Three days ago the doctors decided to start feeding Kayla ad lib, which means she can eat whenever she wants and as much as she wants, she just has to ask for it. So far she has been doing pretty good at it. The doctors were discussing removing her feeding tube, but Kayla made that decision easy for them when she decided to pull the tube out herself. The girl knows what she wants! The nurses decided it was time for Kayla to downsize to a smaller bassinet (like they use for 'normal' babies) instead of the big crib they have been spoiling her with.
We also received the very exciting news that Kayla will most likely be discharged on Thursday or Friday this week. She just needs to continue eating on her own and gain weight. Dwight and I will be spending the night with her on Wednesday which should be fun!!
Now we know that everyone is very excited to meet Kayla but unfortunately she will not be able to see visitors for awhile. It will be 2 months till she can have visitors and probably ~ 6 months till she can go to church and be in public. We have to be extremely careful with protecting her from diseases at this time especially from RSV and the flu. Unfortunately we saw first hand the effects RSV can have on a baby with Kayla's friend Amanda. Please continue to pray for Amanda and her family and understand that protecting our baby is our main priority.
Leaving the NICU will be bitter sweet. The nurses and doctors have amazing gifts and they share their love for the babies so openly. We are extremely grateful for them and the care they have provided for Kayla over the last 12 weeks.
This has been one incredibly journey since November 13th. From being told our baby wasn't going to make it or would be abnormal to 18 days later delivering a beautiful little baby girl. Dealing with a collapsed lung on day 2, PDA surgery 2 weeks later and several weeks on the CPAP or cannula. Now she is a healthy 12 week old miracle who is finally ready to go home with her mommy and daddy. Looking forward to having Dwight, Kayla, Mugsy and I all home together! God is good!!!!
Good news that Kayla will be going home soon, altho not as soon as you hoped. You have certainly been on a roller coaster ride the past few months, and have done remarkably well. Kayla is truly a little miracle - I know you will enjoy watching her grow up. Thinking of you always. Love, Judy
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