Things are looking up

Alex did 3 high flow oxygen trials off the bipap yesterday so definitely making some progress. She tires out after about an hour or so and will need to tolerate the trials a little bit longer before she can transfer out of the ICU. She's been awake and talking more and playing with her balloons.

PS - Thanks to our amazing Michigan family (Christy, Brian, Luke, Dorothy, Maria and Buddy), Lauren & Nathan, and Jenene for our special ballon deliveries.

Morning Sunshine

Woke up to blue skies and a beautiful sunny day. Alex had a good night and we were able to get some much needed rest. We appreciate all the love, texts and offers to help.  Means the world to us.  

From Ryan

Ryan goes to preschool and told her teachers that her sister was in the hospital and the class made her this card.  Ryan is such an amazing little sister and always looking out for Alex.

sisterly love 

Our sleeping beauty

Dreaded respiratory season

It's ironic that the last time we posted was when Alex was hospitalized last summer.  Seems lately that's the only time our life has slowed down enough to blog. Last Friday Alex came down with a respiratory illness and she started going downhill by Sunday afternoon.  By Monday her condition deteriorated quickly and she ended up in the ED at Children's via ambulance.  I was working so I was able to meet her in the ED when she arrived. She was admitted to the PICU with a confirmed case of H1N1 flu and here we are. It's day 4 and Alex is still needing a lot of respiratory support.  She's on continuous bipap through a nasal mask (same one she wears at night to help keep her lungs open) and we are doing small trials off the bipap with high flow oxygen through a nasal cannula. Once she can handle more time on the high flow oxygen, we'll be able to move out of the ICU to the floor.  She is very weak and has been sleeping most of the time but we are thankful she remains stable and is getting a little bit better each day.
 

 

We don't like Rhinos

The common cold, otherwise known as rhinovirus has landed Alex her own personal suite at Children's Hospital.  This is something we worry about during respiratory season but not in JULY.  She's doing better everyday so hoping for the shortest stay yet.  We'll keep you posted....

Alex's last day of school

Alex had an amazing school year with her teacher Miss Alex (holding her), Miss Doreen, Miss Leticia, Miss Maria, & Miss Shannon.  Miss Alex is moving out of state and we are really going to miss her next year. Thanks for being one of her biggest advocates!