Good Day

Julia did really well today, she was much more relaxed and content.   Yesterday she kept having frequent episodes where she would get really worked up and trying to cry but that doesn't work well when you have a breathing tube... she would just end up not getting the oxygen that she needs as her breathing pushed against the breathing tube.  The nurses would usually end up having to suction her and that would calm her down, but too much suctioning isn't good either as it promotes more secretions in the lungs.  A vicious cycle.
But it was a good day today.

I was quite hopeful that I would be able to hold her today and as we were getting geared up to do that, they got some blood test results back that showed her bilirubin levels (meaning she is jaundice) were way high so we had to scratch the cuddle as they wanted to get her under the photo-therapy lights asap.

Echo results were in today - a few defects but nothing too alarming... if that's really possible.  She has a small hole between the ventricles as well as between the atriums of the heart.  As well as a hole between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, that usually closes shortly after birth, is still open.  Because she is preterm, these things can take longer to close up so it is an item we will follow-up on.  Her heart is functioning well though otherwise! :)

We came home a little early today and will probably go in to the hospital a little later then we have been tomorrow, as Aiden and Emmy are needing a little more mom and dad attention.  It's been a really tough 5 days on them too.  We miss them lots.  We feel a little better knowing Julia is more content and we can call the NICU at any time to hear how she is doing.   I feel guilty as I write this... but I know I just can't be in two places at once.

Finally, I REALLY want to say thank you to everyone who has been so generous, and kind, and supportive.  I said to my Mom in an email that we can hardly develop a need before it is taken off our shoulders and taken care of.  I feel very emotional thinking of how blessed we have been.  Sometimes it is hard to receive service, and we can feel like we really don't deserve so much.  But we are so so so grateful for everything and it has truly made this time much easier for us

Love you all.