Ella was a little giddy today after soaking up the all-you-can-drink milk specials included in her NYE MotElla package. She decided to get into the fun of 2010 and created her own list of New Year's Resolutions!
1. No more heart rate drops.
2. Gain an ounce a day (the opposite of Mom and Dad's resolution)
3. Take all 8 feedings by bottle each day.
4. Save the blowouts for when the diaper is on, not off.
5. Come home to Mom and Dad!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wrapping up 2009
Ella finishes out 2009 looking strong. She is taking about 2 of her 8 daily feedings by bottle. Sometimes she doesn't finish the whole bottle, but she is still doing pretty good. She must be doing something right, because she is up to 4 lbs and 10.7 ounces. She is still on her 0.2 liter air flow. However, they stopped giving her caffeine today. This is a real good sign, as she needed caffeine when she was younger to help her regulate her breathing and heart rate, so going off of it means she is doing that better on her own. Ella also remindeed Dad that she qualified for his 2009 tax credit today!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tech Talk
It's been a while since we've posted updates on Ella's medical progress. So here are some updates on the essentials for her coming home -
Blood count - Ella's blood count is holding steady at a reasonable level. However her reticulate (ability to make new blood) has dropped a bit. Doctors will continue to monitor to ensure no blood transfusion is needed.
Oxygen - Ella continues to be on 100% oxygen at a low air flow (.3 liters). Although the doctors would like to see her flow lowered to 0, they do not want to challenge her when the reticulate is low since oxygen is needed for new blood cells. The good news is that her heart rate drops have essentially ended (knock on wood) so there are no major concerns with weaning her off oxygen at a casual pace.
Bottle Feeding - this is slowly coming along. It seems as though Ella is quite content sleeping while having food deposited directly into her belly (who can blame her). Bottle feeding is still a lot of work for her and she exerts many calories doing it. Timing her bottle feeds is very important as well since she needs to be awake and alert at her scheduled feeding time in order for us to even attempt bottle feeding. I will say though, that when the stars are aligned, she does quite well with the bottle. "Gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp,...(oh wait, I forgot to breathe)... and deep sigh." Repeat.
Eyes - Ella had another eye exam last week, where the doc dialated her eyes and studied the retina development. Seems as though everything is developing just fine and the doc has indicated no further exams are needed...woo hoo!
Vaccines - Ella will have her first round of vaccines next week. : (
She'll get 7 routine shots, but OUCH! Good thing she's got more body fat to soften the impact.
Clothing - Ella is starting to fill out the preemie clothing! It's bitter sweet to see her growing into (and soon out of) the tiny outfits so quickly. Newborns here we come.
Weight - 4 lbs, 6 oz.
Length - something over 16 1/2 inches (will have weekly measurements Monday night).
Overall - progress is happening and the nurses are beginning to start & end sentences with "in order for her to go home", which is a reminder to us how close the big day is.
Blood count - Ella's blood count is holding steady at a reasonable level. However her reticulate (ability to make new blood) has dropped a bit. Doctors will continue to monitor to ensure no blood transfusion is needed.
Oxygen - Ella continues to be on 100% oxygen at a low air flow (.3 liters). Although the doctors would like to see her flow lowered to 0, they do not want to challenge her when the reticulate is low since oxygen is needed for new blood cells. The good news is that her heart rate drops have essentially ended (knock on wood) so there are no major concerns with weaning her off oxygen at a casual pace.
Bottle Feeding - this is slowly coming along. It seems as though Ella is quite content sleeping while having food deposited directly into her belly (who can blame her). Bottle feeding is still a lot of work for her and she exerts many calories doing it. Timing her bottle feeds is very important as well since she needs to be awake and alert at her scheduled feeding time in order for us to even attempt bottle feeding. I will say though, that when the stars are aligned, she does quite well with the bottle. "Gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp,...(oh wait, I forgot to breathe)... and deep sigh." Repeat.
Eyes - Ella had another eye exam last week, where the doc dialated her eyes and studied the retina development. Seems as though everything is developing just fine and the doc has indicated no further exams are needed...woo hoo!
Vaccines - Ella will have her first round of vaccines next week. : (
She'll get 7 routine shots, but OUCH! Good thing she's got more body fat to soften the impact.
Clothing - Ella is starting to fill out the preemie clothing! It's bitter sweet to see her growing into (and soon out of) the tiny outfits so quickly. Newborns here we come.
Weight - 4 lbs, 6 oz.
Length - something over 16 1/2 inches (will have weekly measurements Monday night).
