Continues to improve...

Today Mackenzie is 9 days old. And she has come a long way since she was born on 11/24/2009. Her mommy and daddy are so happy with the progress she has made in such a short amount of time.

Sunday, 11/29/09:
Mommy and Daddy came back on Sunday to visit Mackenzie after being discharged the previous night. We had to stop at Babies R Us on our way to buy Mackenzie a special car seat that can handle babies who are 4lbs. We also brought along two visitors on Sunday, Uncle Joey & Aunt Tara. The little guy, Tyler, was quite upset when he couldn't meet Mackenzie (children aren't allowed in the NICU).

When we arrived we noticed that you were under the "billi lights" to help improve your billireubin/jaundice. We just kept telling Mackenzie that she was at the beach and to soak up the sun.

We did get some good news when we arrived....your feeding was once again being bumped up, from 22mL to 30mL. In addition to that, your oxygen was again being lowered from 1.5L push to 1.0L push.

We did however get word back from the echo that was done to check out Mackenzie's heart murmur. The ultra sound showed that she has a VSD (ventricular septal defect). At this point, Mackenzie's neonatologist, Dr. Fink, is very optimistic and assures us that they will continue to monitor her during her stay with the NICU. It may just be something that requires some visits to the cardiologist after discharge. We are praying that the hole closes on it's on before she leaves.

Here is a little information on VSD's....
A ventricular septal defect describes one or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. A ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital (present from birth) heart defects. If the defect is small, no treatment is usually needed. However, the baby should be closely monitored by a health care provider to make sure that the hole eventually closes properly and signs of heart failure do not occur. A doctor may prescribe medications, such as digitalis (digoxin) and diuretics, for heart failure. Regardless of the size of the defect, all children with ventricular septal defect need to take antibiotics before undergoing dental work and certain other invasive procedures. If symptoms continue despite medication or the VSD leads to a heart infection, surgery to close the defect with a Gore-tex patch is needed. Some VSDs can be closed with a special device during a catheterization.

Monday, 11/30/09:
Mommy and Daddy arrived first thing in the morning. Monday was Daddy's first day back to work. Since mommy isn't allowed to drive she got dropped off with Daddy in the morning. Daddy gets his time with Mackenzie in the morning, over lunch, and at dinner time. And mommy has been arranging some "taxi" services during her no-driving period.

When we arrived on Monday, we were immediately greeted with good news, Mackenzie was off the billi lights and she gained 1 oz! She is now 3 lbs. 9 oz. (born at 3 lbs 13 oz.). Mommy also attempted breastfeeding for the first time. However, Mackenzie was more interested in sleeping than anything. But, we'll continue to try until she gets the sucking/breathing/swallowing motions down to a science.

Tuesday, 12/1/09:
Mackenzie is one week old! Hooray! Not only did Mackenzie gain another ounce (up to 3lbs 10oz) but she is also off her nasal cannula! Hip Hip Hooray! I love looking at her beautiful face without that nasal cannula hiding it. Mommy also tried breastfeeding again today at your 12noon feeding. We definitely saw improvements from the previous day. But, we still need some more practice. We'll try again at your evening feeding.

Wednesday, 12/2/09:
Mommy and Daddy were again greeted with great news upon arrival....Mackenzie gained another ounce (up to 3lbs 11oz), her feeding tube is now inserted through her nose (to assist with breastfeeding), and the doctors ordered to have your heated bed gradually turned down to get you ready for an open crib. The heated beds are set at 31.5 degrees Celsius and need to decrease down to 28 degrees. The nurses will lower the temperature a 1/2 degree every 24 hours. Mackenzie also did great with her evening breastfeeding attempt. Mommy used a "nipple shield" to make things easier for the little peanut and she took in 2mL. Hooray!

Thursday, 12/3/09:
Mommy got to pick out her adorable outfit for today. Of course I picked out an outfit that had brown in it....so cute....pictures to come.

Upon our arrival we saw that Mackenzie gained yet another ounce (3lbs 12oz). She has one more ounce to gain and then she'll be back at her birth weight of 3lbs 13oz. We also noticed that her bed is down to 29.5 degrees Celsius. Only 1 1/2 more degrees to go. Mackenzie showed even more improvement at her 12noon breastfeeding session. She ate another 2mL. Way to go peanut. Keep up the good work!