Busy Bees

Mommy has been very busy with Alex today, or should I say with all the hospital staff. I've met with several specialists, a team of docs, and I'm keeping our student nurse busy too. Respiratory turned down Alex's O2 yesterday which was another big step, however, they had to turn it back up around midnight last night due to her stats dropping. This morning when I arrived her respiratory rate was up and she was working hard to breathe. The docs think the secretions are to blame and after a deep suction, they were probably right. The nurse got a ridiculous amount of mucus out. Looks like they will keep her at the higher rate for today and suction as needed.

We are hoping for a swallow study tomorrow. Alex has been working hard all week and has to be at a certain level to simulate a typical feeding before they will do one. Her suck is extremely weak and she isn't able to get much out of the bottle at this point. The final call as to whether it will take place tomorrow or at a later date will be determined in the morning. Let's all say a prayer for her tonight.

Alex is napping right now and has been pretty worn out the past 24 hours. Although she is still weaning off the meds, the small doses she gets usually put her right to sleep for an hour or two. Anytime PT or OT pays her a visit it takes a lot of energy out of her as well. Overall, she is happy when awake and playful. We try to keep her up as much as possible during the day and we are glad to report she's been going to bed earlier and earlier each night. She gives everyone a big hug for all the thoughts and prayers and for taking good care of mommy and daddy.