Siena has been so sick these past two weeks. The other night she just wasn’t breathing on her own. Her oxygen was up to 100% and she was still struggling. It was extremely scary. She is doing a little better now (at 40% oxygen) since they administered another round of steroids, but it’s definitely not over. It’s still a roller coaster and as long as we continue to have the “up’s” along with the “down’s” then we’ll be ok.
On a positive note, Gemma and Jaden are doing well. Jaden is back needing a little more help with oxygen but they are both up to 22ml’s of breast milk every 3 hours. As then nurses get to know the girls it’s interesting to hear their opinions on their little personalities. Roxanne, a nurse who’s had all three girls now has commented that Jaden will be the one in her room reading, Siena is the Feisty one and that Gemma will be the little trouble maker, stirring the pot and getting into everything.
It will definitely test you as a person to go through having babies in the NICU. I always knew my husband was strong not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well but to go through these past several weeks and watch him I’m amazed. He has such a HUGE heart and is so very strong. I feel so blessed to have him as my partner and father to our incredible girls. He’s already proven what an awesome dad he is the way he loves and cares for the girls. Even the nurses in the NICU have commented,…”wow, we don’t often have dad’s volunteer to change diapers” lol. But he’s there always volunteering, checking on them, telling them how he loves them and can’t wait to take them home.
Even with me in the past several weeks… to say that I’ve been emotional is an understatement. lol Johnny has been so awesome encouraging me and “being there” as my rock to steady me and remind me that everything will be ok as we walk through this TOGETHER as a FAMILY. I love him so much and am so blessed that God put him in my life. He’s my dtm…(Dream Team Mate).
I love you sweetheart!
Roller Coaster of the NICU
Siena – she got really sick with a staff infection and pneumonia. She’s still on antibiotics and fell back to being on the Vent and the Jet to help her breath. She’s been stable then up then down. The nurses said it’s the epitome of the roller coaster ride of the NICU. Our hope and prayer is that she is able to kick it soon. The longer she stays on the vent & Jet it provides more opportunity for infection because of the intubation tube. It also increases the likelihood of damage to her eyes because of the additional oxygen. She’s gained weight and is up to 2lbs 6oz but is really puffy. So has a lot of extra fluid there so it’s not true weight gain. But still she’s getting’ there!
Jaden – Mommy & Daddy got to hold her this past week!!! She’s been doing good. Shes on the C-pap (less help breathing than the Si-Pap) and has been rockin’ with her feeding. Shes up to 18cc’s (18ml’s) of breast milk every 3 hours. And has gained weight and is now 2lbs 2oz. Johnny and I were there the other day when her diaper was being changed. The nurse opened up the diaper and found Jaden’s pacifier in it. Lol…Ahh the adventures ahead… How in the world did she do that?
Gemma – She’s been doing really well! She’s up to 22ml’s of milk every 3 hours and now weighs a whopping 2lbs 5oz! She’s on the Si-Pap Machine and been doing really good. She has some breakdown of cartridge under her nose from the C-pap so even though she doesn’t need as much help breathing, she’s staying on that machine because the mask that goes on her nose helps rest the cartridge.
Ok I know I’m the Mom, and I’m supposedly bias,.. but COME ON! The Girls are all looking sooooo beautiful!
The above image and below video is of Johnny ’s first time holding his daughter Gemma!
