Ruby had her CT scan yesterday and after rounds this morning the neonatologist and nurse practicianer came back around and told us that it looked good. The CT confirmed that the pocket of fluid we can feel from the outside and that we saw on the ultrasound is isolated and is not any larger than we thought. It is approximately marble-sized (less than 3/4" cube) and they expect it will go away on its own. She will continue to stay on the antibiotics until Monday, since they don't want to take any chance that the Gore-Tex patch on her diaphragm could become infected. The incision is looking less inflamed and isn't oozing pus anymore. Her white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level are back down to normal, indicating that her body is no longer fighting an infection. So the 1-2-3 punch of Keflex, Vanco and Genta nuked whatever it was that was there. We're happy that this isn't going to be something that'll keep her in the hospital any longer than she has to be with the sedation and oxygen wean.
Speaking of which, Ruby had two big wean days yesterday and today. Yesterday she went from 0.4mg of Versed to 0.2mg, and today she made the same jump on her morphine. We're not entirely sure, but we think they'll just go from 0.2mg to 0. That doesn't mean she'll be off them in 2 days, though. She was VERY cranky tonight after having had the lower dose of morphine a couple times. She fussed and cried a lot and was sweaty and sneezy. She was having her happy moments too, and she had a very enjoyable bath tonight. We're not sure if they'll take her off the versed tomorrow or if they'll let her rest a couple more days until they wean her again. We'll see how she does tonight.
Child LIfe services came by yesterday and said that it had been discussed and that Ruby was getting a mobile for her bed. They usually want a baby to be at least 3 or 4 months old before they allow them to have something as stimulating as a motorized, musical mobile. But they said Ruby was so alert and attentive and seeking stimulation that she could handle it fine. And she loves it:
At first, she was amazed:
Then she was delighted:
I think we may need to get one of these particular brand of mobiles for home! With the IV in her arm, we didn't want to get her too wet, so she just has a sponge bath tonight. Ruby loved it:
She's just too cute! I love
She's just too cute! I love the sticking out of the tongue. Hugs and love from IA.
Oh, beautiful girl! It's so
Oh, beautiful girl! It's so heartwarming to see her excited and engaged and playing. This girl is truly special, I can't wait til you can take her home! (love the when...not if...statements. :) )
All our love and happiness for you from the 'Lou-
Tami, Chuck, Aisling, and William
Mobiles! Mobiles! My baby
Mobiles! Mobiles! My baby Santiago LOVES his mobile. I am so glad Ruby has a chance to enjoy this little thing that makes babies so happy! Who knows why... Send you a big hug Ruby! You're looking great!
Goodness gracious - Ruby
Goodness gracious - Ruby looks great! The last 10 weeks have been harder than I can imagine, but hopefully soon you will get to take your baby home. Of course, once you are home, you will continue to worry about her, but welcome to parenthood. I'm 43 and my parents still worry about me. :-()
I think I can speak for
I think I can speak for everyone when I say I'm dying to see what this mobile of wonders looks like! (Oh, and Ruby is an amazingly beautiful little girl, by the way.)
Oh, I can't wait to see her
Oh, I can't wait to see her and love her up!! She looks great and I'm so excited about the mobile. I love her expressions. See you Friday. natalie
Ruby is so cute! I love the
Ruby is so cute! I love the middle picture as it looks like she is scratching her head saying "I'm not sure what this thing is". :-) Glad to hear she is babystepping forward!
Hurrah for Ruby! So glad the
Hurrah for Ruby! So glad the infection is clearing up and that the mobile was so fascinating to her. Step by step, closer to going home :)
She is soo adorable, love
She is soo adorable, love seeing her face light up. She's such a wonderful little girl. So happy to hear that the pocket of fluid doesn't need any intervention. We're praying that it will go away soon and that the weaning process continues to go well.
Big hugs from the UK.
She is so stinkin' cute,
She is so stinkin' cute, that I can hardly stand to be so far away! What a cutie! You'll have to get that same mobile for her! I'm glad she's fighting her infection like the champ we know she is. And that's so great that her wean is continuing. I hate to think of her symptoms though, but she's appears to be just blossoming before our very eyes! Much love, Sarah
It is wonderful to see Ruby
It is wonderful to see Ruby so alert and active! What an amazing transformation over the past several weeks. She is really rockin' now!
I can not wait until she
I can not wait until she comes home and can come and play at our house. Ruby looks like she is so much fun!
Love the pics of Ruby! You
Love the pics of Ruby! You made my morning.