Day 13

A few days ago, Annaleigh was the weakest of the trio. She needed the most attention from the nurses, was on lots of medicines, and had her mommy and me extra worried. The last couple days, Charlie has been having a lot of episodes, his breathing has been sporadic, and he remains the only baby still on the respirator. And now it seems that Lily has gotten jealous of all the attention being on her siblings.

Dr. Hiatt informed us today that Lily didn’t respond at all to the PDA medicine. The PDA is the extra ductus valve in her heart. Basically, it’s causing a heart murmur and fluid build-up in her lungs. So for the time being, she’s not feeding and she will be getting some extra drugs to help her lungs. If the valve doesn’t close on its own, they will try another course of medicine later on. There’s a chance she’ll need to be put back onto the respirator.

The doctor also said repeatedly that this is most likely nothing to worry too much about, and that it should resolve itself without any major complications. His exact words were “everything is under control.” Nonetheless, we are worried about Little Lily Bug. It’s our job to worry, I guess.

Charlie is doing well today, though he’s still having a number of episodes. Annaleigh’s ultrasound results from yesterday came back nicely; the clot in her brain is no worse and is starting to break up. She will have follow-up ultrasounds every week until it comes back completely clean. She’s now only an ounce under her birth weight— you’re almost there baby girl!

Otherwise, all is normal at the NICU. Brooke and I are getting a bit loopy from all the car-riding. We’re planning on a different sort of day tomorrow; we’re going for a visit, then to dinner at a local pizza place and a movie at a local theatre, followed by a return visit. My Aunt Linda and my grandparents gave us a really thoughtful visa gift card, so we’re having a date-night on them! So thanks Lin and Lucy and Freddie! That was the best possible gift!

Finally, two updates for you. First, my dad is doing much better. Turns out, he has a bleeding ulcer, which is debilitating but treatable. So he should be home from the hospital in a matter of days. Thanks to everyone for inquiring. Second: Lauren gave birth to Daniel Lawrence King last night. He was 8 pounds 15 ounces, and from the looks of it, he’s going to be a lady-killer! Now Lily and Annaleigh have prom dates in Daniel and Ryan!

Brooke’s contribution: On the way home from the hospital this afternoon we stopped at Babies R Us and purchased bedding for the babies. We were originally going to get them all the same sets, but now that we know them we felt compelled to get them bedding that fits their personalities. Lily’s bedding is covered with lady bugs (for our Lily Bug); Annaleigh’s, which was chosen by Daddy, is purple with butterflies and bows; Charlie’s is blue with moons and stars all over, since we know how much he likes his rest. I am in love with it all and can’t wait until the babies are home to use it!



Lily does NOT like being off the respirator. (yup, my 13-day-old daughter just gave me the finger. I'm so proud.)