Overall - progress is happening and the nurses are beginning to start & end sentences with "in order for her to go home", which is a reminder to us how close the big day is.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
MotElla Christmas
Ella enjoyed her first Christmas! She was showered with many gifts and hospital visitors. I'd love to mention all of the gifts she received and the specific friends and family that visited, but that would make for a very long post. So here are just a few pictures that quickly capture it.
Family photo on Christmas Day:
New nativity scene set up under her tree on Christmas Eve:
An ornament from Nurse Tammy:
And the most exciting news - her new crib!! Although the blog poll results indicated that Ella should get a puppy on her first Christmas, I think this new bed is a much better gift for her on Christmas Day. Our little peanut is now 4 lbs, 5 oz and is capable of sleeping in an open air big girl bed where she can maintain her own temperature.
And for the record, we had a semi-white Christmas. : )
Family photo on Christmas Day:
New nativity scene set up under her tree on Christmas Eve:
An ornament from Nurse Tammy:
And the most exciting news - her new crib!! Although the blog poll results indicated that Ella should get a puppy on her first Christmas, I think this new bed is a much better gift for her on Christmas Day. Our little peanut is now 4 lbs, 5 oz and is capable of sleeping in an open air big girl bed where she can maintain her own temperature.
And for the record, we had a semi-white Christmas. : )
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Fashionista
Watch out Project Runway! Ella's bringing the popped collar to the Midwest.
Feedings: Moved to 3 hour feeds, 1-2 bottles per day
Weight: 3 lbs., 15.5 oz.
Length: 16 1/2 inches
Equipment: Upgraded size on blood pressure cuff and pacifier!
Feedings: Moved to 3 hour feeds, 1-2 bottles per day
Weight: 3 lbs., 15.5 oz.
Length: 16 1/2 inches
Equipment: Upgraded size on blood pressure cuff and pacifier!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Dad's Turn
Tim bottle feeding Ella
...and burping her. As you can see, this wasn't Dad's most confident role, although he did just fine.
...and burping her. As you can see, this wasn't Dad's most confident role, although he did just fine.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Big Girl Feeding
Each morning when we enter Ella's room we're not sure what the mood of the day will be...sometimes exciting, sometimes disappointing, sometimes worrisome, sometimes relief. We are pleased to report that today was exciting news! Ella has been doing well enough on her low-flow oxygen that the doctors were ready to take her from continuous feed to 2-hour feeds. Essentially, this means we give her enough food for 2-hours and she has 30 minutes to finish it. (Then hopefully she digests it all rather than spitting it up or leaving it sit in her belly.) When the feedings are spaced out, it allows more air to enter her body, which is why it's important to get the oxygen flow correct first.
On top of the move to 2-hour feeds, the nurses are allowing her to bottle feed 1-2 times per day! This is very good news, and a huge step towards her getting to come home. We were unsure how she would react to the bottle since she is only 33 weeks old and typically babies don't express interest until 34-35 weeks. However, our over-achiever took the bottle like a champ and ate about 1/2 of her feeding (the other 1/2 was then given through her feeding tube). With this, comes a few more guidelines - we aren't supposed to move or disturb her within 30 minutes of her eating, and we have to more closely monitor her stats and breathing to make sure she isn't working too hard to tolerate the new feeding schedule and method. Bottle feeding is hard work for her, and I can certainly now understand how hard it is after trying to drink cosmos out of a bottle at my shower last weekend (kudos to my creative gfriends). It's tougher than it looks.! : )
On top of the move to 2-hour feeds, the nurses are allowing her to bottle feed 1-2 times per day! This is very good news, and a huge step towards her getting to come home. We were unsure how she would react to the bottle since she is only 33 weeks old and typically babies don't express interest until 34-35 weeks. However, our over-achiever took the bottle like a champ and ate about 1/2 of her feeding (the other 1/2 was then given through her feeding tube). With this, comes a few more guidelines - we aren't supposed to move or disturb her within 30 minutes of her eating, and we have to more closely monitor her stats and breathing to make sure she isn't working too hard to tolerate the new feeding schedule and method. Bottle feeding is hard work for her, and I can certainly now understand how hard it is after trying to drink cosmos out of a bottle at my shower last weekend (kudos to my creative gfriends). It's tougher than it looks.! : )
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Just say no2 high air flow
Our little sweetie continues to impress us every day. Little Miss Ella has moved to a low flow nose cannula to help wean her off of supplemental oxygen. Essentially she was on 30% oxygen at high flow (4 liters). When the doc tried to reduce the flow to 3 liters she did not tolerate it. So they are doing a modified approach whereby they put her on 100% O2 at a very low flow (.5 liters) which allows her to take in more room air (which is 21% O2) to even out the amount of oxygen she's taking in to be about the 30% level she was receiving. She did so well on the .5 flow that they reduced her to .2 flow within an hour. Gold star day.
