The Greatest Gift

Myla had a very good Christmas. She got lots of books and very cute outfits and some toys to play with. She also got to wear her Christmas outfits. She was the belle of the NICU. We were able to visit with her and give her lots of Christmas kisses. She continues to makes strides toward coming home. We did a car seat challenge on Christmas Eve where they put her in the car seat and monitor her oxygen level to make sure she can sit up without having any problems. She also gained weight tonight, she's now 4 pounds 5.3 ounces. Its not a huge jump, but they did put her on a 24 calorie formula now and her body is still adjusting to the change. Its like going from milkshakes every meal to a glass of milk.

The only thing she didn't do well on was her room air challenge. That's where they take off her oxygen for a while and monitor her levels in case she pulls it off in the middle of the night, since she will probably come home on oxygen. Her levels dropped too low in under 15 minutes. So, we will try again tomorrow. Its important that she be able to stand being without it for 45 minutes to an hour, or her heart rate could drop, and mom and dad would get even less sleep than they normally would with a new baby in the house. She'll get it, we know she will, just a few more days. And we just might start out the new year all together.

We have been very blessed this year with our little girl. Its been a rough start to say the least, but she has taught us so much in these past nine weeks. We've learned not only a bunch of medical jargon, but patience, strength and endurance. She's taught us that as a family we can conquer anything as long as we have each other. We are so glad that we are a family, who is healthy and happy and together. There is no greater Christmas gift.