32 Weeks Gestation -- Wow!

Happy half-way-to-2 months-old birthday Anna! :) She is 6 weeks old today and about 32 weeks gestation, give or take a couple of days.

During rounds today they decided to keep her on the 6/6 schedule still with regards to her breathing on her own. She has about 2-3 "spells" per nurses' shift and they all seem to be during the time that she is breathing on her own. But it doesn't necessarily mean that she is forgetting to breathe. It looks like during her feeds she strains a bit, or coughs which means for a few seconds she holds her breath (as adults we would register as having a spell as well if we did that but it wouldn't happen as quickly as it does for tiny babies). So I think they are just being extra careful in not pushing her too fast because of these spells. She also usually has one when her feed is nearing the end, again because her tummy is so full and possibly from reflux and straining. Speaking of feeding, she is still on 19mls per feed but she has gained another 22 grams and is up to 1384 grams which is about 3lbs and .8oz. Slowly but surely there Anna! :)

But the major thing we have noticed with her the last couple of days is that she really is becoming more aware of her surroundings. She is starting to develop a little personality now instead of just lying around. She doesn't like it too much when she's moved so she is now starting to literally voice her concerns. Here's a little video of Daddy setting up for Kangaroo care and Anna making a bit of noise because she was moved from her isolette:



So right now it's just a waiting game. Sometimes we forget how little she still is because she IS 6 weeks old now, but technically she is still negative 2 months gestational age. :)

But with patience, once Anna is off the ventilator and breathing on her own for 3 straight days, she will officially be booted out of the Level III NICU. It's tough waiting but we know in her own time when she is ready she will let us know. :)



Marta & Arthur