Sean and I just got home from visiting Emma. We got a call around 6:00 p.m. saying that she had been extubated and was breathing on her own with just oxygen through a nasal canula! This was both exciting news and intimidating since we've been through this before and she didn't do so well. We were eager to go see her after dinner and after the kids were down for the night. We were almost like kids in a candy store, racing down the hall, rushing to wash our hands and get by her side.
Seeing her without the ventilator tonight was the greatest feeling. even though we've seen it once before this time felt different. It felt "right". I really have a good feeling about it this time. So far she has done wonderful breathing on her own. Her oxygen saturatuon was between 97-99% without any desatting. Her heartrate was between 140-160. She did have one very short episode of bradycardia but she recovered very quickly. They suctioned the drool from her mouth (she had been blowing bubbles) and then she was fine. Her respirations were in the "normal" range and she wasn't having very noticeable chest retractions. YAY. She was fairly active and kept stretching out her left foot. Sean said she was "kickin' back". She also yawned quite a few times and blew quite a few bubbles, all of which we got on video. You can see the video clip at http://lilliana.aboutmybaby.com/ (copy and paste into a new browser window). Look for it in the video section titled "Emma Grace"
She is still handling the full strength breastmilk well. She is now on one full cc/ml per hour. They took out her umbilical arterial catheter which is what they were using to draw blood from. They put in a new line on her left arm to do this from now. Hopefully if all goes well we might be able to start talking about kangaroo care soon. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high since I know it's baby steps, but it's hard not to.
Sean and I will definitely both sleep well tonight knowing she is doing so well right now! Thank you Lord!
7 comments:
way to go emma! keep up the fighting princess, your mama's cuddles will be the next best medicine for you
lots of love, geina xx
YEAH! Way to go little Emma!!! Keep on fighting so you can come home to your Mommy, Daddy, sister and brother!!! *huge hugs*
Whooo hoooo about the ventilator and the increased feeds! And the umbilical tube. Yayyy!!! We're clebrating for you over here.
This is all such good news!!!
Katelyn once again scrolled down to see the hat you made Emma. She loves it.
This is also the first day that she didn't sign sick when she saw Emma. Even a child can tell how much better she looks!
Yeah! What great news! She is such a fighter. I am so glad she is doing well.
Love Sammi
Elaina,
That is awesome news!!! More answered prayers for sure! You and Sean must be feeling so blessed and so relieved. Thanks so much for taking the time to update the blog so all of us know what is going on with your beautiful little princess. ;0) More prayers headed your way! I can't wait until the day you are able to start kangaroo care with her, I know that you are so anxious to begin cuddling your precious little angel. Hugs to all of you. I finished her little blanket last night, and also finished another little hat. I'll have a package to mail off to you guys very soon. :0)
Stephanie
Yay! This is such good news and truly a miracle. Emma, I hope you continue to grow strong so you can come home where you belong. Elaina, Sean, Caden, and Lily, keep staying strong!
MiracleMama3 from Delphi
I've been reading about little Emma. (I'm a lurker on NFP on Delphi)
I just wanted to give you a little encouragement.
My granddaughter was a preemie 6 years ago, born at not quite 26 weeks. She weighed 1lb 13 oz. She is now almost 7. Except for being tiny and not having much hair, Kaya is (or was, the last time I saw her) a strong healthy fighter.
God Bless Emma on her journey through life (and your whole family)
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