No More Respiratory Support (but just for 48 hours)

Sunday, January 12th, Cora's nasal cannula was removed at 46 days of life/31 weeks & 4 days gestational age. She's been doing okay without it, but it is a bit of a balance, because part of the reason it was removed was because was given a rather strong diuretic, Lasix, that helps rid the body of fluid (including the lungs). I would prefer no Lasix, because it caused her electrolytes to get way out of whack a few weeks ago, and is the reason for some additional medications now. Plus, she lost a lot of weight after going on a more regular dose of it, because her urine output was so much... there are positives and negatives to everything! She has a bit of an increase in her respiratory rate, which does cause her to burn more calories, so after 2 nights of losing a bit of weight from expending too much energy to breathe, she's going back on the nasal cannula.

I just love this picture (no nasal cannula!) - special thanks to her provider for snapping it for me during a really great Kangaroo, yesterday. Thanks also for delivering the news that the fluid in her heart is diminishing and that cardiology is not recommending any follow-up for it. Cora's weight remained steady over Sunday night - 2lbs 11oz, but the drop on Monday night was not surprising.

She was alert when I arrived, yesterday, and even during our snuggle, we looked at each other as if to tell each other that everything is going to be okay. I love you, Cora!

Ironically, yesterday, Stella had her pediatric 3-year check-up. Stella is in the 95th percentile for height and weight. She's as healthy as can be and I just can't wait to watch Cora grow into such a wonderful child as Stella has!