Gabriella Faith

    Happy 1 month baby girl! You are a a fighter and stronger than I could have ever hoped for. When I am holding her skin to skin, she will lift her head all the way up and turn it to the other side. I do not know how such a tiny little thing is so mighty and can go through so much being worked on at the hospital. I didn’t make it more than 1 night each time I was hospitalized before I said enough is enough and got myself out of there. Gabriella is doing well continuing on RAM nasal cannula (oxygen delivery device that can be used as an alternative approach to deliver positive pressure) with NIV (non-invasive ventilation) NAVA (A mode of NIV called neurally adjusted ventilatory assist offers patient-ventilator interactions by using electrical activity of the diaphragm to control mechanical breaths.) I got to help with a sponge bath for the first time today.  I have a panicked moment every time I see her O2 levels drop, but she has not had any concerning events and staff ...

(Oct 18) My FB post: “The NICU life is like a daily roller coaster that changes its track right when you think you know what to expect. It has been nice to be closer at Ronald McDonald House when we need it, and get a hot meal every evening. I have been on a junk food diet during this crisis and began having gallbladder pain again. Now, all 3 of us have different food needs. Myself on low fat, Aaron on soft, and Hannah on her mac cheese and pizza diet (lol to our picky 4y/o). I have been able to hold Gabriella a handful of times for skin to skin. Each time is different, as sometimes she begins to destat and we have to abruptly stop. Other times she has perfect O2 and rests peacefully on me. I love the encouraging messages from friends and family, as my anxiety comes and goes. I had the privilege of experiencing my first panic attack on the way to visiting the hospital and it continued that day while I was trying to hold Gabriella. Two weeks ago, the head ultrasound did identify a grade...