Day 95

Every blade of grass has its angel that
bends over it and whispers, 'Grow, grow" -Talmud

Thank You Nurse Sharon for being Nina's Special Angel.

We are winding down our time in the Special Care Unit. Please say extra prays for Nina as she enters the home stretch.

Day 94- so far so good

Nina had her eyes checked tonight and so far the ROP has stalled at Stage 2. Dr will be back in a week to check again.
She had a good day and is drinking her bottles like a big girl. She is getting two bottles in a row then a tube feed. Unfortunately for Nina, Nurse Laura has to hold her feeds until later tonight b/c of the eye exam. (eye drops) She's gonna be one hungry little lady!

Day 93- Great-Grandmom Mary

Nina got a visit today from her Great-Grandmom.
She was very pleasant and loved being held by her GG Mary.
Nina has been in the crib for a couple days now. She's maintaining her temp and is now weighing in at 4 lbs 1 oz!
While GG Mary visited today, I gave Nina a bottle and she did great. Doc have increased her bottle time to two in a row.

Day 92 - Tell Me This Smile Won't Melt Your Heart

Happy 3 month birthday little girl!!! We can't wait for you to come home!!!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Day 91- Chugging like her Daddy

Nina is able to drink 36 ml ( over an ounce) in less than 20 minutes. This is huge b/c a few days ago it took her about 35 minutes. She is taking a bottle every other feeding to build up her stamina and it seems to be working. Can't wait to get that NG tube off her pretty face. We are hoping this coming week will bring her out of her isolette for the last time and more chances bottle feeding.

Here she is stretching out on the beautiful quilt her Aunt Heather made. Thanks so much Aunt Heather!

Day 90--24 hour notice-evicted from crib

So Nina did not quite get the body regulating thing down so she's back in the isolette. This is common and she'll try it again soon.
She is still trying to master the bottle drinking. She needs to finish strong (instead of turning a "dusty" color the Nurses tell me about. So she'll be on O2 while eating and continue be on it for the 20 minutes after. The O2 she is receiving is the same setting she would get if she comes home on O2.
She is weighing in a 3.14 oz and is at full feeds. We on knocking on Mr Four Pounder's door!
Today Jason,Chris H, and Bill R are painting Nina's room. I think it's finally time.

Day 89- CRIBTASTIC!

No more isolette for Nina! She moved into big girl digs last night.

Last night Nina also got her eye exam from Doc Koller. He said her Stage 2 ROP did not progress and he'll check back next week. Let's hope it stays stage 2 so she does not need operation!

In the feeding department, she is going to be given a bottle for every feed! Nurse Linda (with Nina) noticed Nina needed a little extra boost during her feeding time, so for now she will be on the cannula, getting only a tiny bit of O2, during her bottle time. She is up to 35 ml every 3 hours.