Thank you so much for being such a gentle nurse. For taking out my staples efficiently, and making the experience a lot better then I expected it to be. You were the bomb!
Tight Panty Pam: Oh Pam, how you were the entertainment for my sister, Carl, and I for many nights. I laughed so hard I was afraid to bust open my incision! Every night you came wobbling in like a duck with pants and panties that were TOO tight, and insisted on bending down to grab the trash out of the garbage, or anything else that was on the floor. We all were hoping that the next time you came in, your pants would be a little looser so that your backside would breathe, but each and every time...you failed us! You were also forgetful about the orange juice, but that wasn't our biggest problem with you...it truly was the pants. We were truly afraid that if you passed gas, you would blow a hole right through those bad boys! LOL. Thanks Pam for being such a good nurse. You were very understanding and a pleasure to talk to :-)
Tough Cookie Elaine: Oh Elaine, I had a love/hate relationship with you. I loved mostly everything about you except when you told me that because my blood pressure was too high and that I would not be able to see my son in the NICU because you didn't want me walking around. I know this was your caring side, your awesome nurse values, but honestly if i had the strength, I would've punched you right in between your eyeballs when you uttered those words to me! It was very hard being stuck in a room and knowing that I cannot leave because in order for me to go to the NICU, I would have to pass the Nurses Desk. You made me stay in my bed for 3 nights woman, and I didn't enjoy it, not one bit! But I do thank you for being good to me the rest of the time.
Last but certainly not least...
Mrs. Marva Brown: This is the lady that got me to swallow pills! Well...her and the cutest motivation under the sun (Noah)! For all the days I had been there, every nurse crushed up my pills for me. When Mrs. Marva came, she told me she isn't crushing any pills for me today. I said "what?", she said that she will cut them with a pill cutter into smaller pieces, but that I will need to go ahead and swallow them just like that. And that's exactly what she did. She cut each pill into 4 pieces, and I went ahead and swallowed each piece. The next time I had to take pills, she came with all of the pills whole, dropped them on my tray, and left. I looked at the door thinking "What am I supposed to do with these pills?!" Well...i sucked it up and cut them in half and swallowed them. She kept coming with whole pills until the end of her shift. By the time 4 o'clock rolled around, I had swallowed my first pill! I was so excited that I ran (well...walked fast) to the Nurses Desk and told her " I SWALLOWED IT!!!!" She smiled at me, and said "Good". That's all she wrote. Before she left for the night, she came by and gave me a hug. I teared up. I was SO thankful to have had her as my nurse because she really pushed me to swallow these doggone pills, in her own special way. She was the best nurse in my book. Thank you Mrs. Brown for pushing me to where I needed to be. I will ALWAYS remember you :-)!
That's all folks!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Day 7- July 25, 2011 (Nurse Lillie= Nurse BANNED!!!)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level:
Oxygen Machine:
Weight:
Day Nurse: Lillie.....
Today was the day that my alter ego came out. Her name is Jessiqua. You probably don't know her unless you're family or one of my best friends because I usually do a pretty good job at keeping her from rising to the surface. Jessiqua comes out when I am enraged, to say the least. If you try to attack one of my family members, she will be there. If you try to do one of my best friends wrong, she will be there. And if you're the nurse that's on duty to watch over MY son and you're not doing your job...SHE WILL BE THERE!!!
With that said...please meet Lillie, the nurse who made Jessiqua show her face. Every morning, I call the NICU to see how Noah is doing. This morning when I call, the tech lets me know that Lillie is busy with another baby, and that she will call me back. No problemo, I understand that she has more than one baby to look after. She calls me back an hour later and lets me know how Noah is doing, etc. Around 12, I call again to get an update on him, because my head is really hurting and I don't feel like I can physically go to the NICU just yet. Again, the tech tells me that Lillie is busy with another baby and will give me a call back. So I wait. 1 o'clock....2 o'clock...3 O'CLOCK....really?! did you plan on ever calling me back?!
After seeing that 3 hours had passed and that this "nurse" didn't call me back, I went to go take a shower, brush my teeth, do my hair, and headed to the NICU. This chick must not have known that I was IN the hospital. She must've thought I was just a mom from the outside checking in. Little did she know I wasn't. I walked up to the NICU, got my sticker, washed my hands, and rolled in there (since I was holding on to a wheelchair for support, and also for a nice place to sit when I got in the room). So I see Lillie...chatting it up with the mom of the other baby that is in the room next door to Noah's. It really looks like they are gossiping about something, but I just pass by them. She let's me pass by her and doesn't even stop her conversation to acknowledge me. I get inside Noah's room, uncover the isolette, and then go get some foam so that I can touch him. All of a sudden I hear "Oh please don't do that!". Huh?! Hold up....What?! You actually see that I am present, and when you see me about to touch my son is when you want to utter your first words to me?! "Hi, you're Noah's mom? I'm Lillie. Yes, please don't open up the isolette. I will explain to you why in a few minutes". So...I wait! Once she is done with her conversation with the other mom, she strolls in Noah's room and begins to explain that she just gave him a bath and that his temperature is kind of low, so that's the reason as to why she didn't want me to open up the isolette; because his temperature hasn't gotten back up to where it's comfortable. I understand her reasoning behind it and then begin to question her about his stats, since she never bothered to call me back (and yes I DID tell her that).
