Week number two in the NICU has been eventfully ....uneventful as we patiently wait for Retta's stomach to heal. We have been spoiled by having Grandma stay the week with us! She has helped us set up a routine in addition to washing pumping parts around the clock, cooking, cleaning, doing ongoing loads of laundry, shopping, walking the dog, and providing ongoing emotional support. All which has allowed Szymon to return to work and Ashley to continue healing.
....Next week reality sets in!
Retta continues to receive ongoing visitors in the NICU throughout the day. Starting with Mom and Grandma in the morning. Dad at lunch. Jaja and Bapcia mid afternoon and Mom and Dad again in the evening. All week long we have been patiently watching Retta's suction tube pull less and less green gastric juice from her stomach; which means her stomach is healing and that we can resume feeds ....soon. We had high hopes to start feedings on Monday; however Friday is now the new start date!
In addition to sleeping, sleeping and more sleeping - Retta has been busy practicing various exercises that the occupational therapist has taught us. On Wednesday we were pleasantly surprised to see that Retta graduated to a "big girl crib" as she is now able to hold her body temperature without assistance. The crib allows us to access Retta with ease which has helped us become more "hands on" parents. We have started Kangaroo Care and are also bathing Retta on our own every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Retta LOVES her bath time especially washing her hair!
Kangarooing!
This morning the GI surgeon officially gave orders to discontinue the NG (through the nose) suction tube in preparation to starting feeds on Friday!!!
(We hope)
The next challenge is for Retta to learn how to feed as she was not able to practice swallowing amniotic fluid in utero due to the duadenal atresia. And then, the focus will be on gaining weight so we can bring Retta home and prepare her for her heart surgery.
Much Love,
Ash & Szy
"My daddy makes me smile!"
Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!
~ Psalm 66:5
No comments:
Post a Comment