Update on Ellie

Ellie had a GREAT day today! We went to see her around 11:30 am and the nurse said that she was doing really well- her oxygen level was lowered, her respiratory rates were in a good range and staying steady, and they increased the amount of breastmilk she is getting (she is being fed through a tube right now since her breathing is still heavy at times).

Basically, she has fluid in her lungs that they are pretty sure is from birth, but they still have her on the antibiotic just incase it is an infection. Because of the fluid, it is harder for her to get oxygen, which makes her breathe heavier. I was able to hold her while she was being fed, which was SO wonderful! She is so sweet and I can't wait to have her home and hold her all I want! Esteban and I have such comfort knowing Ellie is getting the best care, but that doesn't mean it isn't hard not to hold her all we want! While I held her, I watched Ellie suck away at her passy and hold my finger while she ate (the tube goes through her nose so she can have a passy at the same time). She loves being held and wrapped up in a blanket, but the process of getting her in and out of bed with all the wires gets her worked up so we try to limit the holding, if any.

When we went back tonight to see her, the new nurse said she was still doing really well. The earlier nurse fed her a bottle at 3 pm because her breathing was level enough- which is really great! She took the entire bottle. Ellie was sleeping so peacefully the whole time we were there. She does get a little excited when she hears us talking around her and touching her, which is so hard not to do! It is so tempting to kiss and touch her, but for right now it is better if we don't.

The nurse said she was scheduled to give Ellie a bath and weigh her tonight. She said she would only do that if her breathing continued to stay level since it would get her worked up, she didn't want to do too much- which I completely agree with! The nurse said that they usually have the babies off oxygen for 48 hours before they can go home, which was a good milestone to know. Obviously, things can change daily but it helps to know little goals at a time. She will be done with her antibiotic on Wednesday. Esteban and I are so proud of our daughter and so thankful for how great she is steadily doing! It really is just a matter of time for her to get rid of the fluid and get everything else under control.

Thanks for all your love and prayers, we will keep you guys posted with updates and can't wait for Ellie to meet you all!