Jan. 16, 2008
If this were a normal situation, today would be my 26th week of pregnancy.  I still tend to think of Zoë’s age in terms of gestational weeks.  Tomorrow she’ll be two weeks old, though!
There isn’t a whole lot to report, which is good.  We met her doctor face-to-face last night (we’ve had a lot of phone conferences up to now) and he’s very pleased with her progress to date. I like her doctor quite a bit. He’s got a positive outlook and, like us, tends to focus on one day at a time. He’s promised to always call us if he’s ever concerned about anything.
For now, it looks like she’ll stay on the respirator she’s on, rather than having to switch to the jet. The jet, which Lennox was on, is an oscillating respirator that increases the breathing rate to 100 breaths per minute. It has it’s pros and cons, but she’s doing really well on the vent she’s on and if it ain’t broke…
She’s at 5mL breastmilk per hour now, with calories added. Her weight was down a few ounces this morning, but that could have been due to pooping. She’s very good at those now! She also is a real wiggler and that burns the calories.
She has a PICC line in her leg that they just placed five days ago to replace the umbilical line. The doctor wants to go ahead and remove the PICC line since it represents a potential infection site. I’m on the fence over that. On the one hand…infection very very bad. But, it took two tries to get that line in and it isn’t as easy as just placing an IV in your hand. What if they remove it and then they need it? sigh. Yes, I know…obvious risk vs potential need. Take it out.
No new pictures right now. She was being incredibly cute last night, waving her hand around, but the camera batteries were dead. This morning, she was on her tummy facing away from us and we’ve already taken photos of her back. We should have more after tonight.
stacie said,
January 16, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
There are so many positives in your post, I don’t really know what to comment on first! I am so excited that she is strong enough to stay off of the oscillator. That is super news. You have one tough little girl there. I am also so glad to hear that she is taking food well and pooping. Yeah for those big achievements, too! Keep up the good work, Zoe!
One day at a time is the only way to go. Hugs.
Stacie said,
January 16, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
What a strong and amazing little girl!