awww... warm fuzzies to you and your entire family...

Peanut was extubated today... a little up and down since then- and she really hasn't settled at all for more than a half hour since I have been here mid-morning. Debate is whether it is pain, withdrawal from pain meds, or general irritation with all of the events of the past week. Difficult to see her so upset, but we have also had a few glimpses of her wide awake and staring at the world around her. She is so reactive to our voices, and her siblings got to see her again for the first time in two weeks, which was good for the whole family.

*crossing fingers* that she will be able to move to a regular hospital room sometime tomorrow- the first in her life at 19 days of age. They say that if she does really well, she may even be coming home this weekend

We are really excited and hopeful, but also trying to be realistic- this has been quite the journey and learning experience all wrapped up in one. Mostly it has taught us how truly blessed we are as a family- the support we have had from classmates, family, friends, neighbors, online and even people who barely know us has been overwhelming and amazing. It restores your faith in humanity and has reminded me again of why I am on the right path.

I will update again as things move along, in the meantime, I have a test in a week- because one thing we learn early is that med school/residency/practice doesn't stop when our lives are in chaos.

Yay for Peanut! A milestone day!

Don't sweat the test--it's one of many and will be forgotten (sounds like you already know that ).

Hooray! It must be a big relief that she is extubated. Are they letting you hold her?

Yes, much to the detriment of my studying, I am now able to hold Peanut. Holding your newborn is one of those simple pleasures in life that is SO underrated until you can't do it!

Although I may try lecture capturing and holding her at the same time once I figure out how to manage all of the IVs/tubes/cords she has attached to her- if I can pump and study I should be able to half listen to a pharm lecture while holding her, right?

Yes, absolutely! I did nothing but pump and study second year! I found it was easier to listen to the lectures twice on double speed (rather than once on normal speed) because the second time you pick up more of the important stuff. There are handsfree pumping bras out there, too. I pumped almost anywhere-once I put a nursing cover over me, I got pretty brave.

Home. That word seemed so far off for our peanut just a short time ago.

But today we got the word- if she continues to feed well, we could be taking her home tomorrow.

I am surprised at how emotional that one word has made me- I think I compartmentalized this process so much that having her home wasn't even on the radar for me. I was afraid to think about when she could come home.

Now I am so excited I have to remind myself that she might have a backslide, but the concept of having Peanut home is so heart-warming!

I am thinking of you and your family and your new little baby! I hope she feeds, feeds, feeds and cooperates with the NICU staff so she gets to come home!

Yay!

I like the handsfree bra idea! Glad things seem to be progressing well with your baby girl. Also very glad for you that you have such a great class during all of this. I just can't imagine the support they are sending you. Best wishes for continued progress and a swift departure from the NICU to home.