Hello Again...

Well yesterday was a very long day Nicholas had a difficult night and required increased ventilator support throughout the night and most of yesterday morning. During rounds they questioned lots of possibilities regarding the quick drop in his normally stable condition-infection, lung complicatons etc... As of last night before we left bloodwork came back normal so there was no sign of infection. So the plan for Nicholas and same with Anna is that it is now time to administer a 12 day taper of Steroids to increase and develop Lung function. With their premature age and so much vent support the only next step is to grow their lungs and try to get them off the ventilator. Ventilators are great short term although when used over long periods on very small babies all it does is irritate the lungs, so Anna received her first dose yesterday at 1:30pm and Nicholas will begin his treatment today (11/4/09.) We hope they do well and show immediate signs of the steroids working as do the entire NICU team.

Now our precious Katie...
Katie is in an entirely different situation and please let me remind everyone because I must be reminded everyday that these are all common issues that come along with preemies. Katie as well as Nicholas and Anna when they were born were born with a very normal flap on their hearts that allow bloodflow to their lungs and bodies in the womb that normally closes at normal gestation birth (36-40wks.) When they are born full term they cry and the rush of air into their bodies would close the flap on the heart right away and the lungs would begin to work normal for the rest of their lives. Preemies can't cry due to premature lungs and they are on ventilators so the flap stays open keeping the lungs continually underdeveloped. Medication was given to all 3 right away to help close the flap, Nicholas and Anna responded to 2 doses although Katie has not responded to 3 doses-3 doses is the max! Being that her flap on her heart has not closed she is unable to eat to "prime her gut" so they can start to administer Steroid treatment to her also. So today the NICU team during rounds will decide on sending Katie to Boston for a routine surgical procedure to close the flap. Fletcher Allen can not do the procedure because the cardiologists didn't have enough demand for it thoughout the years so they send children to Boston. Katie will go to the CIC unit (cardiac intensive care unit) in Boston at the Childrens Hospital by helicopter within the next couple days and both of us or one of will follow by car. She should be there anywhere from 3 days to 7 days. When the surgery has been completed she can begin to get small 1cc feeds to "prime her gut" and then can begin Steroid treatment like her siblings. She will be flown back to Fletcher Allen and continue to grow. This situation is very stressful for us and we are very nervous but this is the only option Katie has and we will be with her through it, her first surgery at 2 wks old (26 wks today.) We will keep you all updated on this and we will know around 1pm today if and when she will go. NICU team 98% sure she will be sent to Boston.

Other than all the crazy from yesterday the babies are doing the best they can and the NICU team tells us everyday that they are doing "preemie stuff," which is nice to hear they have seen all of this before-it is very scary for us to watch everyday over and over again.

I was able to hold Anna yesterday for the first time she grabbed my finger and held it the whole time, my entire hand fell asleep for 2 hours but it was so worth it! Louie held Nicholas again and I will hold Katie all day today if they let me. Well keep the prayers coming and we will keep you all updated on all 3 babies and Katies Boston trip. Love you all and be well.

Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie and Nicholas