First-- so I don't forget, I've finally gotten more photos uploaded to snapshttp://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=186529629/a=13247378_13247378/t_=13247378 fish- the new ones are at the bottom of the album. Kirsten and I will do a better job or organizing photos but we got some good ones yesterday (perhaps the best one is at the top of this post.)
Okay, with photos out of the way, let me get to the great news that we received this morning. Madeleine continues to amaze her doctors, nurses, and parents. As a recap from yesterday (sorry for no post-- I was just too tired), she is completely off dopamine (blood pressure) and morphine (pain). Additionally, last night they removed the line from her stomach that was pumping out all of the bile and have added a colostomy bag to her ostomy (the small intestines currently outside of her skin). This is great news because it allows the doctors to monitor how her body processes bile and if Madeleine demonstrates the ability to process bile, the doctors will clear her to feed in 2-3 days!!! Madeleine's last day for antibiotics is tomorrow. Additionally, they've removed the previous nasal canula (called Vapotherm) and have replaced with a lower pressure canula. She still isn't recieving any oxygen and the nurse thinks that the canula will be completely removed in the next few days-- she said Madeleine keeps pulling it out and doesn't appear to need it. Further good news, they hope to remove the arterial line on her foot-- reducing one port of entry for infection. I know this is a lot of new information so let me give you a quick summary: by mid-week of this week, Madeleine should only have one invasive line (her pic line) that will only provide nutrition via IV. She should begin feeding on breast milk at this same time and the only other lines attached should be the normal NICU monitors!
Needless to say, we've already had our best Easter ever-- and we haven't even been to the hospital to hold her yet. Here's the one disclaimer-- she's made such great progress that we're elated but also expecting some setbacks in the next few days. I can't predict what the setback would be but we know from previous experience in the NICU that most progress is tempered with setbacks. Still, we can't help but rejoice today. Please enjoy the pictures, rejoice in Easter, and have a great day-- thanks again for all your support.
Brent and Kirsten
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7 comments:
Is it me or has littl Madeline's hair grown a lot in the past week?! She looks wonderful!
Kirsten and Brent, What a wonderful way to end Easter day-to be able to read about Madeleine's improvement. Love the pictures!
XOXO Barb and Mark
Sounds like the new Mom and Dad are doing an awesome job. Please don't forget to take care of yourself. That little girl needs to have healthy parents. Hope you 3 had a great Easter. From the post it sounds like that is exactly what you had. Keep up the good work. I've been praying for you.
Joni
Hi Brent and Kirsten! I have to admit I missed my Madeleine "fix" yesterday. She is beginning to fill out a bit, I think. To truly sense how blessed you are, go back and read some of the first few messages you sent. Your extended family is cheering for all of you in a multitude of ways. Hope you can feel the "vibes." Love, Aunt Donna xoxoxoxox
Congrats on the all the wonderful improvements! We're so happy for you. Lots of love to all three of you and Happy Easer.
Love Brian, Erika, & Drake, too!
I am one of Kirsten's Dad's assistants, and I have been following Madeleine's progress through him. Thank you for doing the post to keep us all updated on your new family's journey. I look forward to more good news from Grandpa Steve at work today! Congratulations! Terra
Madeline is beautiful and certainly a blessing!
David and I are thinking of you! We are inspired by your postings and by your strength! Keep up the good work and let us know if there is anything at all we can do. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
All our best,
Kelly and David Morrison
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