Good reports all around....

Noelle had several doctors appointments this week and so far so good. The GI doctor was happy that she was gradually improving. The only problem now is how to get rid of the gagging/retching episodes. There are probably 2 more things we are going to try. After that though, she is either going to have to live with it OR get a JG-Tube...in which she would need to bed fed 24/7. I think if the next two options don't work...she is just going to have to live with it.

The pulmonologist went really well today as well. He is super impressed with her oxygen saturation levels...she is now typically on about 1 liter (low flow) during the day and then goes back on high flow oxygen during the night. She is still OFF of the steroids!!! She looks like a rockstar. Since they have come down on the calories per ounce of her formula...she has actually lost about 6 oz since being discharged from the hospital. But...is still doing fine. They are actually hoping to thin her out considerably in the spring so we can really focus on getting her to eat by mouth during the late spring and summer. They all felt it was a much better idea to keep her "plump" during the winter months. :) I wish someone was forcing me to stay plump!!

Physical Therapy came today and brought Noelle a "Stander," which looks like a walker but a mini version. It's really cute and I can't wait for her to get on her feet. Right now, she can stand at the walker with lots of support to keep her upright. She is practicing holding herself up with her arms on the handles...but it'll be several more weeks/months before she is completely able to do that on her own. The pictures above were from Noelle's first time using it and how Andon was acting during it. Of course, Andon was so excited about it and says he is just showing Noelle how to use it. He has walked all over the house with it.

Andon has been really doing well getting into a better routine with me. We are suppose to get a TON of snow this weekend and Andon is super excited! Noelle...not so excited...she hates the snow. Ross and I are really preparing for this snow. It used to be no big deal if we had a big snow. But...we have to make sure we have enough gas to run the generator for a few days if our power goes out so Noelle can get oxygen. We only have 3 tanks that we can refill with our machine. So, we want to make sure we are prepared just in case. It would be terrible for our power to go out and not be able to give her oxygen...that would land us in a really bad situation. We are just filling up the gas tanks and hoping our power stays on.

I'm giving a speech next week at the March of Dimes-March for Babies kickoff breakfast. I've written the speech out and am hoping I do a good job!! :) I'm excited to share our story...people need to understand that prematurity happens to regular people just like me and you. Happy (almost) Friday!!


xoxo,


Stacie :)


PS...I almost forgot. This past Tuesday (Feb. 2nd) we celebrated Noelle's one year NICU Anniversary. It has been a whole year since she came home! It was a big deal!!