Thursday, November 1, 2007

Thursday, November 1, 2007 - Update

Olivia is doing fantastic, but do you expect anything less from my little over-achiever? She now weighs 3 lbs 2 oz. They lowered her PEEP down to 5 today and I believe they will lower it again if her blood gas comes back good tomorrow. She is only having her blood gases checked every other day now, which I’m so thankful for. Every time they do it, they have to take blood from her heel. Can you imagine waking up to that every morning? Poor girl has had to endure so much. She was seen by the physical therapists (PTs) today and they still believe that she seems to be developing appropriately. I’m meeting with them on Monday to discuss it with them further and learn some exercises that I can be doing with her. I don’t believe I mentioned this before, but with the CPAP she also has an OG tube that goes down her throat to help get rid of excess gas in her tummy. It didn’t take her long to yank that out and have to have it put back in. Boy, she is one feisty little girl! And when she gets mad she lets everyone know. She had an EEG tonight before we got there and I guess she was not happy with that at all! We should find out the results of that tomorrow. Olivia wasn’t completely calmed down when we got there. Ryan cuddled her with his hands and she calmed right down. She is going to be such the daddy’s girl! It was so cute because Ryan said, “I’m covering her with a warm blanket of love.” I don’t know that we could feel any more love for her and yet I’ll love her more tomorrow than I do today.

I did get her out to do skin to skin, but I had to put her back in her isolette after about 30 minutes. I don’t really know why because she was very calm and snuggly up next to me and yet her saturations kept dropping. We’ve heard, however, that sometimes they can get too relaxed and forget to breathe. That just breaks your heart because if she enjoys it so much it’s hard to discontinue it. I think everyone is amazed with how well she is doing. I know things can change in an instant, but I’m so very grateful that she is doing so well. She warms my heart more than you can even imagine. I constantly dream of the day that I get to bring her home.

7 comments:

Sarah Furlough said...

So glad to hear Olivia continues to do well. Keep looking forward to the day you get to bring her home. The vision of bringing Cooper home got me through some rough days!

I will keep your xweet family in my prayers, and I look forward to reading more great updates!

Casey's trio said...

Hooray for olivia! So happy to read that she is doing well on CPAP and I love the stories of her being feisty already:)

Anonymous said...

Olivia is doing GREAT! We know miracles are still happening and God is never done surprising us! Sarah is right to say keep dreaming of the day you can bring her home! Before you know it, you'll be in mother-baby/family scrambling to get things ready at your house!
Neva

Anonymous said...

Jodi and Ryan,
I don't think there is anything more precious than when those tiny hands and arms wrap around your neck -- I'm looking forward to those days for you with Olivia.
Love and prayers...Shelly K.

Anonymous said...

You have an amazingly strong little girl, with a great mother and father. I am glad to hear that she is doing well. She will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilee

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that everyday she is improving! It is such a peaceful feeling that overcomes me when I read that she is with her mom and dad, and that she is gaining weight! I'm so happy for her.
She is already showing some characteristics of her parents, (I think.) She has shown that she definately has her mamma's strength. And she is showing her dad's patience. But one thing that I have noticed from recent posts from mom, and in some pictures. That she is showing, from both parents, her love of life. Jodi is always saying how 'fiesty' she is, and how she keeps pulling her tubes out. Well, to me that is just a sign saying, "Let me go play with my mom and dad. My cousins, aunts and uncles and friends."
"You ain't seen nothing yet."
"Look what I can do without this tube..."
"Watch me mamma..."
"Watch me dad..."
She is proving that anything is possible if we all just keep a little faith. And no matter how bad things get, always remember that God will always be there for us. We are never alone.
I was watching 'Angels in the Outfield' yesterday and that's what the angels kept saying.
"You're never alone, we are always watching."
And it really made me think that even though loved ones are in a better place they really have never left. Because, to some, the better place, is inside your heart. I know that, that's what all parents tell their kids...
"They are always here. etc...But I really believe that the heart is the best place to be for anybody.
Can't wait to hear what's new in Olivia's life tomorrow and to check up on her!
Love you all!
Stay Strong,
Shea♥

Anonymous said...

Soon you will have to put that little gal on a diet. Great to hear how things are going and I know you will be thrilled when you get to take Olivia home. Everyone is constantly in our prayers.

Love,
Chris & Jean