On another note, today she also had blood work done to check her cell count. Her cell count is holding steady from last week at around 30. If she dips into the lower 20s, she will need another blood transfusion (she was at 21 when she received her first transfusion), however all signs are looking good. Better yet, her reticulate count (her ability to make more cells) is high which means that a blood transfusion is even less likely. Since her body knows how to make more, giving her blood now would teach her body to shut down production.
Whew! That was a lot of technical talk. We'll try to keep tomorrow's post less complex. : )
On another note, today she also had blood work done to check her cell count. Her cell count is holding steady from last week at around 30. If she dips into the lower 20s, she will need another blood transfusion (she was at 21 when she received her first transfusion), however all signs are looking good. Better yet, her reticulate count (her ability to make more cells) is high which means that a blood transfusion is even less likely. Since her body knows how to make more, giving her blood now would teach her body to shut down production.
Whew! That was a lot of technical talk. We'll try to keep tomorrow's post less complex. : )
Monday, December 14, 2009
Uneventful Monday
Ella was much more relaxed today and snug as a bug in her bed when Mom arrived this morning. Ella kangaroo'ed most of the afternoon and slept soundly, guess she was tired from yesterday's commotion.
She had chest x-rays this morning and everything appears to be developing normally. Doctor is continuing to increase feedings and caffeine. Plans are in the works to transition her off oxygen over the coming days/weeks.
Weight: 3 lb., 4 oz.
She had chest x-rays this morning and everything appears to be developing normally. Doctor is continuing to increase feedings and caffeine. Plans are in the works to transition her off oxygen over the coming days/weeks.
Weight: 3 lb., 4 oz.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
You better not cry (but she did anyway)
Today was exciting - Santa came! Yes, we know him! Santa comes around the NICU once a year and takes one free picture with each baby (through the The Jeremy Project). To be ready for the big photo shoot, Ella dressed in her Christmas sleeper & red hair bow, and Stef's sister, Stacie, drove up to take additional pictures. The plan was to take pictures with Santa and then grab some family photos, however Ella started to cry and had several heart rate drops when we attempted the pics. We hurried to get some quick shots and then gave her a few minutes of rest. But the press would not wait, so we pulled her back out of her bed and quickly took a few family pictures. She did not tolerate those very well either. Santa moved on to other babies...and then, Santa came to see Ella again, hoping she'd be in better spirits. This visit, Santa had extra time to allow us to get a few creative poses. We are only going to display a few teaser photos here, but you may be seeing some more later. ;)
After all this commotion, Ella was definitely not a happy girl. We got her calmed down again and Stef held her for an about hour to help bring her stats back in line. She was back to her peaceful self once we finally left the NICU.
After all this commotion, Ella was definitely not a happy girl. We got her calmed down again and Stef held her for an about hour to help bring her stats back in line. She was back to her peaceful self once we finally left the NICU.
Shame on us...
...for not posting in a while. No real reason, the days just sort of slipped by us. Wednesday through Saturday was fairly uneventful. On a good note, Ella had only one heart rate drop over those 4 days! That is a sure sign of her developing well and reaching an older gestational age. She hit 3 lbs., 2 oz. and now stretches out to 15.6 inches...2 inches of growth since birth.
We also apologize for an info error - not all kids are allowed in the NICU. the loosely enforced rule is only siblings or visitors age 18 and up are allowed, however they will let visitors age 14ish and up on a good day. Unfortunately this means many of you will still have until she comes home to see her.
We also apologize for an info error - not all kids are allowed in the NICU. the loosely enforced rule is only siblings or visitors age 18 and up are allowed, however they will let visitors age 14ish and up on a good day. Unfortunately this means many of you will still have until she comes home to see her.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Warning! These Are Very Cute...
Ella got to wear clothes today for the first time!! It was so exciting for Mom. The night nurses picked out a trendy pink and white sleep sack for her and the photo shoot began. When I arrived to her room this morning, there were many pictures posted on her bulletin board. Makes me wonder how much sleep she's getting at night with the St. John's papparazzi. She was so cute all dressed up today that I just couldn't resist sharing.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Highs, Lows and So-Sos
Today's visit contained some great news and some disappointing news.
Good news -
The results of Ella's head ultrasound and eye exam came back fine. There is immaturity in her eyes, which the doctor expected, and she'll have a follow up exam in 2 weeks. We're hoping Ella will look better in 2nd grade without 2-inch thick glasses like Mom had. She is also scheduled for another round of blood tests tomorrow to make a final decision on whether another blood transfusion is needed.
