Day 12

Just thinking about what I'm going to do today

So, I'm going to skip a few days and fast-forward to the present day. I will back-track later and recount the ups and downs of the first week, but since so many of you are praying and sending such positive and wonderful messages for us, I wanted to keep you in the loop of Olivia's progress.

Pretty in pink!

Today, her weight is at 5 pounds 1 oz. She was moved up this morning to 45cc at every feeding (25 from bottle and 20 from her nasal gastric tube). Yesterday, she was at 35cc total (25 from bottle and 10 from ng), so we're continuing to progress. Yesterday was also a huge day because she got to stop her iv fluids!! They kept her line in, just in case (she was a very difficult stick). But this afternoon when we got here, they had taken that out as well, as they felt that she was healthy enough to not need any more iv's!
One of the first things they told us when she was brought here was that they won't give us a discharge date until about 24 hours before she is ready to go. I'm sure they don't want to give our hopes us, but with me being the planning person I am, I would really love to have a guesstimate. We do know that in order to get discharged, she has to eat 40cc by bottle at every feeding. And she also has to pass a car seat test, in which she sits in a car seat for 90 minutes and is able to keep her oxygen up for that time. So, I know what to look for, but I just don't know how long it will take to get there.
The baby across the hallway did her car seat test yesterday morning when we were here and she was gone today, so I think the car seat test is one of the last things to do before they give the all-clear to leave. Phil and I also have to watch a few videos on how to care for a preemie, so once they tell us to do those, I know I'll get even more excited to know the discharge date is close.
It's just such an emotional ride. I get so excited when she progresses with her feedings, but then get sad when I realize she still has some ways to go. But, I have to always remember, she is progressing. Each and every day we come, there is always something new and positive for us to be told by the doctors or nurses. And I have to remember, I'm getting an extra 4 weeks of loving in with her, since she technically wasn't supposed to be here for another month!
While we've spent 12 long days in the NICU, there are other babies here going on 20 or 30 days. We met a couple the other day who has been here for 47 days, and they were not close to being discharged. I continue to count my blessings and continually pray for all of the babies and parents here. I know she is closer today to being discharged than she was yesterday and that will continue to be true tomorrow and the day after. 
We appreciate all of the prayers and words of support and encouragement. Keep those prayers coming :)


Thumbs up dude!