She begins to tell me about how well he has done for her today, bla bla bla. This morning, Noah had a head ultrasound to determine if there was any bleeding in his brain. I asked her if the results came back. She looks in the computer and then comes back to say that a doctor is the one that should really interpret the results for me, and that she really isn't supposed to say anything, but the results appear to be normal, but I should contact Dr. Lugo if I have any questions. I ask her if it is possible for her to have Dr. Lugo contact me, or stop by to see me since I am in the hospital and he knows where my room is. She says she will. I politely leave and call it a day. I'll come back later because apparently, I can't touch Noah, and secondly...I didn't like her.
Later that day, my parents come to visit me, and then go visit Noah. My dad comes back and tells me news that probably made my blood pressure rise. When he got to the front desk of the NICU and passed the doors on his way to Noah's room, someone calls out to him "Are you here to see Noah? I'm his nurse". It's Lillie. Where was she? Chatting it up with the tech at the front desk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Noah's room is at LEAST 50-75 meters away from the front desk. His is actually the last room in the hallway. So what in the H-E-double hockey sticks are you doing at the front desk when your post is in between the 2 rooms of the babies that you should be watching?! THAT was the straw that broke the camel's back (in this case me.). I flipped! I was FURIOUS to say the least. I already didn't like the way she had been with me all day, but for her to have been at the front desk later on that night chatting before her shift was over....put a fork in me, i'm done.
So i text my sister and let her know of this. Of course she's as mad as me. I tried to let it go. I thought that maybe I should talk to someone about it, but then I really didn't want her to be on the same floor as him and when his nurse went to lunch, she would have to watch over him and then...you know...i mean you never know with someone. I don't want Noah to have to pay for anything because of the fact that I have a bone to pick with a nurse. But I couldn't take it. When i called that night to check up on Noah, I asked the tech if his Lillie was scheduled to be his nurse again tomorrow. She told me no. That made me really happy. She also said that if I did have a problem with her, that there was someone that I could speak to. I decided I might as well. The next morning when I called to check up on Noah, one of the Head Nurses wanted to speak to me to find out what the issue was. I explained to her that I didn't feel as if she was giving my child the proper care and that there were some things she did were negligent. She asked me if I wanted for her to not work with my son again, and I said yes. But then thought about it and said that I don't want her working with my son until I have a chat with her because I want to make sure that this was not a misunderstanding that could be cleared up. The Head Nurse told me that she could go ahead and set up a meeting with us, and that she will give me a call back to let me know when this would happen. I felt at ease then and was able to get a good night's sleep (as good as it could be in the hospital). So....Nurse Lillie is BANNED until further notice. That'll show you!
Oxygen Level:
Oxygen Machine:
Weight:
Day Nurse: Lillie.....
Today was the day that my alter ego came out. Her name is Jessiqua. You probably don't know her unless you're family or one of my best friends because I usually do a pretty good job at keeping her from rising to the surface. Jessiqua comes out when I am enraged, to say the least. If you try to attack one of my family members, she will be there. If you try to do one of my best friends wrong, she will be there. And if you're the nurse that's on duty to watch over MY son and you're not doing your job...SHE WILL BE THERE!!!
With that said...please meet Lillie, the nurse who made Jessiqua show her face. Every morning, I call the NICU to see how Noah is doing. This morning when I call, the tech lets me know that Lillie is busy with another baby, and that she will call me back. No problemo, I understand that she has more than one baby to look after. She calls me back an hour later and lets me know how Noah is doing, etc. Around 12, I call again to get an update on him, because my head is really hurting and I don't feel like I can physically go to the NICU just yet. Again, the tech tells me that Lillie is busy with another baby and will give me a call back. So I wait. 1 o'clock....2 o'clock...3 O'CLOCK....really?! did you plan on ever calling me back?!
After seeing that 3 hours had passed and that this "nurse" didn't call me back, I went to go take a shower, brush my teeth, do my hair, and headed to the NICU. This chick must not have known that I was IN the hospital. She must've thought I was just a mom from the outside checking in. Little did she know I wasn't. I walked up to the NICU, got my sticker, washed my hands, and rolled in there (since I was holding on to a wheelchair for support, and also for a nice place to sit when I got in the room). So I see Lillie...chatting it up with the mom of the other baby that is in the room next door to Noah's. It really looks like they are gossiping about something, but I just pass by them. She let's me pass by her and doesn't even stop her conversation to acknowledge me. I get inside Noah's room, uncover the isolette, and then go get some foam so that I can touch him. All of a sudden I hear "Oh please don't do that!". Huh?! Hold up....What?! You actually see that I am present, and when you see me about to touch my son is when you want to utter your first words to me?! "Hi, you're Noah's mom? I'm Lillie. Yes, please don't open up the isolette. I will explain to you why in a few minutes". So...I wait! Once she is done with her conversation with the other mom, she strolls in Noah's room and begins to explain that she just gave him a bath and that his temperature is kind of low, so that's the reason as to why she didn't want me to open up the isolette; because his temperature hasn't gotten back up to where it's comfortable. I understand her reasoning behind it and then begin to question her about his stats, since she never bothered to call me back (and yes I DID tell her that).
