NICU Day 24 (December 31st)

Today was another rough day in the NICU with Noelle.  We arrived at the hospital this morning to find her oxygen level at 100% (it should be sitting in the 20's or 30's...50's at the most if she is having a harder day), and her stats were still dropping even with that.  The doctor was extremely concerned that she was starting to fight an infection on top of her PDA.  The echocardiogram revealed that the ductus is still largely open, and the ibuprofen did nothing to help it close.  They are now starting her Indocin to help it close (they were unable to give this to her before due to all of her intestinal issues, but now that those seem to be resolved, they are going to try it).  They are also starting her on another round of antibiotics to help her fight whatever infection may be affecting her stats so much.  It could all be related to the PDA or it could be a separate issue altogether.   The doctor told us this morning that today and the next few days are critical days.  If they cannot get the ductus to close and her lungs continue to flood, then we will have to consider the surgery.  However, the surgery is controversial and questionable since Noelle is a micro-preemie baby and just so small.  When we left tonight, she was doing better with her stats--was more stabilized than earlier today.  We know that so many people are praying for her right now.  Especially meaningful to us is the children who come to us and tell us that they are praying for us and Noelle--it means that parents are sharing this in their homes and as they teach their children to pray, they are lifting us up in prayer and that means more than you will ever know.  While the road is scary at many points, we are so thankful that we have peace through the process.  As hard as it is to watch our baby girl go through these various procedures and feel helpless to assist in any way, it's comforting to know that she rests in God's hands, and there is no better place.  We look forward to this new year and seeing what God unfolds in the life of our family.   Thank you for your continued love and prayers, and we wish you a very Happy New Year!!!