Saturday, December 29, 2007 - Update

Party at my crib!

The three bottles with dark karo syrup didn’t seem to do anything for Olivia. It caused her not to take quite as much because I don’t believe she liked the taste. Earlier today we gave her a glycerin suppository (she had these in the NICU) and it did the trick. Actually, it did it so well that we ended up having to give her a bath. These aren’t really a permanent solution, but at least we got a stool out of her. Can vaccinations cause infrequent stools/constipation? It’s just interesting how we never had this problem previously. Thanks for all of your suggestions. I know everyone has commented about how much they like this blog, but you have no idea how much it means to Ryan and me. We haven’t had a chance to go to any support groups because we spent our evenings at the hospital and now we have Olivia to take care of. It’s unbelievable the amount of physical and emotional stamina required to deal with all that has happened over the past 4 months. This blog is kind of my support group and I appreciate all of you who take the time to check it each day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Friday, December 28, 2007 - Update

Well, her Synagis shot is to be shipped on Jan 2nd and should arrive on Jan 3rd at our pediatrician’s office. Of course, that’s also the day of her next eye exam. I’d really like her to have the shot before going into a public place again, but that would be one awful day for her. I don’t know. . .as if life hasn’t been tough enough. . . .why do people have to make it that more stressful? If I don’t come out of this whole thing without some kind of obsessive/compulsive/anxiety disorder it’ll be a miracle. I wash and Purell my hands so much that they are cracked and bleeding. Anyway, we checked into a home nursing agency coming to our home to do it, but at this point I don’t want anything else to hold it up. They pay 90% after we meet our deductible. We’ve met our deductible about 1000 times over this year, but unfortunately next week is a new year. Our next worry is that Olivia hasn’t stooled in almost 48 hours. We’re talking about a girl who would have 6-7 dirty diapers in a day. A few days ago, the amount decreased somewhat and now it’s come to a standstill. I’m planning on going to the store to get some karo syrup to add to some of her bottles? I thought breast milk was a natural laxative and I’m still pumping breast milk for her (although it’s getting increasingly difficult.) Of course, I’m terrified to go into public places myself and bring something home to Olivia. . .the whole OCD/anxiety thing again.

She is doing better and seems a lot happier today after having her vaccinations yesterday. She wasn’t too happy yesterday. We received her blood work results, but haven’t talked to the doctor about them. Her alk/phos is still in the 800s. Her hematocrit is low again which means she is bordering on anemia again. This has been the reason for so many of her transfusions. What do they do once a baby is discharged and still has the problem? Add iron? Of course, that won’t help her stooling issues and I believe that the Neosure has iron in it. For some reason, they didn’t have the GGT results, which is the liver enzyme that we were worried about.

Sorry. . no pictures again. It’s been a stressful couple of days. Ryan let me sleep tonight until about 8 pm which I desperately needed. This lack of sleep isn’t making things any better. She would probably sleep through the night if we let her, but we’re all too concerned about making sure she gets enough calories each day. I don’t know when we’ll make that transition. Please continue to keep her in your prayers

Thursday, December 27. 2007 - Update

I just have probably a few minutes to write this update as Olivia hasn’t let me be out of her sight all day. She had to have 4 vaccinations (3 shots) along with a bunch of blood work today. Poor thing is one cranky baby. Of course, none of those shots were her Synagis shot as we are still waiting on its approval. She had one Synagis shot in November while still in the NICU, so I don’t know what the hold up is. I am so very frustrated by it and don’t know who to direct my anger at. I’ve called our insurance company and left a message in hopes that I hear back from them tomorrow. This is ridiculous and I feel that it’s putting her health at risk. Don’t be surprised if we limit our visitors even more so until she at least gets her second shot. I just thought that because she was a 23 weeker (who also lost her twin brother) that the medical and insurance field would make sure she was better protected or at least help us to do so. At least today at the pediatrician’s office we were able to wait in a separate room instead of in the waiting room with a whole bunch of sick kids. But, when you request it, they look at you like, “Why should your child get special treatment?” Um. . . .do you want me to start listing off the many reasons why? I’m just a mom trying to protect her child that’s already been through too much.

