Good Day for Gracie

Another good day with Gracie! They began feeding her last night and she's doing fairly well. I've been able to pump a little bit and they let me nurse her twice today. Since I'm not producing too much yet they are supplementing with formula. She eats really well, but tends to spit up quite a bit afterwards. They said it was due to the pressure in her head - it's making her uncomfortable so they are giving her tylenol to help until a the pressure can be relieved. Between the feedings and her IV, she's getting plenty of nourishment. Since she is doing so well, they were able to remove the feeding tube from her nose and no longer have to track her oxygen. They do have a slight problem regulating her temperature (another issue due to the pressure in her head) but are watching it closely so it is not causing any problems. She just spends a lot of time in just her diaper because she runs so hot!

Tomorrow morning they will begin the brain scan to see what our plan of action will be. There is a possibility that they will do a minor procedure to help drain some of the fluid off of her brain to make her more comfortable. She's breathing wonderfully on her own, her blood sugar has regulated itself and she's very quick to let you know if you've irritated her! She makes the cutest squeals - they remind me of a little piglet.

Early this morning, my IV and other contraptions were removed and I've been able to walk around. It's tough at times, but feels so good to be able to get up and move! I can traipse downstairs to see Gracie by myself anytime I want. No word yet on when I'll get to come home, but it will probably still be Wednesday! The worst is not knowing when Grace can come home. I am very anxious to get the tests going so we can get her better and take her home!

Brenna refuses to look at the baby and cried when I showed her pictures of Grace. I think the sibling rivalry has begun between my girls! Hopefully once she's able to spend some time at home and we get into a routine she'll like her little sister at least a little bit! Riley is in LOVE with Grace. SInce she is in the NICU, only parents and grandparents can hold her. Riley was crushed and has to put his hands in his pockets when he visits her because he just can't help himself but want to touch her. He was really upset the first night when he found out that we were leaving her in the NICU 'by herself' and thought she needed a stuffed animal to keep her company. Grace now has a kangaroo in her bed to keep her company, thanks to her thoughtful big brother. He also didn't understand why I couldn't come home with him tonight. All of this transition is a little tough on my kiddos!

My pain medicine has fully kicked in and my eyelids are drooping! Looking forward to her tests tomorrow and getting awesome news about a quick recovery for baby Grace!