July 17th, 2007

This morning Megan got her chest xray. I am very anxious to hear the results and having mixed feelings on what I expect it to be.

Her carbon dioxide levels were elevated for two of her blood gas tests last night, but were back down by her 10pm blood gas. I was searching all over google to find out what causes high co2 levels and what the risks are. I couldn't find anything. I did read in our Preemie book that the blood gas evaluates her "transfer of gases" and helps the nurses adjust her ventilator. Bob and I figured that although we obviously want her to keep her co2 levels down, high co2 levels are just part of the first few weeks as her lungs mature. I read that we shouldn't expect her lungs to fully mature until 28-32 weeks. Right now she is 27 weeks.

She is still taking her feedings well and will be bumped up to 9cc today if she continues to do well. The nurses said that she is doing well.

It seems like forever until we can bring Megan home. Some days I think it will be here before we know it and sometimes I just want to crawl into a box for the next 2 months. I want so much to be by her side 24/7 for the next 2 months, but there is not much I can do. That is the part that is killing me. I am so glad that I can provide her with breastmilk which is so valuable for her. Right now, when we visit her, all we can do is stand by her isolette and look in. I can't wait for when we can hold her and interact with her so that she could know how much we love her.

We had a great visit with Megan today! Her chest xray came back and showed improvements from her last one which is great. They have decided that the antibiotics are working and she probably won't get another xray unless they think it is getting worse. Great news! The infection that she had was a respiratory infection similar to pnemonia. Her blood gas tests today were all at normal levels.

They had her situated on her stomach today and she was so adorable! It reminded me of how I see a lot of toddlers sleep on their stomach with their butt up in the air. That is how she was laying. The nurse said she really likes it and was very comfortable.

The nurse also let Bob and I touch her today. We each got to put our finger into her tiny hand. It was the most incredible feeling. While she was gripping my finger, I told her that I was her Mommy and I loved her very much. As I talked to her she squeezed my finger with her little hand. I like to think that she was telling me that she knew who I was! It was also so precious to see her little hand on her Daddy's finger and she was rubbing her thumb up and down his finger.

She is now 2 lbs and 2 oz!!! My little button is getting so big! :) She is doing so well with her feedings and will be back up to 10 cc every 3 hours tomorrow. I am so excited to watch her grow! She is also doing well on her ventilator and is back down in the 30 range.

I do want to take a sec to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. We know that it is all helping our little Megan on this difficult journey. Bob and I are so grateful for the support and we find it difficult to even find the words to express how thankful we are. It is so encouraging to know we have so many family and friends behind us and rooting for Megan. THANK YOU!