Well, this update has taken me about 3 hours to write because Olivia just wants her mama to rock her. This will be an interesting night. But, before I forget. . .she now weighs 6 lbs 6 oz and is 18 ¾ inches long. This puts her in the 25th percentile on the preemie chart (not the full term chart.) I believe her head circumference is in the 10th percentile. We are very pleased with her growth and pray that she continues to grow bigger and stronger and healthier each day.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - Update

I don’t have any pictures to post today, so I thought I would post a pre-Olivia picture of mommy, daddy and the Grinch. This was taken a few years ago on our trip to Universal Studios.

It’s kind of sad that Olivia is outgrowing a lot of her first sleepers. . .her ‘Baby’s First Christmas,’ her yellow giraffe one, etc. I never thought I’d see the day, but I’m thrilled that she continues to grow and thrive. She’s really starting to smile and interact with us and she’s even shown a preference for certain toys. Tomorrow she has another pediatrician appt and has to get her 4 month vaccinations. I think that babies that have been through as much as Olivia should never have to be poked or prodded ever again. She should hopefully get her Synagis shot tomorrow as she is a week overdue. Maybe someone could explain to me how this works, but it’s taking forever to get approval for it. I’m getting really frustrated. . .she was born at 23 weeks!! What is there to think about? Anyway, please be thinking about her tomorrow and pray she has another good weight gain for us.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - Merry Christmas!

My family takes time out to say, "Hi!"

I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas. Thanks to all of you who took time out from your festivities to visit the blog and say hi. Shea, I hope that you are enjoying your Christmas present. You’d think Ryan and I could get a little kick back from the high speed internet companies considering the number who have purchased it to check in on my little girl.

We were unable to go to my parents’ house for the annual Christmas dinner, so it was delivered to our door. Pretty cool. Grandma and Grandpa Glunt spent the day over here with us. It was their turn to spoil Olivia and we had a wonderful time. They even provided us with dinner. What a great Christmas for us. I hope it was for all of you as well!

Monday, December 24, 2007 - Merry Christmas Update

La-Z-Boy? More like La-Z-Girls!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! As you can tell from the picture. . .I didn’t do too much today. Olivia has decided that she no longer needs the extra oxygen and when she saturates better without her prongs in, who are we to question her? She knew when she was ready to come off the ventilator and never looked back. Some days it seems that she has it all figured out. I know that I will want the oxygen tank right beside her for some time. She may still need it when she’s in her car seat. Before I forget. . . last time I spoke with Holli, she had not found a home for Harley yet. It’s probably too late to put him in a red bow for Christmas morning, but it’s not too late to ring in the New Year with him. If you are interested, you can call Holli at 316-323-2765.

This was the first year of my entire life that I didn’t spend the evening on Christmas Eve at my grandparents’ house. I really missed it, although having Olivia home is the best Christmas present I could have hoped for. I missed spending the afternoon at Ryan’s parents’ house. Watching my nieces and nephews open their Christmas presents has become quite the highlight for me in years past. I miss you guys and hope you get everything you wanted. Ryan, Olivia and I are getting ready to pile into the bedroom, watch Ratatouille and wait for Santa Claus to come!

Sunday, December 23, 2007 - Merry Christmas and Happy Due Date

She must have been a very good girl. I bet Santa has tons of presents for her!

We had to take time for an afternoon cuddle!

Merry Christmas from Ryan, Jodi and Olivia.

Today was Olivia’s official due date. Actually, they consider 37 weeks full term with twins so she probably would have been born around Thanksgiving. I would have taken Halloween or at least sometime after Labor Day. She’s been through so much before she was even supposed to be born. We celebrated our first of many Christmases today. Because of RSV season we are unable to attend large family gatherings, so we are having multiple celebrations at home. Today was Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma Sailing. She has no idea how many presents she received. I just have to find places for all of it.