She begins to tell me about how well he has done for her today, bla bla bla. This morning, Noah had a head ultrasound to determine if there was any bleeding in his brain. I asked her if the results came back. She looks in the computer and then comes back to say that a doctor is the one that should really interpret the results for me, and that she really isn't supposed to say anything, but the results appear to be normal, but I should contact Dr. Lugo if I have any questions. I ask her if it is possible for her to have Dr. Lugo contact me, or stop by to see me since I am in the hospital and he knows where my room is. She says she will. I politely leave and call it a day. I'll come back later because apparently, I can't touch Noah, and secondly...I didn't like her.
Later that day, my parents come to visit me, and then go visit Noah. My dad comes back and tells me news that probably made my blood pressure rise. When he got to the front desk of the NICU and passed the doors on his way to Noah's room, someone calls out to him "Are you here to see Noah? I'm his nurse". It's Lillie. Where was she? Chatting it up with the tech at the front desk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Noah's room is at LEAST 50-75 meters away from the front desk. His is actually the last room in the hallway. So what in the H-E-double hockey sticks are you doing at the front desk when your post is in between the 2 rooms of the babies that you should be watching?! THAT was the straw that broke the camel's back (in this case me.). I flipped! I was FURIOUS to say the least. I already didn't like the way she had been with me all day, but for her to have been at the front desk later on that night chatting before her shift was over....put a fork in me, i'm done.
So i text my sister and let her know of this. Of course she's as mad as me. I tried to let it go. I thought that maybe I should talk to someone about it, but then I really didn't want her to be on the same floor as him and when his nurse went to lunch, she would have to watch over him and then...you know...i mean you never know with someone. I don't want Noah to have to pay for anything because of the fact that I have a bone to pick with a nurse. But I couldn't take it. When i called that night to check up on Noah, I asked the tech if his Lillie was scheduled to be his nurse again tomorrow. She told me no. That made me really happy. She also said that if I did have a problem with her, that there was someone that I could speak to. I decided I might as well. The next morning when I called to check up on Noah, one of the Head Nurses wanted to speak to me to find out what the issue was. I explained to her that I didn't feel as if she was giving my child the proper care and that there were some things she did were negligent. She asked me if I wanted for her to not work with my son again, and I said yes. But then thought about it and said that I don't want her working with my son until I have a chat with her because I want to make sure that this was not a misunderstanding that could be cleared up. The Head Nurse told me that she could go ahead and set up a meeting with us, and that she will give me a call back to let me know when this would happen. I felt at ease then and was able to get a good night's sleep (as good as it could be in the hospital). So....Nurse Lillie is BANNED until further notice. That'll show you!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Day 6- July 24, 2011 (My sis left yesterday :-(...)
Noah's Stats
Oxygen Level: in the 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight:
Noah has been doing pretty well on his oxygen levels, as well as starting to take in more of his feedings. He surely is one little boy that is L-O-V-E-D! My sister, Herline, came down on Tuesday night after we texted all of Monday during the day and night so she can be updated. She came and spent the whole week with us, traveling back and forth from my parents' house to the hospital everyday and staying until the wee hours of the morning chatting with Carl and I, and going to see her handsome godson, Noah! I love my sister....more than she will ever know. She's the kind of person that is willing to move mountains for me, as I would do for her! Seeing her leave was bittersweet. I know she has her family and responsibilities....but it felt so 'natural' to have her here! God knew what He was doing when He gave me such an awesome sister :-). Of course, she left yesterday, but since it was Carl's bday, I wanted to go ahead and dedicate that post to him. So here's to having an awesome sister. She plays MANY roles in my life, and I love her even more for it. Noah, you don't know how blessed you are to have this wonderful woman as your auntie and Godmom. She's simply AH-MAZING!
Oxygen Level: in the 20s
Oxygen Machine: Nasal Canula
Weight:
Noah has been doing pretty well on his oxygen levels, as well as starting to take in more of his feedings. He surely is one little boy that is L-O-V-E-D! My sister, Herline, came down on Tuesday night after we texted all of Monday during the day and night so she can be updated. She came and spent the whole week with us, traveling back and forth from my parents' house to the hospital everyday and staying until the wee hours of the morning chatting with Carl and I, and going to see her handsome godson, Noah! I love my sister....more than she will ever know. She's the kind of person that is willing to move mountains for me, as I would do for her! Seeing her leave was bittersweet. I know she has her family and responsibilities....but it felt so 'natural' to have her here! God knew what He was doing when He gave me such an awesome sister :-). Of course, she left yesterday, but since it was Carl's bday, I wanted to go ahead and dedicate that post to him. So here's to having an awesome sister. She plays MANY roles in my life, and I love her even more for it. Noah, you don't know how blessed you are to have this wonderful woman as your auntie and Godmom. She's simply AH-MAZING!
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