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.