The girls had a good day. Emma is continuing to evacuate "stuff" out of her tummy, and she is doing great on the vent. Abby is doing well also. They call her the wild child because she likes to fling her arms and legs most of the day. We are so thankful for these "average" days.
Some of you may wonder what a day in the NICU is like so I thought I'd give my perspective. As you come into the NICU, you must sign a log book for the baby you are visiting. You also have to fill out a questionnaire which ask about any symptoms you may have (runny nose, cough, fever, etc.) In order to be allowed into the NICU you have to be symptom free for at least 5 days. After signing in you must scrub for 3 minutes. To get a better idea of what scrubbing in is, think of the docs you see on TV going into surgery. You use the same soapy sponge, and you scrub all the way up to your elbows. After that you are supposed to apply an alcohol rub. When I arrive at the girls' rooms, I check on each one of them and say hello to them. Each nurse updates me on how the girls are doing, and most days the neonatal nurse practitioner comes in and speaks to me about what the care plan is and why. By this time Patrick arrives to see the girls, and we usually head to the cafeteria or parents' lounge for lunch. The rest of the day I spend with the girls helping change diapers and taking temperatures. I read books to them daily in hopes that they will know my voice. The hardest part of the day is dealing with the constant alarms, dinging machines, the desatting, and the constant blood test. The best part of the day is when the girls open their eyes and look at me. It seems to make everything else disappear.
Every day we have with the girls brings us one day closer to having them home. We don't know when that will be, but we tend to count down by weeks. They were due July 22, so in our minds the girls will be coming home in 12 weeks (give or take). That's so unbelievable when we think about it.
Just stop...
10 years ago
5 comments:
I'm so glad you get to spend so much time with the girls each day. I teared up when I thought about you sitting there reading to them. They hear your sweet voice and they know you are their mom! I bet when they hear your voice and Pat's voice their little hearts just go to fluttering! They are working hard on getting "big" for you and their dad so they can come home!
You will never know what an inspiration you are to me. When I have a bad day or get down, I think about everything you and Pat have gone through. Your faith in the Lord, in love and in people makes me so thankful I have a wonderful friend like you!
There are 545 miles between us, but know I am there in spirit with you each and every single day!
Love you!
I'm praying for another "average" day. I'm sure those little ones like being read to. Thanks for the updates. It really helps me know how to pray.
I spent a lot of time yesterday thinking and praying for the girls...I questioned how much more those litttle bodies and hearts could take and then I just read your latest..Thank you God for hearing all of us. He knows how important they are to everyone and I think HE will keep listening and granting improvement..what 'birth stories' you will have..my kids love to hear theirs (nothing compared to your girls),,even Greg who was just 55, reminds me each year! I hope the day comes soon that you can be more relaxed on your visits and it will be a continual encouraging and happy report from now on. Fondly, Vonnie
Oh the constant alarms!!! I remember when my girls came home -- they came home with no monitors -- I actually missed those alarms! My Mom and I would take shifts (I had 9pm to midnight and she had midnight to 5am) so someone would be awake with them every minute of the day b/c there were no alarms to tell us if someone stopped breathing. For hours I would sit and just listen to them breathe. When you are in that situation you realize the blessing of healthy children. Love to you all and continued prayers for the girls.
Your girls are beautiful! It has taken me awhile to get to your site, but Kimberly has been keeping us posted. Know that you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts daily. God has blessed Emma and Abby with wonderful parents.
Love,
Heather Mitchell
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