Update on Doctors Appointments

Last week Ava had 2 appointments...one with the Hematologist and one with the Pulmnologist.  Both went great!!  The hematologist wants to see her at the end of March to check to see if she is a carrier of Sickle Cell, since Will has the trait.  Her platlette count was good at 204K, so he isn't too concerned about that anymore.

The Pulmnologist gave her her 3rd Synagis shot (a vaccine for RSV).  Ava will get these shots every month until April and next year during RSV season (Sept-Apr).  You can learn more about RSV here.  She said we can start to wean Ava off the O2 by turning it off for 10min a day.  When we go back next month they will try her off of it for 45min to an hour.

Ava goes back to the eye doctor on Wed for her 3 week follow up.

She's So Smart! and Big!!

The other day I put her in her play mat with a mirror.  The mirror has a black/white spinning ball on it...I would spin it and then Ava would!  It was so cute.  Before taking the video she spun it about 10 times!!  She's so smart!!  I tried uploading the video but it didn't work.  Anyone know how?

We weighed her tonight after her bath...she's up to 6lbs 10oz!! It's so cute, she has a double chin and rolls on her thighs!  Who would have thought that our little 15oz babygirl would have rolls!

Prayers for Preemies

My sister has created a braclet for Ava and a website with her birth story. 

http://www.wix.com/afourashley/Prayers-for-Preemies

Thank you Ashley!  Love you!

Ava is HOME!!

After a LONG 103 days, miss Ava is home!  She was released on 12/28!  She did have to come home on oxygen and an apnea monitor.  I don't mind the monitor so much as it gives me a chance to sleep and not check on her every 2 seconds.  But the oxygen is a PITA!  Anytime she has a doctors appointment I have to have someone with me.  It's too much to carry by myself (Ava in the carrier, oxygen tank, apnea monitor & diaper bag). 

So far we've been to the pediatrician twice (routine visits) and the eye doctor.  The pediatrician says she looks great for a 23 weeker.  No visible signs of any major problems.  At the last visit she weighed 5lbs 5oz.  The eye doctor wants to see her every 3 weeks, which is normal for a preemie.  So far so good on her eyes, no signs of ROP.  We go the hematologist on the 20th to follow up on tests she had done when she was born.  Since she was so early they just want to follow up.  She goes to the pulmonologist on the 21st, so hopefully they will start weaning her off the oxygen.

She's doing pretty good at home, eating every 3-4 hours.  After her last feeding at night, she usually goes for 5 hours before she wakes up!  Great for Will and I!  Other than that, things are what you expect with a newborn.  Since we have to go by her adjusted age, today she is 8 days old.  But technically today she is 4 months!! 

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY babygirl!!  We love you and are so VERY proud of you!!

Ava is Home!!!

I know it's been a LONG time...I promise when I have more time I will come back and update!!!