Alvin came home Friday afternoon. It is really good to have him back with us even though he got wonderful care and had a great time with his grandparents. Saturday we went to the hospital to visit Olivia. I found out that Alvin knows the alarm button in the elevator. He likes to push the alarm and say, "Hear bell?" When we got to the NICU Alvin darted toward the family room where the toys are kept while Allison and I took turns holding Olivia. On Saturday afternoon I took Alvin to see a movie called The Tale of Despereaux. Not that good of a movie and a bit slow for two-year-olds but Alvin enjoyed watching as long as he had his box of popcorn to eat.
On Friday I got to watch the doctor put the picc line into Olivia's arm. It was the third try in two days but it worked and now they can feed her better than through the IV. The line will remain in place for at least several weeks until she can feed herself.
The doctors are also monitoring an artery on Olivia's heart. This artery is called the patent ductus arteriosus and is commonly open on preemies. It is open on all babies in the womb and typically closes after birth when normal breathing commences. However, many preemies need assistance to close it. The doctor has tried two rounds of meds but it is still open. She might need a surgery to tie it off. We should know in the next day or two about the plan. The other thing they will check this week is the veins around her brain. Preemies are more susceptible to hemorrhaging above their brain where the soft spot is. There will be an ultrasound this week to take a look. Over all she is doing great. These procedures are common steps to keep her going strong.
Oh, btw, I got to hold her for 90 minutes today!
On Friday I got to watch the doctor put the picc line into Olivia's arm. It was the third try in two days but it worked and now they can feed her better than through the IV. The line will remain in place for at least several weeks until she can feed herself.
The doctors are also monitoring an artery on Olivia's heart. This artery is called the patent ductus arteriosus and is commonly open on preemies. It is open on all babies in the womb and typically closes after birth when normal breathing commences. However, many preemies need assistance to close it. The doctor has tried two rounds of meds but it is still open. She might need a surgery to tie it off. We should know in the next day or two about the plan. The other thing they will check this week is the veins around her brain. Preemies are more susceptible to hemorrhaging above their brain where the soft spot is. There will be an ultrasound this week to take a look. Over all she is doing great. These procedures are common steps to keep her going strong.
Oh, btw, I got to hold her for 90 minutes today!
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