Ella had a fun photo shoot with the night nurses. They put a cute bow in her hair and placed her in her big Christmas stocking. The pictures are adorable! Unfortunately I only have hard copies of the photos so difficult to share with you at this time. I'll scan them and send electronically, or hang them in her room so you can see them the next time you visit.
Ella also took to the nipple today. It was quite an amazing and emotional event. It's incredible how instinctive that is for a 2 lb., 14 oz. baby. This is the first step into her feeding process. She won't actually get to take any milk for a couple of weeks still, as she can't breathe, suck and swallow at the same time.
Disappointing news -
We learned that Ella won't be coming home until February (original due date) or late January at the earliest. We're not sure how New Years was the original estimate, or if we created that date in our minds. Either way, this is the time needed for Ella to continue learning the essentials of breathing and eating. Looks like the NICU will be our home away from home for a bit longer.
Good news -
The results of Ella's head ultrasound and eye exam came back fine. There is immaturity in her eyes, which the doctor expected, and she'll have a follow up exam in 2 weeks. We're hoping Ella will look better in 2nd grade without 2-inch thick glasses like Mom had. She is also scheduled for another round of blood tests tomorrow to make a final decision on whether another blood transfusion is needed.
Ella had a fun photo shoot with the night nurses. They put a cute bow in her hair and placed her in her big Christmas stocking. The pictures are adorable! Unfortunately I only have hard copies of the photos so difficult to share with you at this time. I'll scan them and send electronically, or hang them in her room so you can see them the next time you visit.
Ella also took to the nipple today. It was quite an amazing and emotional event. It's incredible how instinctive that is for a 2 lb., 14 oz. baby. This is the first step into her feeding process. She won't actually get to take any milk for a couple of weeks still, as she can't breathe, suck and swallow at the same time.
Disappointing news -
We learned that Ella won't be coming home until February (original due date) or late January at the earliest. We're not sure how New Years was the original estimate, or if we created that date in our minds. Either way, this is the time needed for Ella to continue learning the essentials of breathing and eating. Looks like the NICU will be our home away from home for a bit longer.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Daddy Time
Stef and I pulled different shifts today (usually we try to overlap a decent portion), so Ella got a few quality hours with just Dad. She behaved really well and did not feel the need to show off with any Brady's or Apnea. At 2 lbs. and 13 ounces, she is nearing the 3 lb. mark, which is a very important weight threshold for mom because that is when Ella gets to start wearing clothes! Mom has several outfits already picked out for the occasion.
It was a rather uneventful day today otherwise, which is good - it is nice to have those too. Tomorrow Ella will get her first eye exam, so we will let you all know how it goes.
It was a rather uneventful day today otherwise, which is good - it is nice to have those too. Tomorrow Ella will get her first eye exam, so we will let you all know how it goes.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Minors Allowed
No fake ID is needed. The NICU lifted the under age 18 ban since the flu season is no longer a high threat. So for all the cousins, nieces, nephews, etc. that have been anxiously waiting to see Ella in person, you are now free to visit. Just let us know when you're coming!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Jolly Old St. Nick!
St. Nick visited Ella last night and she was ecstatic! (ok, really she just slept, but it excited her parents). Ella received several stocking stuffers - a Baby Einstein CD, a stuffed Santa toy, a Christmas plague, and some college fund contributions. Mom and Dad played the CD for her as we Kangaroo'ed. Perhaps this early exposure to classical music will create some form of musical talent in her (besides the bag dance) since those genes are clearly not coming from her parents.
She was a little fussy today though after her blood work early this morning. The results came back indicating she was a little anemic. The doc will perform a similar test later in the week to make the decision on whether or not to give her another blood transfusion.
Medical update
Weighing in at 2 lbs., 11 oz., Ella received another good report from the doctor today. She has a few upcoming exams that may be a bit stressful to her over the next few days (and her parents too).
Tomorrow she'll have blood tests done to ensure that the transfusion she received last Monday provided her with a high enough cell count. If not, another transfusion may be needed. The other thing the Dr checks for is whether she is able to produce more cells on her own. If she is, then even if her count is low they want to let her body do what it's capable of on her own without a transfusion.
On Tuesday morning, she'll have another ultrasound of her brain to ensure it's developing properly and to check for hemorraging. The Doctors have seen no indications of problems based on vitals and other visual observations. We've learned so much lately about proper interaction with a preemie to help develop the neurons in Ella's brain without over stimulating her. It's all very interesting and amazing how important every touch, sound, sleep position, and amount of light is at this point in her development.
