Diva Cora & Princess Stella

We've made baby steps (but, progress, nontheless) in Cora's PO feeding. While, some providers are not sold, I'm still hopeful that we will bring her home next week. She can do it! It's amazing how different she acts in regards to her feeds... she is gulping it down, literally. She just needs to build her stamina.

Stella told me this week that's she's happy that "Baby Cora" is coming home (this was an unprovoked comment that made me really happy to hear!). Stella is enjoying dressing up in her princess clothes. She especially likes Ariel and Cindrella and I'm excited to see how she likes Frozen, which I intend to give her as a big sis gift for when "Baby Cora" finally comes home.

(Inserting pictures, once I can get them uploaded)

Here are some developments this week for Cora:

1. She has consistently taken 30% of her feedings by mouth the last couple days and if all continues overnight tonight, that will increase (baby steps).
1. The goal is to get to 50% of her feedings, so that she can come home with the NG Tube. Since the NG Tube is temporary, the expectation is that she will get to 100% PO at home, where the environment is more conducive to this.
2. We have gotten some of the required testings for discharge completed:
1. Hearing Test - Passed!
2. VC something or other (Catheter placed, with an x-ray and dye) to determine if any reflux from the bladder towards the kidneys. She does have stage 2 reflux, which is a typical Preemie issue. She was started on antibiotics today (a very small dose for 3 months), in order to avoid potential kidney infections from the bladder bacteria.
1. Stella actually was started on the same antibiotics today too for Pink Eye, which she picked up either at the Little Gym or Daycare.
3. Since Cora will be coming home with an NG Tube (feeding tube), I had the pleasure of placing it, yesterday after Cora pulled it out (now, a daily occurrance). I can't say it was seamless  (I thought it went down her throat, but when she opened her mouth, it came out), but I got it down. Matt's turn, next. 
4. Bath - check, a long time ago.
5. CPR and Period of Purple Crying videos - also completed a while ago.
3. Cora has become the Diva of TCN (Transitional Care Nursery). When she cries, I pick her up; this is my job as a NICU mom. But, the nurses love her so much that they do it too. She is on to this game and now cries anytime I put her down. If anyone deserves to be spoiled, it's my baby girl, Cora Leigh. I don't mind - this is an issue that can be dealt with at HOME!

So, I'm just tired. I'm trying not to get too excited about her coming home next week, since the stars have to align, just so, in order for that to happen. Amazingly,  I've still got all the HOPE that I've had throughout this process. I'm grateful, though, that my energy is focused on getting her home and not on getting her healthy. We are so fortunate to have passed that hurdle a while ago.