July 9th, 2007

I have actually caught up in my blog. I started this journal early this morning because Megan has so many supporters that want to see how she is doing. Again, I want to thank everyone for their support. There are no words that can describe how much it means to Bob and I. We know that we are not alone in this journey.

I called early this morning to see how Megan did last night. She slept very well and was resting when I called. She had no problem with the increased breast milk and still did not have any residual. They were expecting to give her a blood transfusion today to replace some of the blood that they have taken for testing. Her red blood cell count is down to 30. Bob donated blood when she was born for his baby girl. She is also scheduled to have her second head scan today and also have a PICC line put in. Her bilirubin has gone down again and is now at 2.1. I noticed on her chart that her weight is down to 1 lb 10 oz as of yesterday, but she didn't lose any weight today. They believe that she may have bottomed out and is ready to gain!

Bob and I went in to see Megan around lunch. The nurse explained the PICC line to us. As long as it is put in successfully, it will significantly decrease the number of times that she needs to be pricked by needles becuse this IV lasts longer than a normal IV. It is run through a big vein in her arm or leg.

The best news of the day - she pooped! Megan had her first dirty diaper! YAY! I wish I could have seen it, but I was so glad to hear the big news!

We also got another picture of Megan without her ventilator. The little wild girl actually pulled our her own ventilator. In the picture, her eyes are wide open and it is sooo cute!

While we were visiting, the nurse changed her diaper, took her temperature, measured her stomach and listened to her breathing. They measured her stomach to check for any signs of NEC, a digestive disease. For the past three days, her stomach has been measuring at 18 1/2 cm which is a positive sign that her digestive system is functioning properly. Overall we had a great visit! They were planning on installing the PICC line shortly, so we told her we loved her and left.

We checked in later that evening and found out that her PICC line went in successfully so far and she also got her head scan. We are very anxious to hear about the head scan! She also received her blood transfusion and took it very well. It means so much to Bob that he was able to help her by donating blood! The nurse said that she is having a good night and is now just resting. She had quite a bit done today and tolerated everything well.

My first day home went by quickly. I have found that my day was consumed by pumping and resting. I did a little too much today on my feet, so I'm pretty sure that I'm paying for it. I'm hoping that it will be better after a good night's sleep.

Time to pump and go to sleep!