Tuesday is also an eye exam, which will entail the Dr numbing her eyes and examing her retinas. They expect to see immaturity and will continue to check them every 2 weeks to monitor their developing. Laser surgery may be needed in the coming weeks, but is not uncommon for babies of her age.
Although these tests carry low-risk with them, they will be stressful. The hospital staff has been great in detailing all of this for us each step of the way. We've also recently learned of the development check-ups she'll need over the next 3 years. There are far more resources and follow-ups than I ever imagined. We'll likely keep very familiar with the doctors over the next 3 years, but it's in our best interests.
On a lighter note, Ella is sound asleep waiting for St. Nick's visit tonight. Her stockings (yes, plural) are hanging in her room!
Tomorrow she'll have blood tests done to ensure that the transfusion she received last Monday provided her with a high enough cell count. If not, another transfusion may be needed. The other thing the Dr checks for is whether she is able to produce more cells on her own. If she is, then even if her count is low they want to let her body do what it's capable of on her own without a transfusion.
On Tuesday morning, she'll have another ultrasound of her brain to ensure it's developing properly and to check for hemorraging. The Doctors have seen no indications of problems based on vitals and other visual observations. We've learned so much lately about proper interaction with a preemie to help develop the neurons in Ella's brain without over stimulating her. It's all very interesting and amazing how important every touch, sound, sleep position, and amount of light is at this point in her development.
Tuesday is also an eye exam, which will entail the Dr numbing her eyes and examing her retinas. They expect to see immaturity and will continue to check them every 2 weeks to monitor their developing. Laser surgery may be needed in the coming weeks, but is not uncommon for babies of her age.
Although these tests carry low-risk with them, they will be stressful. The hospital staff has been great in detailing all of this for us each step of the way. We've also recently learned of the development check-ups she'll need over the next 3 years. There are far more resources and follow-ups than I ever imagined. We'll likely keep very familiar with the doctors over the next 3 years, but it's in our best interests.
On a lighter note, Ella is sound asleep waiting for St. Nick's visit tonight. Her stockings (yes, plural) are hanging in her room!
Hospital schedule
For visitors intersted in seeing Ella the week of Dec 6, here's our schedule. Just let us know in advance what day/time to expect you so we can be sure we're there.
Sun, Dec 6 - noon
Mon, Wed, Fri - daytime/lunch
Tues, Thurs - evening
Sat, Dec 12 - TBD
Sun, Dec 13 - exclusive event with Santa, visitation closed. ; )
Sun, Dec 6 - noon
Mon, Wed, Fri - daytime/lunch
Tues, Thurs - evening
Sat, Dec 12 - TBD
Sun, Dec 13 - exclusive event with Santa, visitation closed. ; )
Thursday, December 3, 2009
One-derful! (thanks Stac)
Happy Birthday! Hard to believe our beautiful little girl is one month old today. For her special day, she got to spend lots of time bonding with mom.
A couple of co-workers and Omama visited as well and witnessed her spitting up out of her nose. Ella seemed unphased by it, unlike Omama. Guess that's sort of like the 'puke and rally' concept. I suppose she's really training for the 21st birthday.
Ella weighed in at 2 lbs., 9oz. and continues to increase her food intake (minus the spit up). She also had x-rays taken to ensure that the lungs and heart are continuing to develop properly...and they are.
A couple of co-workers and Omama visited as well and witnessed her spitting up out of her nose. Ella seemed unphased by it, unlike Omama. Guess that's sort of like the 'puke and rally' concept. I suppose she's really training for the 21st birthday.
Ella weighed in at 2 lbs., 9oz. and continues to increase her food intake (minus the spit up). She also had x-rays taken to ensure that the lungs and heart are continuing to develop properly...and they are.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
New Digs
Here's a picture of Ella's new digs. She seems to be enjoying them so much that she decided to poop in her bed while I changed her diaper today. Apparently, I need to improve the speed in which I swap out the diapers. It was so much more relaxing to hang out in her room today (for 7 hours!) instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the crowded North unit.
For visitors, it's easiest to take the Green elevators now. These can be found next to the Information Desk through the Main Entrance. You can also still use the Blue elevators and just follow the signs to NICU South (instead of North). The sign-in process at the NICU is a bit more regulated, but easy breezy.
Oh yeah, and Ella was sure to let me know that she was 4 weeks old today.
For visitors, it's easiest to take the Green elevators now. These can be found next to the Information Desk through the Main Entrance. You can also still use the Blue elevators and just follow the signs to NICU South (instead of North). The sign-in process at the NICU is a bit more regulated, but easy breezy.
Oh yeah, and Ella was sure to let me know that she was 4 weeks old today.
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