October 1st thru 5th
Day 1- – Sofia spent less than a full day on the ventilator. We were told prior to delivering that we shouldn’t expect to hear her cry or make any noise after birth because her lungs may not be mature enough just yet. Just as they were taking her from the room to the Neonatal team she let out just a tiny little squeak! I guess she needed to let us know she was stronger than we may expect! Later on the first day she was placed on a CPAP machine and she tolerated that really well. This little miracle is quite the little fighter. I also was able to do some kangaroo care time a little over 24 hours after she was born for about 40 minutes. That made me a really happy Mommy, it was the longest first day till I got to see her.
Day 2- – Sunday she was placed under phototherapy lights because she had raised bilirubin levels due to jaundice. We keep telling her that this just a little tanning bed experience…and that she will not be allowed to tan like this when she’s bigger. She is still doing well with the CPAP but she is NOT a fan of the headgear. She’s a feisty little thing and tries to take it into her own hands to push the mask and tubes off her face. Just a little glimpse of her personality I think. I was discharged from the hospital today and that was just about the hardest moment I’ve had so far. It’s devastating to walk out of the hospital during discharge with all of the other Moms’ who have just delivered but not be able to take your little home.
Day 3- – Daddy got to kangaroo for the first time and he loved it as much as I did. Feeling her close is so relaxing and comforting. We hope she feels the same way! Bili levels came down and she was taken off the phototherapy session. It was a boring day in the NICU…we love, love, LOVE boring NICU days! Mimi and Papa Farsaci and Kumpa B all went home today. We were so sad they had to go but we know that they wish they could be around the corner. Sofia will miss them but knows they send their love everyday. 🙂
Day 4- – We are back under phototherapy because her bilirubin levels went up again today. So the tanning session is back in effect. She is still only digest small amounts of the 1ml of breast milk she is receiving. She has a little back up of meconium into her tummy at this point and we are hoping for a poopy diaper any day now! Her sugar levels are elevated and her blood work is showing she is hyper-glycemic. They are adjusting her fluids levels to balance this out, fingers crossed they get the right levels quickly. Glama and Grandpa Fox went home today, so now all the grandparents have gone to FL. We miss them so much and we all wish we were a lot closer during all of this. They have been an amazing support system and we know how much they love this little miracle baby.
Day 5- – Sugar levels are still elevated today so more adjustments will be made to control her levels. They have dropped since yesterday so we are headed in the right direction! Still hoping for that poopy diaper! We have had a few smears but we can tell she’s really working to pass that build up. It will be so beneficial for her after. She will get rid of more of the bilirubin and take more milk which will help her sugars and weight gain. We are still at 1lb4oz but put on a few grams from the last weight in. Daddy had his first encounter with a Bradycardia episode and boy did he get freaked out! We almost needed a heart monitor for him. It was right after he got there for his visit and he had just reached in to the isolette. It only lasted a few seconds and just a little rub on the back from the nurse got her to pop back up. This is a common preemie thing but still unnerving for us as parents. She got some Kangarooing in with Mommy and Daddy today! We love snuggle sessions with Sofia!
