3lbs of Hope

Well yesterday (Thursday) was another tough day.  It was Brandon's first day back at work so that made it harder.  I was thankful to have my mom's support though, that really helped a lot.

Yesterday, was a lot like Wednesday.  Ainsley had quite a feel spells and needed assistance quite a bit.  Of course this was difficult to watch and it makes Mommy & Daddy worry.  We are not sure if this is related to turning her CPAP down to 4 or not.  It could be unrelated.

When the doctor/NNP did their rounds they decided to keep her at 4 and see if she levels of with the spells and adjusts.  They also told us that her red blood cell count is low and so is the rate at which she is making new red blood cells.  This means she is borderline anemic.  From what the staff have said and in the reading I have done apparently many preemies become anemic during some part of their NICU stay.  They started her on iron today to hopefully help bring up the red blood cell count.  They are going to check her levels again next week.  If she has dipped lower then they will probably do a transfusion to give her more red blood cells.

One thing I feel we are doing a lot is waiting.  Waiting for her to continue to develop to hopefully stop or at least lessen the apnea and bradys...waiting to see how her red blood cells are doing...waiting to see if she will need a transfusion...waiting to see if she tolerates 4 on her CPAP...waiting is hard.  It is really, really hard.  We know she needs time - time she did not get in the womb...I hope and pray for patience.

I have just come back upstairs after going with Brandon as he said good morning and good bye to our dear, sweet Ainsley before heading off to work.  The nurse told us that she had an okay second half of the night.  She really struggled for the first half, but has been resting well since around midnight.  Hopefully this means she will have a better day.  But even if it doesn't I am thankful she has had some good rest time. 

Highlights from yesterday:

• Holding my sweet girl twice
• Two restful times for Ainsley - early evening 5-9ish and 12am-5am (hopefully more to come)
• Still eating well
• Listening as Brandon read her a story before we came up to go to bed
• Having Denise as our nurse - her support has been so important

Thanks again for the support and prayers it means so much.