Hi to all my friends that I hope to meet someday--
Yes--this is "adorable" Addie (well-that's what my nurses tell me anyhow). I'm finally feeling well enough to write again. The best news this week is that I no longer have any fluid in my lungs. An x-ray on Tuesday verified that the last little pocket of fluid (abscess? infection?) is no longer present. It's about time--that water has been plaguing me since before I was born. Antibiotics took care of it & now I don't have to take those extra meds anymore!
I have great coloring and my swelling is diminishing. My once fatty face is now looking more like that of a healthy little baby. . . well, if you cross your eyes and stand back so you don't see the tubes and such. Ha ha!
I opened my eyes & looked around for 3 hours on Tuesday. That really delighted my mom. However, I started having a few twitching episodes. So my doctors checked my seizure meds and sure enough my metabolism blew through the medication like crazy. They've doubled my dose to near adult levels, so now I only wake up at midnight when my parents are asleep at home. Last night I stayed awake talking to my nurse for 6 hours. My mom sure hopes I readjust to regular circadian rhythms before coming home.
Ah . . . home! Well--I'm not sure when I'll get there. The docs are increasing my daily feeds little by little. I'm at 70 ml/kg today. I have to get to 120 ml/kg with no fluid reaccumulation in my chest (lung space) and switch from fat-free milk to Mommy's milk before we can even talk about going home.
Then there's that thing called "breathing on your own." Yea--I don't have that one down yet. The respiratory therapists are trying to convince the doctors that I don't need so much lung support . . . they are working towards getting my tube out of my trachea and moving to a nose cannula. It will be AWESOME to not have this tube down my throat--I get daily music therapy now and I'd like to be able to sing along. Plus--I'll be able to cry! My Mom is kinda nervous about that--because since I still have chest tubes, she won't be able to pick me up to comfort me. Just watch out--after this tube comes out, I will never be silenced again! I have to overspeak Cicely after all! I keep trying to grab it out myself, but my caretakers are too watchful and unclasp my clenched fists too rapidly.
My Mom gave me a spa day yesterday. She bathed me with soapy warm sponges and did my hair really fancy. She also gave me a manicure. My nails were getting very sharp and scratchy. I love being so pampered. Next time I told her to bring green clay for a facial with cucumbers for my eyes and nail polish.
I met my due date this week. I was due on October 19. I'm officially two months old from my birth date, but I'd be only a day or two old if I'd made it to my due date. That's kinda weird to think about . . . so what is my real age? And what is my real birthday? Maybe I can talk Mom & Dad into celebrating both dates.
My goals this week are to extubate (no breathing tube), to get my left chest tube out, and to tolerate full feedings. I need to keep making this progress towards healing with NO setbacks! This next week will be the big test. Please pray for me to reach my goals.
I'm blowing you all a kiss . . . actually just foamy bubbles from around my throat tubes . . . well--I tried!
Love.
Sweet Adelaide-Lemonade
