Morning Rounds

Audrey continues to "fly." She is now getting 2 cc of milk every 3 hours. She's breathing "room air" with the help of CPAP, as she has been almost right from the start. The nurses don't talk much about her because she's just doing everything right at this stage. She got her 7 day brain ultrasound today, so we're praying for a clear report. Bleeds in the brain are an incredibly common issue with preemie babies, and they typically occur within the first 7 days of life, so a clear report now is a big deal. 

Thomas is also breathing "room air" with the help of CPAP, but he is also being assisted by NAVA (a sensor on his diaphragm that informs how much help he will get from the machine such that every breath is different-- amazing). He's up to 1.5 cc of milk every 3 hours and now seems to be taking food well. He also got his 7 day brain ultrasound today.

Charlotte is the only one still intubated. She had a scary episode yesterday when they tried to extubate her (chest compressions and everything). I received the call from the NICU within moments of walking out of the chapel following Joseph's memorial service. Apparently, she has thick secretions (similar to the mucus we all have), and that was blocking her ability to breathe on her own. They're planning to fully suction her tomorrow morning and try again. We're praying for a successful transition to CPAP. Once that occurs, they will likely wait a day or so and then start to feed her as well (beginning with 0.5 cc every 6 hours). She's the smallest, by far, so the beginning of nutrition would be a huge milestone. Finally, she had her brain ultrasound yesterday, and it came back clear :)