The Next Step

So much has happened in the last week. Jill’s made a lot of big and little steps toward recovery each day.


Last Saturday, she had her first roommate (a preemie baby boy). On Monday, she was moved to a different room and she now has two other baby roommates. Honestly, I (Judy) preferred her other room. It was more quiet and isolated. However, due to her progress the doctors and nurses feel that she can now tolerate more noise and activity.



In these high stress days, we tend to cling to the moments that seem more normal. On Tuesday, Jill was moved from an enclosed bed to an actual crib. Her new white crib even has a mobile attached. It is fun to watch her as she looks at the mobile. On Tuesday evening, both Bryan and I were able to hold her for the first time. It was absolutely amazing; although, it was still a little complicated with all of the wires that are still attached to her. That same night we watched her get a sponge bath and Bryan combed her hair. Last night (Thursday), Bryan helped change her diaper for the first time. We have also heard her cry the last few nights.


Jill is still breathing on her own. Praise God! However, by watching the monitors, you can tell that sometimes her breathing is a bit irregular or difficult for her. Certain positions, like being on her stomach, tend to make breathing easier. Yesterday, she stopped receiving her morphine drip. However, she still receives periodic doses of morphine as needed.


Yesterday (Thursday), she started eating for the first time. The nurses start her with 10ml of Pedialyte (a clear liquid). If she does well with that then they will mix it with half breast milk. Once she is able to successfully digest that they will move her on to all breast milk. The other day we were warned by one of the nurses that once feeding starts it can be a real rollercoaster ride. I couldn’t help but think what have the last five months been? (Receiving vastly different survival odds, each ultrasound/doctor visit, moments before delivery crying as the doctor says, “If she doesn’t survive, I want you and dad to have some time with her,” her first cry, not knowing if she was going to be strong enough to endure surgery, waiting and waiting for the surgery, hearing that it had been successful, her breathing on her own, …) Yeah, I think we are ready to try feeding.


Since we are now regulars at the hospital, we see and hear glimpses of other people’s stories. We see a couple head toward the labor and delivery area. The lady looks like she is having contractions and her husband is helping her along. In the elevator, there is a nervous, first-time dad, carrying the infant care seat, baby afghan, and boppy pillow. He is heading to the 8th floor. His wife just had a baby earlier that afternoon. In the hospital cafeteria, we run into our insurance guy. His wife is in labor. Later we meet up with them in the NICU and see them go home a couple days later. Each day as we enter the NICU waiting room area we see some of the same faces. They too, are there day after day. Sometimes there are new anxious parents and family members. We hear bits and pieces of their stories. We see the older Hispanic couple (probably grandparents) walking down the hall crying. Then there is the nurse in the room next to ours who is thrilled that one of the babies he was taking care of was released to go home earlier that day.


Thank you for being a part of our story. We really appreciate each encouraging email, card, voicemail, etc. Again, sorry we haven’t had a chance to return calls, etc. Each night we are so exhausted as we head to bed. And the next day, we try to find the strength and energy to start it all over again. This week, Katelyn, has been sick with a cold. So we are trying to be extra vigilant about not getting sick ourselves. We are also taking extra precautions not to spread anything to Jill (changing our cloths, wearing face masks, and constantly washing our hands).


Thank you for praying. Please continue to pray for Jill’s lungs to develop and the feedings to be successful as well as health and strength for each day for our family.