Avery
Wren
Both babies are doing well and still in the slow progress phase. They have been receiving weekly eye exams, which is pretty nasty sounding - it requires the ophthalmologist to apply small braces that force the eyes open, and to use tools to move the eye about and examine it to see how the blood vessels are growing in from the back. In premature babies, and especially micro premies like ours, there is high risk of eye problems requiring either surgery or special glasses. The rate it with a "1" being vessels terminating in the central area of the eye, a "2" being a ring around that, and a "3" towards the edges. In all the exams, both Avery and Wren have consistently stayed at a 2, with indications of some concern but no definite problems identified yet. The ophthalmologist did say that he was surprised that Wren's eyes have held stably, considering the respiratory distress she went through. Apparently, the development of these vessels hinge largely on the baby's respiratory ability, but this is also partly why they keep lights low in NICU rooms and keep babies' eyes covered for much of the first few weeks of life.
We are getting closer and closer to seeing a discharge date for Avery some time in November, but all indications for Wren are that, most likely, she she still has multiple months left.
I guess that gives me a chance to read more books with her while she's getting stronger.
I'm so excited about the new crib! I know it will be an extra hassle to have one at home and one still in the hospital--as if your life isn't complicated enough, right? But that said, I sure wouldn't want to have a baby with oxygen issues home before the hospital thinks she's good to go.
ReplyDeleteI hope all is going well. For me, this was a hard time. After a few months, the NICU starts to weigh you down but, at the same time, the thought of going home is terrifying too. It's all so overwhelming but you can do it!
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